Terms of Reference (TOR)

Title: Business Development Support Consultancy
Work Package: Developing Context-Relevant Models for Linking Youth Graduates to Business Development Services and Sources of Finance
Project: TAWASOL – Training and Workplace Advancement Solutions for Opportunities in the Labour Force
Location of Assignment: Iraq – Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and Nineveh (with remote support as required)
Reports To: TAWASOL Country Director
Duration: 12 months
Expected Start Date: 01 January 2025
Expected End Date: 31 December 2025
Application Deadline: 20 November 2024

1. Background

The TAWASOL project is a five-year, CAD 9.8 million initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Canadian Leaders in International Consulting Inc. (CLIC). The project aims to create gender-inclusive youth employment in Iraq by addressing systemic barriers and strengthening connections between youth, training institutes, and private sector employers. TAWASOL builds on the achievements of the previous BRIDGE project, focusing on facilitating meaningful transitions from training to employment and self-employment opportunities.

This consultancy aims to establish context-relevant models that link male and female youth graduates of targeted Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) and Career Development Centers (CDCs) to business development support services (BDS) and sources of finance. This activity is critical in fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities for youth, particularly in the fields of digital and construction.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to design, pilot, and implement context-specific referral models to support youth graduates in accessing business development services, financial support, and mentorship opportunities. The consultancy will also build the capacity of training institute staff to implement and sustain these models, ensuring alignment with local market needs and gender equality principles.

3. Scope of Work

The consultancy firm will be responsible for delivering the following tasks:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping:
   • Analyze existing business development and financial services in the target governorates (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and Nineveh).
   • Map key stakeholders, including business development support providers (BDS), financial institutions, entrepreneurial support networks, and women’s business associations, detailing the specific products and services they provide, areas of strength, cost structure, and experience/targeted programs for young people and women.
   • Assess the specific needs and barriers faced by male and female youth graduates (startups) in accessing these services, provide recommendations on BDS and financial service providers best placed to provide support and any gaps in service provision.
2. Develop a Gender-Responsive Referral Model:
   • Design a structured, gender-responsive referral mechanism that links youth graduates interested in pursuing entrepreneurship to relevant and cost effective BDS providers and sources of finance, building on entrepreneurship training being developed and delivered under the TAWASOL project.
   • Ensure that the model considers the distinct challenges faced by young women and marginalized youth in pursuing self-employment.
3. Pilot the Model in Selected VTCs and CDCs:
   • Implement the referral program in selected training institutes and career centers in Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and Nineveh.
   • Conduct pilot awareness and campus gathering sessions to equip youth with the skills and knowledge to access business development services and financial support.
   • Test and refine the model based on feedback and results from the pilot phase.
4. Build Capacity of VTCs and CDCs Staff:
   • Train VTCs and CDCs staff on the implementation of the referral model and ongoing support for youth entrepreneurs.
   • Develop resources, toolkits, and manuals for staff to manage and sustain the referral system effectively.
5. Establish Mentorship Programs:
   • Develop and implement a mentorship program to connect youth start ups with experienced entrepreneurs, women’s business networks, and local business associations.
   • Facilitate ongoing mentoring relationships to support youth in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
6. Monitor and Evaluate Pilot Activities:
   • Develop and apply an M&E framework to assess the effectiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability of the referral models.
   • Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices.
7. Prepare a Scale-Up Plan and Final Report:
   • Based on pilot results, develop a comprehensive plan for scaling up the referral model to additional VTCs and CDCs
   • Submit a final report summarizing key activities, outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future implementation.

4. Deliverables

The consultancy firm is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report: Detailing the approach, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy.
2. Needs Assessment Report and Stakeholder Mapping: Comprehensive analysis of BDS and financial services in the target regions building on initial mapping provided by WUSC.
3. Referral Program Design: A structured, gender-responsive referral model for linking youth graduates to BDS and sources of finance.
4. Pilot Implementation Report: Documentation of the pilot phase, including outcomes, challenges, and stakeholder feedback.
5. Training Materials: Manuals, toolkits, and guidelines for VTCs and CDCs staff.
6. Mentorship Program Guidelines: A framework for establishing and managing mentorship programs.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation Report: Analysis of pilot results and recommendations for scaling up.
8. Scale-Up Plan: A detailed strategy for expanding the referral model to additional institutions.
9. Final Consultancy Report: A comprehensive report summarizing activities, outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future programming.

5. Duration and Location

The consultancy will be conducted over a period of 12 months, starting from 01 January 2025 and concluding by 31 December 2025. The selected firm should have a local presence in Iraq and be willing to travel to the target governorates of Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, and Nineveh.

6. Financial Proposal and Reimbursable Expenses

The consultancy firm should provide a detailed financial proposal outlining only the consultancy fees for the duration of the assignment. This should include a breakdown of costs related to:

• Consultancy fees (daily or monthly rates).
• Any additional fees associated with the provision of services (e.g., development of training materials, digital content, or other resources).

Please note: All reimbursable expenses, including but not limited to international and domestic flight tickets, accommodation, local transportation, meals, and other travel-related costs, will be covered directly by the project. Therefore, the financial proposal should exclude any travel or logistical expenses and focus solely on the consultancy fees and the proposed scope of work.

The project team will coordinate and handle the booking of flights and accommodation and will provide necessary support for in-country transportation to ensure smooth logistical arrangements.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultancy firm should have:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in business development, financial linkages, or entrepreneurship support, with a focus on youth and gender-inclusive programming.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing business development support programs, particularly in conflict or post-conflict contexts.
• Strong capacity in gender-responsive and inclusive program development.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering Training of Trainers (ToT) and capacity building for educational or vocational institutions.
• Familiarity with the Middle East or similar contexts, with a strong preference for firms with experience in Iraq.
• Multidisciplinary expertise in program design, financial services, and gender-responsive entrepreneurship.

8. Application Process

Interested firms are invited to submit:

1. Technical Proposal: Detailing the firm’s approach, methodology, and timeline, including profiles of the team members.
2. Financial Proposal: Detailed breakdown of costs, excluding travel and logistical expenses, as these will be covered by the project.
3. Company Profile: Including past experiences, qualifications, and references from similar projects.
4. Work Samples: Portfolio of similar projects, with a focus on business development and financial linkages.