Terms of Reference (TOR) for Business Development Services Consultancy

S. No: 1

TENDER NO. : WVSOM/18/FY26

DESCRIPTION:  Business Development Services Consultancy

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Business Development Services Consultancy 

1. Project Background.

SOMREP is implementing a sustainable livelihoods SIDA funded Inclusive livelihoods for vulnerable pastoral groups project, aimed at promoting economic empowerment among vulnerable individuals in Somaliland including pastoral, agro pastoral, host community and poor and marginalized women and youth. We achieve this through capacity building and support of market-linked skills development, development of new income-generating activities (IGAs), MSMEs and access to services to support growth of existing, high-potential IGAs and MSMEs. These efforts are intended to support self-sufficiency and sustainability among target beneficiaries by expanding their access to economic and social resources.all this is under outcome 3 of the project which is:

Outcome 3: Improved capacity of pastoralist, agropastoral, and peri urban households, to engage in strategies for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth to enhance food security and resilience (Sustainable Livelihoods & Economic Growth)

Many factors are important to the success of these economic activities, including recording keeping, market driven business models access to markets, quality of products (quality inputs, standard production and processing skills), market demand, competitiveness and compatibility, easy availability of raw material/inputs and market trends/polarity, etc. In addition, activities and considerations related to vulnerable groups e.g. obstacles, risks, and opportunities that are unique to pastoral, agro pastoral, men or women, youth or adults, people with disabilities, and/or other marginalizing characteristics. Thus, a robust digitized recoding keeping for MSMEs, business mentorship/coaching on the same and Market linkages will be key under this consultancy.

2. Purpose and Objective

The project seeks to engage a qualified consultant to support in the development of a digitized recording keeping system for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs), provision of business development services that will assist the target organizations (MSMEs) in identifying growth opportunities, enhancing operational efficiency, improving market positioning, and achieving long-term sustainable success for job creation and economic growth.

The objectives of the consultancy include:

·       Assess MSMEs in retail trade within project locations to support the development of income growth strategies to enable job creation. 

·       Develop simplified recording keeping system for MSMEs

·       Identifying potential markets and growth opportunities for the targeted enterprises.

·       Providing insights and recommendations to optimize business processes.

·       Developing strategies to enhance revenue generation and business sustainability.

·       Advise of fostering strategic partnerships and alliances.

·       Provide mentoring and coaching on Digitized record keeping system

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will cover the following areas: 

Business Model Assessment

Conduct an in-depth assessment of the current business models of retail trade related enterprises to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and areas for improvement. The assessment will guide the development of tailored interventions that align with the businesses’ goals and market realities.

Develop a digitized recording keeping system for MSMEs

The consultant will develop a simplified recoding keeping for MSMEs which will support them in their day-to-day operations including business records management. This will help them calculate profits, track expenses but overall ensure MSMEs have a clear picture of the business in terms of costs and expenses and how to manage the same.

Mentoring and Coaching

Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to business owners to help them build leadership, strategic, and operational skills. This support will focus on enhancing decision-making, improving business practices, and overcoming challenges in a sustainable manner.

Market Linkages

Through the assessment advise on connections between enterprises and key markets, industry stakeholders, and other critical ecosystem enablers. The consultant will work to unlock opportunities for business expansion, improved market access, and collaboration with partners that can support the enterprise’s growth and job creation objectives.

4. Deliverables

The consultancy will provide the following deliverables:

The following deliverables are envisioned under this consultancy:

1.     Inception report

2.     Digitized recording keeping system

3.     Business model assessment

4.     Mentorship and coaching support

5.     Draft and Final report - to be finalized after inputs from SOMREP

6.     All resources developed for this assignment

5. Duration of Consultancy

The consultancy services are expected to be completed within a period of 30 days which can be staggered but not exceed 60 days.

6. Reporting and Communication

The consultant will report to the Economic development and Market systems advisor. The consultant is expected to update advisor on a regular basis and submit progress reports according to an agreed schedule. Any issues, delays, or obstacles should be communicated promptly to ensure timely resolution.

7. Qualifications of the Consultant

The ideal consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

·       At least 7 years of experience in business development, strategic consulting or related fields.

·       Proven track record in building & working with MSMEs to grow & scale up their business etc

·       Experience working with Retail trade MSMEs in Somaliland or similar context

·       Extensive knowledge on working in/with private sector and development organizations.

·       Ability to work independently and deliver results within specified deadlines.

·       Relevant educational background (e.g., Degree or MBA, M.Sc. in Business Administration or business related etc.)

8. Evaluation Criteria

The Selection of the firm will be made based on cumulative analysis (i.e., mandatory requirement and technical qualifications as follows:

Mandatory requirements

Preliminary Compliance Check (Pass/Fail) - Mandatory Documents Evaluation

The following documents should be submitted to proceed to technical evaluation

·       Valid Copy of business registration (company/organization)s.

·       Valid Copy of the tax registration

Technical Evaluation

Applicants need to clearly articulate on the following, but not limited to: -

·       A Consulting profile and cover letter outlining the suitability of the consultant in undertaking the assignment (Not exceeding two pages)

·       Up to two-page statement of capability (referencing the selection criteria) and the approach to be take in undertaking this assignment

·       Clear work plan including time frames for the BDS assignment

·       Detailed CVs of key personnel (including any formal qualifications) should be provided

·       References including names and contact information from previous clients who can be contacted regarding relevant experience in market system assessment (At least three)

Technical Evaluation Scoring:

IMPORTANT NOTES TO BIDDERS

a)     Interested bidders must be registered to provide consultancy services in their respective countries.

b)     Request for Proposal documents will be available Free of Charge to all interested bidders who express interest by filling the form provided in this link:  https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0Xd1rgKFzx  by 5:00 PM Friday 24th July 2026.

c)     Instructions for submission of completed proposals shall be indicated on the Request for Proposal document.

d)     Nothing in this Expression of Interest shall be construed to give rise to contractual obligations with World Vision.

e)     World Vision, may at its absolute discretion, suspend or defer this EOI process.

Bids received after deadline shall not be considered.

World Vision reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid and is not bound to give reasons for its decision”