Implementing Partner: Garissa Business Accelerator Programme at International Labor Organization (ILO)

Scope of the assignment

The work of the implementing partner will include the following:

1. Co-design the concept for a BAP with the ILO: The implementing partner will work closely with the ILO and a steering committee to consolidate a concept and work plan for the BAP and ensure that it is context-specific. The ILO has initial drafts of a concept and work plan, and the implementing partner will review this draft, propose changes if needed, and use the work plan as a joint working document throughout the implementation of the BPC. In the design of the BAP, the implementing partner should ensure that the focus remains on both refugees and host communities.
2. Establish partnerships with key actors: The implementing partner will work with the ILO to establish partnerships with key actors, including development partners, financial and business development service providers, key sectoral associations, and government representatives. The role of partner will be to support with logistics for the BAP, provide trainings to entrepreneurs, promote the BAP, manage the BAP funds, provide additional resources to ensure continuity of the project and asses interested businesses across the different categories. While the ILO has a list of potential partners, it is expected that the implementing partner is also able to mobilize partner networks effectively.
3. Co-develop selection criteria and judging criteria: The implementing partner will support in establishing selection criteria and judging criteria for the BAP, together with the ILO and the steering committee. The selection criteria should prioritize job creation and job quality improvements, productivity gains, potential for business growth and innovative solutions. At this stage, the support to be provided both financial and non-financial will be confirmed.
4. Promote the BAP, establish application process and shortlist participants: The implementing partner will launch communications and sensitization around the BAP to allow ample time for participants to apply. The Implementing partner will coordinate application processes from entrepreneurs, and then short-list participants based on the agreed-upon criteria. The application process should be simple and accessible to refugees and members of host communities. Applicants should be able to enter their submissions through a variety of channels that may include applying in-person, by phone, through an email account set up by the project, or through a partner organizations providing financial and non-financial services. Standard registration forms based on the SYB Business Plan Booklet or the GET Ahead Participant’s Workbook will be developed to standardize the process and ensure that applications are in a format that entrepreneurs are familiar with.
5. Collaborate with ILO to support entrepreneurs: The implementing partner will coordinate the provision of support to entrepreneurs as they get ready to pitch their business ideas or ongoing businesses. This will include facilitating access to financial education and entrepreneurship and cooperative management trainings using the ILO’s trainer networks and tools, either through the Implementing Partner directly, or by establishing collaborations and contracts with service providers and trainers.
6. Conduct due diligence: The Implementing Partner will conduct due diligence to ensure viability of participating businesses in collaboration with the steering committee.
7. Disburse funds: The Implementing Partner will coordinate and oversee the disbursement of funds to participants of the BAP, as agreed upon with the steering committee and the ILO.
8. Provide ongoing technical support and conduct M&E: The Implementing Partner will continue to facilitate access to needed business development and financial services, including through the provision of coaching and other forms of post-training support. The Implementing Partner will also conduct monitoring and evaluation, collecting information on business growth and impact in terms of jobs created and/or improved as a result of the interventions and collect lessons learned and success stories, in close collaboration with the ILO.