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A consulting firm of repute urgently needs to engage a team of consultants for this short-term assignment in one of its co-managed projects.

Position Title & Department:

The proposed team composition for this assignment will include the following experts:

-      ICT Specialist - Team Lead

-      Procurement Specialist

-      Access to Finance Specialist

-      Start-up mentor/ Consultant

-      Business Development and management specialist  

Objective of the Consultancy:

The consultancy includes the following objectives;

a) Capacity building of SEDF for implementation of initiatives identified in the Sindh Digital Strategy. This shall include

(i) Supporting SEDF with the preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, evaluation criteria and mechanism for screening incubators to fund a cohort in area of interest (potentially agro-tech, fintech, ed-tech, health-tech or other sector as deem fit)

ii) Develop tools /mechanism through which incubators can be continuously monitored and evaluated by SEDF.

iii) Develop a process map and guidelines for SEDF for financing start-ups with commercially viable ideas

b)  Develop a suitable Startup funding strategy for Government of Sindh, encompassing areas (not limited to) modes of financing, risk evaluation, future prospects, sustainability assessment, economic rationale, return on investment, and exit strategy   

 

 

Specific Tasks of the consultants

  • Meet with relevant public and private sector stakeholders for purpose of this assignment.
  • Review SEDF’s current processes and develop sample procurement documents such as Request for Proposal (RFP’s), for incubators in Sindh (preferably Karachi) for incubating SME start-ups
  • Develop tools/mechanism through which SEDF continuously monitors and evaluates the incubators thus set-up
  • Develop an evaluation and screening criteria for incubators in consultation with an entity which may already be partnering with SEDF/Sindh Investments Department
  • Develop risk assessment, evaluation, selection criteria for financing Start-ups
  • Develop a process map and guidelines for financing start- ups with commercially viable ideas for supporting IT interventions and innovative solutions in goods and supply value chains.
  • Draft suitable start-up funding strategy for Government of Sindh, encompassing areas (not limited to) modes of financing, risk evaluation, future prospects, sustainability assessment, economic rationale, return on investment, and exit strategy    

Job Qualifications

Advisor

Person Specifications

Level of Effort

ICT specialist

  • Completed sixteen years of education with a degree in computer sciences, entrepreneurship or any other relevant field
  • At least 5-7 years of practical experience in the field of entrepreneurship, startups, SMEs, and incubation
  • Strong technical knowledge of digital skills required for start-ups to be successful
  • Strong understanding of and connections with key players in the startup ecosystem
  • Previous experience of identifying tech startups with the potential to grow would be preferred
  • Previous experience of designing a platform for equipping startups with the relevant digital and entrepreneurial skills would be preferred
  • Past experience of carrying out similar assignments and facilitating the growth of tech startups
  • Experience of working with international donors and various industries and partners will be preferred
  • Experience of working directly with Small and Medium enterprises, also in the ICT/IT sector is preferred with an understanding of their challenges and sector ecosystem
  • Knowledge of women-owned SMEs in the sector is an added advantage
  • Previous experience of on-ground and strategic work in various parts of the country in different landscapes

 

 55 days

Procurement Specialist

  • Completed 16 years of education with a degree in Economics/Business Studies, from a reputed national /international university
  • At least 5-7 years of experience in designing procurement documents, such as RFPs, evaluation criteria, etc. for the government
  • Good understanding of the Government’s procurement rules and regulations especially Sindh public procurement legislation
  • Previous experience of working with USAID projects in the areas of capacity building of government institutions will be preferred
  • Specific experience of working on federal and provincial projects pertaining to developing and awarding contracts
  • Excellent communication and report writing skills
  • Demonstrated experience in developing sound procurement documents
  • Demonstrate leadership, versatility, and integrity in previous professional assignments
  • English fluency required

 

20 days

Access to Finance Specialist

  • Completed sixteen years of education with a degree in finance/business administration from a reputed local or international university
  • A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in the field of finance with a good understanding of and experience with the access to finance needs of start-ups and SMEs
  • Understanding of and experience working with different types of financial products specifically designed to cater to the needs of start ups
  • Understanding of how provision of appropriate financing can fit within a holistic package of services to assist start-ups
  • Demonstrated experience in designing hybrid products with experience in equity financing, bridge capital and staged funding preferred
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively

 

55 days

 

Startup mentor/Consultant 

  • Completed 16 years of education with a Degree in Business Administration from a local or international university.
  • A minimum of 7 years’ experience in a business incubator, accelerator, start-up advisory or any kind of entrepreneurial experience is required.
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the incubators and accelerators operating in Pakistan particularly Sindh
  • Previous experience of working in a mentor network and having worked with startups to make the incubated venture successful 
  • Previous experience of developing partnerships with other organizations for providing services to the incubates or the incubator; marketing the incubator, liaison with the government and industries.
  • Sound understanding of business growth concepts and preferred experience as a small business consultant
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience in business start-up mentorship and knowledge about SME specific challenges

35 days

Business Development and Management specialist

  • Completed sixteen years of education with a degree in finance/business administration from a reputed local or international university
  • Successfully developed strategies for business development and growth and worked closely with clients to implement these.
  • Understanding of digital and social media and the vast opportunities and benefits for SMEs
  • Understanding of SME business dynamics in Pakistan and the challenges faced by startups and small businesses
  • Experience in management consulting, business advisory, corporate strategy or a similar field is strongly preferred
  • The ability to develop productive working relationships with colleagues, partners, customers and stakeholders
  • The ability to interpret data and reports to revise strategy and improve quality and effectiveness
  • The ability to undertake market appraisal and

business cases as required to deliver growth

 

25 days

 Duty Station:

The consultant will be based, preferably, in Karachi and will be working closely with the BEE team.

Duration of the Assignment:

The task is planned to start date on, or around, October 15, 2020 and end on, or around, March 25, 2021 (subject to date of mobilization of consultants).

Detailed scope of work is attached with this advertisement.

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