Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is anchored on a fundamental vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This vision has been the driving force in all HFHI actions and activities and has seen HFHI helping more than 29 million people around the world to build or improve the place they call home. To further fulfil this vision, Habitat for Humanity International established the Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter (Terwilliger Centre) to Build and Expand Inclusive Housing Markets by supporting local firms to innovate and expand client-responsive services and products. The Terwilliger Centre understands that the role of local markets is critical in closing adequate housing gaps among the low-income and incremental market segment. The Terwilliger Centre strives to make markets work more effectively for low-income people in need of decent, affordable housing.

Project Overview

The Terwilliger Center’s India Housing Market Systems Program has been growing steadily since 2016 with innovative interventions with housing market system actors in the sectors of Alternative and Sustainable Building Materials, Construction Chemicals, Housing Finance, and Construction Services. The program also supports innovative startups and entrepreneurs through its ShelterTech accelerator program.

Over the past 6 years, the Terwilliger Center has worked with Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) manufacturers, Industry Associations, Government Bodies, and Media Agencies across Tamil Nadu to improve access, availability, and awareness of M-Sand. Notably, M-Sand sales have seen a significant increase in both demand and supply over the past two years. Outcome Harvesting studies conducted by third-party consultants have demonstrated that low-income households are increasingly adopting M-Sand as a preferred material for house construction. The Terwilliger Center has been working largely in Tamil Nadu and is now recognized as one of the key institutions in the M Sand market in the region. While the work in Tamil Nadu is graduating to address systemic issues, it is also recognized that there is a larger need to address markets in India outside Tamil Nadu. In this context, the Terwilliger center wishes to conduct a study to identify other suitable states with the potential for market-based intervention in the M-Sand sector.

Purpose and Objectives of the Assignment:

As a part of the expansion of the Terwilliger Center’s work, we intend to study the M-Sand sector across India to understand the market and probable areas of intervention in the M-Sand sector. The expansion plans warrant research, specifically to address the following:

1) Identify priority states with favorable policy environment
2) Map the key stakeholders in those states
3) Scope for TCIS’s intervention in the identified geographies.

The study is also expected to understand the bring out emerging trends, alternative materials, unique models, challenges, and opportunities in this sector which can be leveraged to not only support our existing work but also, in general, to improve the quality of M-Sand supply for the low and middle-income households.

The key objectives of this assignment will be:

1) Identify priority states with favorable policy environment
2) Map the key stakeholders in those states
3) Scope for TCIS’s intervention in identified geographies

Scope of work:

In this context, Terwilliger Center plans to undertake a research study covering the following areas:

1. Analyze the M sand market in a select set of states across the country
2. Size of the market for aggregates especially M-Sand and its relation to the construction industry in each of the identified geography
3. Trends, challenges, and opportunities in sand extraction, production and distribution
4. M-Sand value chain mapping
5. Role of various ministries, departments, industry bodies – specific to M-Sand
6. Socio-economic conditions of the states
7. Government policies that influence the market
8. Business models and sustainability of M-Sand manufacturers.
9. Sustainable climate change/environment practices adopted by the players in the respective markets

Tasks and responsibilities:

1. Map, collect, and synthesize data across selected states in India, the entire value chain or system encompassing Ministries, and Govt. Bodies, Departments, Industry Associations, Builders and Developers, M-Sand Manufacturers, Equipment Manufacturers, and End Users (Low Income Housing – LIH).
2. Conduct both secondary and primary research on the ecosystem mentioned above.

Deliverables:

1. Comprehensive report on the M-Sand market in India
2. Executive Summary Report on the Research
3. Detailed Presentation of the Research by the team in person/online

Duration:
The above-mentioned assignment is expected to be completed within 6 months, preferably during May 2025 – Dec 2025.

Experience and qualification.

The proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

1. Experience in designing and executing similar research studies.
2. Approach and methodology proposed for the study.
3. The profile of key personnel proposed for the study.
4. Proposed cost estimate.

Safeguarding and Data Protection

Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Data Protection: The contractor will be required to abide by Habitat for Humanity International’s data protection and security policy during the assignment period.

Budget:

The total estimated budget is capped at $ 25,000, which includes $ 20,000 for professional fees and $ 5000 for travel and other expenses, to be reimbursed upon submission and approval of receipts expenses.

Submission:

Interested individuals or companies should submit the following:

1. A detailed financial proposal
2. Profile/resume of the lead expert
3. Two references (including one from your last client/employer)

Application and Decision Process:
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Written proposal (technical and financial) including CVs of key personnel should be sent to schander@habitat.org and slowrence@habitat.org and tcis-india@habitat.org no later than 2-May-2025 via email with subject line: Proposal for M-Sand Market Expansion Research

ONY CANDIDATES WHO FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCITONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE.

How to apply

Application and Decision Process:
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Written proposal (technical and financial) including CVs of key personnel should be sent to schander@habitat.org and slowrence@habitat.org and tcis-india@habitat.org no later than 2-May-2025 via email with subject line: Proposal for M-Sand Market Expansion Research