Terms of Reference (ToR) – Entrepreneurial mentor in consultancy

REDFAN & TUBAN DISTRICT    

Position Title:  Entrepreneurial Mentor Consultant
Location: Multiple field visits in Tuban and Radfan Districts, Lahj Governorate SIF Office in Aden, Aden Governorate
Duration: 2 Months
Starting date: ASAP

1.    ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE AND CONTEXT:

Founded in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organisation devoted to international solidarity, social and humanitarian causes in the fields of humanitarian assistance and development aid, both in France and around the world for over 30 years. SIF believes in a more just and caring world where the basic needs of the vulnerable people are met. It implements emergency relief, development and advocacy programs. SIF is committed to reducing poverty and vulnerability across the world, without proselytizing or discriminating.
In its programming, SIF has been active and has developed its capacities in key sectors including food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education and child wellbeing, and nutrition. In Yemen, SIF has presence in Aden, Lahj and Marib governorates.
About the Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises-Affected Communities in Radfan and Tuban Districts Project (2024-2025)
As part of SIF programs, SIF is implementing a Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises- Affected Communities in Radfan and Tuban Districts, in Lahj Governorate. The project’s overall goal is to contribute to community resilience and enhancement of access to quality education, food security, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene services in dignity and within a safe environment for the most vulnerable IDPs and Host Communities in Lahj Governorate through an integrated approach.

Entrepreneurial Empowerment component:

Under the Livelihood sector, the project aims to provide business skills to 80 vulnerable men and women (20 men and 20 women in Tuban district, Galagel and Dar Al Manasrah villages and 20 men and as 20 women in Radfan, Al Rabwa Al Olaya and Al Rabwa Al Sufla villages) to support them in an Income Generating Activity development (IGA) with trainings, mentorship and grants.
Participants will undergo a comprehensive 8-weeks training starting in October and organized by a local Training Institute. Upon completion, successful trainees will receive conditional grants to establish or expand their income-generating activities, thereby reinforcing their economic stability and resilience.
In addition to the training and the grants, the 80 trainees will receive individual support from the entrepreneurial mentor regarding their learning progress and business plan development and business launching.
 
2.    OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

SIF aims to engage an Entrepreneurial Mentor to ensure effective implementation of the entrepreneurial training program and the trainee’s success after the disbursement of the grant.
The objectives of the assignment include:

• Ensure the successful completion of the training for 80 trainees, by providing support when required
• Ensure the development of a strong business plan by the 80 trainees by providing coaching session (collective and one-to-one)
• Provide comprehensive support to early stage/ startup businesses to help these startups grow and succeed by offering a range of services and resources, which may include educational programs, mentorship, funding assistance, and networking opportunities.
• Provide accompaniment in the mentorship and skills transfer process for the trainees to have autonomy, confidence, and support system.

3.    SCOPE OF WORK

Duration: The assignment will be carried out over a period of two (2) months for an agreed number of days per month. The Assignment will cover the following scope:

Role during the training:

• Guidance and Support: The Mentor will provide guidance to beneficiaries throughout the training process, helping them understand the curriculum, clarify any uncertainties, and encourage engagement.
• Expertise Transfer: Mentor will share his/her knowledge and experiences in business and vocational skills, offering practical insights that complement the theoretical training provided. This includes sharing best practices in business management, marketing strategies, and operational logistics during one to one coaching or collective coaching.
• Personalized Feedback: Throughout the training, mentor will work closely with beneficiaries to provide personalized feedback on their ideas, business plans, and any projects they envision. This support will help refine their proposals for maximum viability and impact.
• Networking Opportunities: Mentor will facilitate connections between beneficiaries and relevant industry contacts, resources, and opportunities that can aid in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Role after the training:

• Business Plan Development: After completing the training, the mentor will assist beneficiaries in finalizing their business plans to ensure they are well-prepared for grant proposals. They will help them articulate their visions and expected outcomes effectively.
• Grant Utilization Support: Once beneficiaries receive their grants, the mentor will continue to support them by monitoring the implementation of their business plans, ensuring that the funds are utilized as intended, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Regular Check-Ins: The Mentor will conduct regular follow-ups through visits, phone calls, or meetings to track progress, provide ongoing support, and address challenges beneficiaries might face as they start their businesses.
• Skill Enhancement: The Mentor will offer one-on-one coaching as needed to help beneficiaries enhance their skills based on market demands and business needs. 
• Encouragement and Motivation: As beneficiaries embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, Mentor will play a crucial role in providing encouragement, motivation, and emotional support, helping them persevere through challenges and celebrate their successes.
• Mentoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Develop a robust mentoring framework to track progress, document successes, and collect feedback from participants to adapt the program as necessary.

4.    APPROACH/METHODOLOGY:

To achieve the objectives of this assignment effectively, the following approach and methodology will be adopted:

• Needs Assessment and need Analysis: An assessment will be conducted to understand the specific needs of trainees. This can include individual pre-test or consultations per group. The assessment will guide the customization of training content and tools to ensure relevance and impact.
• Collaborative Planning with SIF and Stakeholders: Engagement with SIF staff and the Training center will be prioritized to ensure a smooth implementation and a close follow up of trainees.
• Mentorship Workshops: Tailored mentorship sessions will be conducted for trainees, including practical exercises. The number of sessions will be set before the signature of the contract. A minimum of collective session and individual session will be set.
• Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: The mentor will report on a weekly basis to the Program officer the achievement and work plan for the coming weeks, using a comprehensive monitoring tool. The mentor will support the implementation of the feedback and complaint mechanism.

5.    DELIVERABLES:

1.    Business Plan Template: A standardized template for beneficiaries to develop their business plans, including guidelines and criteria required for grant applications.
2.    Business tool follows up: to better follow up on the participant business launching
3.    Grant Evaluation Framework: An established framework for assessing and rating business plans presented by beneficiaries, involving the Entrepreneurial Committee’s criteria for successful grant proposals.
4.    Monitoring and Mentorship Plan: A structured plan detailing how mentoring and support will be provided throughout the training and after grant acquisition, including schedules for follow-ups, check-ins, and additional training opportunities.
5.    Comprehensive final report Other responsibilities:

• The consultant will receive mandatory training on SIF Code of Conduct, Safeguarding policies and procedures and will be requested to comply strictly with all measures in place to promote a safe environment for everyone. In case of breach of SIF policies, the contract will be terminated.

6.    SIF TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate participant mobilization for the training sessions as well as mentoring activities
• Assist in logistics and organization in accordance with internal policies.
• Provide refreshments and logistics means for the collective workshop sessions (at least 4) . 
• SIF will pay on a monthly basis based on agreed reporting mechanisms.
• Support the mentor in his work, by technical advice and daily guidances

7.    QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced Education in Business Management from a recognized Educational Institute.
• More than five years of demonstrated success in training, coaching, and assessing entrepreneurs/ companies in Aden or around Yemen
• Knowledge of business solutions and demonstrated experience in helping businesses improve their operations and activities.
• Project management skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable communities.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with participatory training methods
• Knowledge of local market dynamics and product value chains

8.    Skills that SIF will be looking at:

• Be able to identify, develop, and equip their small business ideas, proposals & plans.
• Be knowledgeable of marketing fundamentals, tools (e.g., client profile, market research, branding, social media plan, etc.).
• Be able to strategize for the growth of their business (e.g. vision, strategy, plans, stages, goals, time management, resource requirements, etc)
• Be able to plan and manage the finances of their businesses (e.g cash flow, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, pricing strategies, bookkeeping, etc.)
• Be knowledgeable about what it takes to innovate and make their business competitive in the local market.