Business Development Specialist Consultant

Consultant

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Under its Strategic Note 2018-2022; PNG Country Office focuses on delivering programmes under four thematic areas;

• Women’s leadership and political participation
• Ending Violence Against Women
• Women, Peace, Security and Humanitarian Actions
• Global Norms, Policies and Standards

UN Women contributes to Women’s Economic Empowerment by focussing on women’s safety and economic security in public spaces (through work in markets), as well as on women’s leadership. UN Women has worked closely with the Department for Community Development and Religion to complete the Informal Economy Audit which quantifies the incomes earned by women and men in the informal sector and therefore the significance of income earned in markets. The majority of the cash economy in both locations is undoubtably women earning incomes in the informal economy.

UN Women has developed a range of tools and training that are relevant to supporting women and markets including establishment of Market Vendors Associations to raise issues on markets and urban development within decision making bodies; innovative fee pay systems that suit vendors and market managing bodies and safety audits to assess hot spots for women’s security. UN Women continues to review the effectiveness of its work and impact on women and girls.

UN Women is seeking to recruit a locally based Business Development Specialist to support the organisation’s work on enhancing women’s economic empowerment. In particular, the job requires strong knowledge and experience in developing and implementing business start-up initiatives and accelerator programs for micro and small enterprises in Papua New Guinea. It also requires developing knowledge products, programming and policy support at national and district levels and in-depth understanding of challenges facing PNG businesses (particularly women-owned businesses) and the pathways for seeking support. The position will be required to support and develop mutually reinforcing partnerships with relevant regional bodies, Government counterparts, UN organizations, private sector entities, and CSOs.

The specialist position will complement a locally engaged Programme team to ensure that business development and growth initiatives undertaken by UN Women is suitable for the needs of its intended project beneficiaries. This expert supports the activities under the UN Women Safe and Prosperous Districts and Markets Economic Recovery and Inclusion Programs which is currently implemented in 13 Markets in PNG.

Objectives of the assignment

The key objective of the assignment is to provide technical assistance and specialist services on business development and growth programs. The position will work with UN Women program teams to design an appropriate package of support to enable informal and small businesses to expand and create sustainable and profitable business models. The expert will lead the delivery of high-quality small business development programs that are responsive to the needs of market vendors and women led businesses who are looking at expansion and transitioning into the formal economy. This includes, identifying programs for start-up and second stage businesses; engaging implementing partners to run tailor made trainings and support activities; and provide technical advice to UN Women Program team on good practices and emerging trends.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under overall guidance of the UN Women Deputy Country Representative and direct supervision from SPD Programme Manager, the Business Development Specialist will perform the following functions:

Develop specialised business development and growth programs for women-led businesses

• Assess the specific needs of UN Women project beneficiaries and design an appropriate set of business development and growth programs that enhances women-led business ventures
• Develop a plan of action and business incubation model that captures the specific needs of women led business operating in the informal economy and looking to transition into formal micro and SMEs
• Engage and provide periodic quality checks on the implementation of business incubation and accelerator programs
• Lead the UN Women thematic working group on Women’s Economic Empowerment

Contribute to production of key knowledge products on Business incubation and accelerator programs

• Generate and contribute to evidence-based research and analysis on challenges facing women led business in the informal sector to inform policy level advocacy
• Prepare briefing notes on best practices and emerging trends on business incubation, accelerator programs and micro finance initiatives targeting women led businesses operating in the informal sector
• Provide periodic advisory for the country office and relevant programme team on ways of addressing identified gaps and challenges in Women’s Economic Empowerment

Provide capacity building support to country offices, teams and partners

• Provide substantive technical and policy support (both virtual and missions, as requested) to UN Women country programme teams in developing and strengthening projects/ programmes to support the implementation of global norms and standards, in the area of Women’s Economic Empowerment
• Provide technical support and advise on the Preparation and delivery of Safe and Prosperous Districts and the Markets Economic Recovery and Inclusion Program Implementation Plans
• Support UN Women to develop, implement and monitor capacity building initiatives on Business acceleration programs with UN Women partners
• Support UN Women partners to develop appropriate set of interventions for business incubation
• Provide technical support and capacity building to relevant governments agencies and private sector to protect and enhance the rights of women in the informal economy

Duration of the assignment

The total duration of the contract assignment will be on a part time basis, between 1 October 2021 to 30 December 2022. This assignment will be for a total of approximately 200 working day spread across the contract duration.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following results:

#

Key Task

Deliverables

Number of days (Approx.)

Timelines

Pay

%

1.

