Project Overview and Role:

Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ) Component 1 is a four-year programme funded by the UK's International Climate Fund. It consists of three sub-components: 1A - Market Systems Development, 1B – Uganda Climate Innovation Fund (UCIF), and 1C -Ecosystems Services.  Component 1 seeks to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and ultimately improve the incomes of smallholder farmers (particularly women, refugees, and host communities). CSJ understands that smallholder farmers (SHFs) are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change (particularly extreme weather events) and face numerous constraints. Mitigating these effects is central to the programme’s approach.  

The constraints SHFs face in improving agricultural productivity and income levels include limited access to inputs for crops and livestock, poor soil and water management, limited access to an efficient distribution model for climate-resilient varieties, limited access to affordable extension services for both livestock and crop, weak engagement between Private Sector Actors (PSAs) and research institutions, high incidence of pests/parasites and diseases for crops and livestock, uncertainty in seasonality (unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spell, spatial distribution of rainfall), limited access to affordable on-farm mechanization services), and weak market access and value addition.  

CSJ intends to work with market actors to trigger change in the market system in a way that enables SHFs to gain increased access to affordable, quality input products and services, in turn increasing their incomes and ability to adapt and become resilient to the effect of climate change.

This TOR focuses on the provision of Technical Assistance (TA) to develop a comprehensive SME Growth Technical Assistance (TA) Framework for UCIF. UCIF is targeting to support business owners to acquire the necessary skills to drive their company's growth and prepare SMEs to become bankable and competent in raising capital.    

Background to the Assignment

Component 1B serves as the conduit for delivering the Uganda Climate Innovation Fund (UCIF). It is designed to empower market actors to initiate, expand, and replicate innovative climate-smart solutions, specifically tailored to benefit smallholder farmers. There is a specific focus on key demographic groups, including women, refugees, and host communities in Northern Uganda. The primary objective is to enhance their resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change while simultaneously increasing their incomes and employment opportunities.

The UCIF is set to provide a holistic package of TA to the selected pioneers from piloting their business idea to establishing product market fit before scale-up under Component 1A. TA will be delivered through boot-camps, training workshops, one-on-one expert-led coaching and mentorship, as well as peer-to-peer learning and networking. 

Objectives of the Assignment

CSJ requires the services of a suitably qualified and experienced Consultant to provide technical expertise and guidance to develop a comprehensive SME Growth Technical Assistance TA Framework. The framework will guide the delivery of technical advisory/Business Development Services (BDS) to cohorts of supported SMEs to enable them to develop key business capabilities to unlock their growth and scalability, attract investment capital, and harness market opportunities.

Scope of Work

The preferred Consultant will deliver the following responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, best practices, and case studies related to SME growth and development.
• Analyze the current landscape of SMEs in Uganda, including challenges, opportunities, and specific needs.
• Review the Needs Assessment reports of enterprises supported by SBIL to identify key areas where technical assistance is needed.
• Develop a detailed SME Growth Technical Assistance (TA) Framework, including:
• Program objectives and expected outcomes.
• Mapping of the envisaged SME Growth journey through the different stages
• Proposing a structured intervention approach/framework.
• Detailed program structure, including modules, topics, and delivery methods.
• Methodologies and tools for assessing SME growth potential
• Range of technical assistance services and support mechanisms.
• Monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and impact.
• Develop training materials, toolkits, and resources to support the implementation of the TA framework.
• Present the draft framework to SBIL for review and feedback.Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and finalize the SME Growth Technical Assistance Framework.

 Deliverables

The Consultant will deliver the following in execution of the Scope of Work:

•  Inception report outlining the approach and methodology for developing the TA framework.
•  Draft SME Growth Technical Assistance (TA) Framework document for review.
• Final SME Growth Technical Assistance (TA) Framework document incorporating feedback.
• Training materials, toolkits, and resources to support the implementation of the TA framework.
• Final report summarizing the pilot implementation and recommendations for further improvement    

Required Competencies

The preferred candidate will exhibit the following competencies:

• Achieve Results: Sets and aligns challenging, achievable objectives in performance of tasks having lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create opportunities to help teams expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Politically savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion wider collaboration.

Required Skills and Experience

The ideal Consultant will have demonstrable experience in development of growth TA and frameworks, guides and strategies for SMEs, entrepreneurs or start-ups in Uganda and/or East Africa

Education:

• Masters Degree in Business Management / Economics / Entrepreneurship / Enterprise Development or a related field.
  Experience:
• Extensive experience in entreprise development, and SME support.
• In-depth understanding of the startup ecosystem and the challenges faced by early-stage ventures.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Previous experience in developing frameworks, guides, or toolkits related to enterprise development is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills.

Assignment Timeline

The consultancy will run for a period of 30 days from the date of signing the contract.

Submission instructions 

Interested consultants submit a detailed technical and financial proposal (no longer than 10 pages), CV and a 1-page Cover Letter describing your suitability for this role. Include in your submission 2 examples of previous work and 2 references.

CSJ reserves the right to negotiate and award this contract to the contractor who demonstrates the best approach, rather than awarding the contract solely based on the lowest cost. This solicitation does not require CSJ to award a contract.

Note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you have not received communication from CSJ MD within four weeks from the submission deadline, kindly consider your bid unsuccessful.

Company Overview:

About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.

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Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss. 

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