Senior Investment Consultant at SoCha

Scope of Work

• USAID/KEA Office of Economic Growth and Integration seeks LISA’s support for the research and development of a Kilifi County Investment Handbook, which details why Kilifi County is a strategic location for business investments in addition to detailing investment opportunities.

The Consultant will:

• Conduct comprehensive research and identify four key investments opportunities (bankable projects).
• Gather and analyze data on Kilifi County’s economic landscape, key sectors, and existing investment opportunities and list four investment opportunities.
• Conduct pre-feasibility study on the four key investments opportunities (bankable projects).
   

This will be a preliminary evaluation of potential investments to determine their viability, which will include:

Market analysis

• Supply and Demand Assessment: Evaluate the market demand for the product or service and the current supply.
• Target Market Identification: Identify the potential customers or end-users.
• Competitive Landscape: Analyze the competition and market share distribution.

Technical Feasibility

• Technology Requirements: Identify the technology needed for the project.
• Preliminary Design and Engineering: Conduct an initial assessment of the design and engineering requirements.
• Resource Availability: Evaluate the availability of raw materials, utilities, and other resources.

Financial Analysis

• Preliminary Cost Estimates: Estimate the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX).
• Revenue Projections: Forecast potential revenue streams.
• Profitability Analysis: Calculate key financial metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback period.

Risk Assessment

• Identification of Risks: Identify potential risks related to the project (technical, financial, market, operational, etc.).
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Suggest preliminary strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Legal and Regulatory Analysis
• Compliance Requirements: Identify relevant laws, regulations, and permits required for the project.
• Environmental and Social Impact: Conduct an initial assessment of the environmental and social impacts.

Operational Feasibility

• Operational Plan: Outline the operational plan and management structure.
• Human Resources: Assess the human resource requirements and availability.
• Timeline and Milestones: Develop a preliminary timeline and key milestones for the project.

Stakeholder Analysis

• Key Stakeholders: Identify key stakeholders and their interests.
• Engagement Plan: Develop an initial plan for stakeholder engagement and communication.
   

Deliverables

• Investment Handbook   
• Organize the content in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
• Ensure the handbook includes an introduction, background information, sector overviews, individual investment profiles, and a conclusion.

Pre-feasibility Study Report   

• Summary of Findings: Summarize the key findings of the pre-feasibility study.
• Recommendations: Provide recommendations on whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• To effectively write the investment handbook and conduct the pre-feasibility study for Kilifi County, the consultant/firm should meet the following requirements:
• A degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Economics) are preferred.
• Proven experience in investment analysis, economic development, or financial consulting.
• Previous work on developing investment handbooks, market studies, or similar documents preferred.
• Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in economic development projects.
• In-depth knowledge of key sectors such as the Blue Economy, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Health, Education and ICT, and Environment
• Strong understanding of the economic landscape and investment climate in Kenya, particularly in Kilifi County.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess market trends, financial projections, and risk assessments in addition to interpreting complex data and presenting it clearly and concisely.
• Expertise in conducting comprehensive and targeted research, with the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in writing clear, engaging, and informative content tailored to potential investors and stakeholders. Experience in stakeholder engagement and conducting interviews.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage the project from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of the investment handbook.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software. Familiarity with graphic design tools or collaboration with designers for layout and visual elements.
• Understanding of the socio-economic context and cultural nuances of Kilifi County and Kenya, with sensitivity to local needs and perspectives to ensure the handbook is relevant and impactful.
• A portfolio showcasing previous work on similar projects and availability of references or testimonials from previous clients or employers preferred.