Request for Proposal (RFP): Expert and strategic advisor for Energy Efficiency & Decarbonisation in the Textile & Apparel Sector in India and Vietnam

1. Background

IDH, the transforming markets, is an international organisation that brings together public and private stakeholders to make supply chain more sustainable and inclusive. Together with our partners, we develop solutions to critical challenges in global value chains, such as climate change, unfair working conditions and wages, unequal value distribution, and gender inequality. Through our unique approach of convening, co-creating, and co-financing we design integrated solutions that transform markets, creating better jobs, better incomes and a better environment. We actively work with the private sector on improving their business practices, catalysing investments and landscape governance.

The IDH's Textile and Manufacturing Business Unit plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable practices across the global textile value chain. The unit focuses on enhancing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting the transition to low-carbon supply chains. Through partnerships with manufacturers, brands, and supply chain actors, IDH works to foster sustainable business practices that contribute to climate actions, fair practices, and gender equity.

As part of our commitment to the Better Environment Agenda, IDH is seeking to engage an expert consultant to support our decarbonisation efforts within the textile and apparel sector.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide strategic advisory and technical expertise to support IDH in shaping its decarbonisation approach for the textile and apparel sector. The consultant will guide the development of energy efficiency and process optimisation strategies, identify key decarbonisation levers, and support stakeholder engagement to accelerate emission reductions beyond the farmgate.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant is expected to deliver the following key services:

• Guide IDH in formulating decarbonisation roadmaps and strategies to textile and apparel sectors in India and Vietnam on energy transitions, reduction of scope 3 emissions, aligning with science-based targets and other emerging global regulations around decarbonization.
• Provide insights on identifying and prioritising low-carbon technologies, material, energy and process efficiency measures for beyond farmgate supply chain actors such as Brands, Manufacturers, and processors.  
• Support in engaging with national and international stakeholders such as brands, manufacturers, recyclers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to co-create and drive sustainable energy solutions and decarbonisation strategies.
• Provide advisory to the IDH team on strategy formulation on decarbonisation aligning with global regulatory frameworks, including EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and other climate-related legislation.
• Advise on developing business cases and financial models to accelerate the adoption of decarbonisation measures by supply chain actors.
• Represent IDH in select national and international forums, industry discussions, and strategic dialogues to advocate for and advance IDH’s decarbonisation objectives.

4. Deliverables

• Decarbonisation roadmap outlining priority interventions, low-carbon technologies and efficiencies, aligned with science-based targets and global regulation for the Textile and Apparel Sector in India and Vietnam.
• Technical Advisory on innovative financing mechanisms, business models, and blended finance solutions to accelerate the adoption of decarbonisation measures by supply chain actors.
• Strategic Framework to engage with stakeholders in India and Vietnam for the decarbonisation and carbon reduction

5. Duration of Assignment

The assignment is expected to commence in April 2025 and will last for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs. The consultant will be engaged on an hourly basis, with an estimated commitment of three (3) working days per month, calculated at eight (8) hours per day.

6. Consultant Profile

The ideal consultant should have:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in decarbonisation, climate finance, or energy transition projects. Must include projects in India and Vietnam.
• Demonstrated expertise in textile supply chains, industrial energy efficiency, and global decarbonisation regulations.
• Experience working with private sector actors, government agencies, and multi-stakeholder platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of renewable energy technologies, carbon accounting methodologies, science-based targets, and regulatory requirements such as CBAM and CSDDD.
• Proven track record in delivering sector strategy and technical advisory services.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.

7. Proposal Submission

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following:

• Technical proposal detailing their approach and methodology.
• Financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs based on an hourly rate.
• Detailed CV with relevant project references delivered in the past and evidence of experience in supporting businesses to align with global decarbonisation regulations and frameworks.
• Two client references with contact details.
• The proposal to be limited to 5 pages.

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Particulars 

Weightage

Relevant experience and qualifications, including knowledge of textile supply chains and global regulations - 40%

Technical proposal and approach - 30%

Financial proposal - 30%

9. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by 1st April 2025 to krishnan@idhtrade.org.

Annexes to the TOR

Annex 1: Detail Request Form

Annex 2: IDH General Terms and Conditions for Services

Annex 3: Statement of acceptance