Inception report

(Report should Include the timelines and methodology for the delivery of tasks)

Final Inception Report including a detailed workplan and travel plan

(Homebased- to be developed in consultation with the UN Women Program Team)

5

15 October 2021

10%

2

Strategy and implementation plan for business development for women-led businesses operating in the informal economy

Assessment of specific needs for women led businesses supported through UN Women projects and development of business development and accelerator programs focused on their specific needs

Final Business Development Strategy and Implementation Plan

20

30 November 2021

10%

3

Engage implementing partner to support the delivery of the Business Development Strategy

Signed Agreement with Implementing Partner

• Develop TOR for Implementing Partner
• Lead the selection process and ensure all necessary processes are followed

Work with IP to develop a workplan with agreed timelines for implementation

20

15 December 2021 – 30 January 2022

10%

4

Capacity building for UN Women and Partners on models for supporting small business through SME growth and accelerator programs

Final Training Report

• Based on assessments and the Business Development Strategy develop a training program for UN Women program team and local government partners to address skills and knowledge gaps
• Deliver the training program
• Prepare and submit training report

40

28 February 2022

30%

5

Knowledge generation and periodic technical advice and support to UN Women and local partners on business development and growth initiatives including quality checks and periodic monitoring of Implementing Partners activities

Quarterly Progress Report

• Provide Advice to UN Women Program Team on program delivery (monthly briefing including information on best practices and emerging trends on Business incubation and accelerator program

• Provide Advise to local partners on business incubation and growth initiatives (monthly and as needed)

• Lead UN Women WEE Thematic group meetings (monthly)
• Support Periodic monitoring and quality checks for IP activities (quarterly)

105

30 March 2022

30 June 2022

30 September 2022

30 %

6

Complete outcome analysis and prepare final report

Results based Final Report

10

15 December 2022

10%

All the documents, including the interview tools, training materials and reports should be submitted in written in English language.

Upon receipt of the deliverables and prior to the payment of the instalment, the deliverables, related reports and documents will be reviewed by UN Women and approved within two weeks of submission.

Inputs

Transport:

UN Women will cover the cost for daily subsistence allowance for Port Moresby and other areas within the country as per standard UN rate, as well as the most direct economy airfare for missions, as per UN Women regulations, for all approved official travel. The Consultant is responsible for all travel to Port Moresby and should include costs in the financial proposal.

UN Women will provide transport in the field only, consultant is expected to arrange own transport within Port Moresby and from Homebase to Port Moresby. This should be included in the financial proposal.

Stationary and Communications:

The Consultant will be required to manage their own stationary and local communications such as SIM cards. Some internet access is available while in Port Moresby however the consultant is expected to arrange his/her own internet access in the field. These costs should be included in the lump sum fee in their financial proposal.

Accommodation:

All accommodation costs and other living expenses will be covered within the consultancy fee.

Security:

The consultant will be provided with a UN security briefing and will be required to follow UN security rules and guidance.

Insurance:

The Consultant will arrange private insurance and the cost of which should be included in the financial proposal. The certificate of insurance must be submitted to UN Women.

Office space and facilities:

The consultant is expected to work remotely using her/his own computer and other means of communications but may access the UN Women office for printing of relevant documents or should he/she be required to work on-site at any point during the assignment.

Performance evaluation:

Contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Submission of application

Submission package

• CV
• Letter of Interest containing the statement on candidate’s experience in the field of recruitment
• Sample of a written report
• Financial proposal. The financial proposal shall specify costs for professional fees, communication, transportation and other categories as appropriate and indicated above.

All applications must include (as an attachment) the CV and the financial proposal. Applications without financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis.

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
• Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on following technical qualification evaluation criteria:

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Obtainable Score

Education

10

Experience designing and implementing Business start-up and acceleration programs

40

Knowledge of PNG or Business Operating Environment

20

Sample of work done for similar programs

30

Total Obtainable Score

100

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidate.

Financial/Price Proposal evaluation****:

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
• The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100.
• The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Competencies

Core Values and Guiding Principles

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN Women values and ethical standards;
• Demonstrates a commitment to UN Women’s mission and vision;
• Able to work effectively within a team;
• Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
• Able to multi-task and juggle competing demands;
• Can assess and prioritize work needs quickly;
• Ability to relate to external partners, including other international organizations and agencies, NGOs, grassroots community groups, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in remote, rural, hardship posts.

Functional Competencies

• Demonstrated sound knowledge on development issues in developing countries (Pacific knowledge and/or experience an advantage);
• Experience in Women Economic Empowerment Issues an advantage;
• Previous experience working on gender equality in a variety of cultural and political contexts;
• Excellent communication and partnering skills to ensure effectively and harmoniously working with people from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Demonstrated ability to work in hardship posts and / or remote areas;
• Results based management skills;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training packages on gender issues
• Background in research and /or ability to manage field research.
• Ability to produce well-written programme documents and high-level policy demonstrating analytical ability and communication skills.
• Experience in formulating and delivery of related capacity building materials targeting the community level.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Accounting, Economics or other related fields
• Training on entrepreneurship and business development an asset
• A post graduate degree in a related field an asset

Experience and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience working with business start-ups and accelerator programs including mentoring or coaching programs
• Solid understanding of the business lifecycle and experience of owning a business
• Experience and understanding of PNG’s business operating environment
• In-dept knowledge of issues faced by entrepreneurs, start-ups and SME, and be able to use specialist networks, knowledge and expertise to facilitate and accelerate individual business growth
• Knowledge of Papua New Guinea development context or experience in the country or Pacific region would be advantageous.

Language and other skills

• High financial proficiency
• Analytical problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Report writing (sample of a report must be provided)
• Ability to communicate in the local languages (Tok Pisin) would be an added advantage.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org