Business Strengthening Consultant

  • Posted on 25 July 2017

Job Description

Background:

Sustaining Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) Plus is a five-year global, USAID-funded Cooperative Agreement awarded to Abt Associates and partners in September 2015. The mandate of SHOPS Plus is to increase the role of the private sector in the sustainable provision and use of quality family planning (FP), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), maternal and child health (MCH) and other health information, products, and services. The project seeks to harness the full potential of the private sector and catalyze public-private engagement to improve health outcomes. By increasing the participation and effectiveness of the private health sector, SHOPS Plus improves the equity and quality of the total health system.

For Tanzania’s rural and urban poor, Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs) are often the entry point to the health system. Underserved populations depend heavily on ADDOs for access to essential health commodities and services. While ADDOs play an important role in health service provision, the quality and financial sustainability of ADDOs vary widely. Numerous ADDOs struggle to accumulate sufficient working capital, particularly rural facilities that are challenged to replenish inventory during the rainy season. Strengthening the quality and financial sustainability of ADDOs could potentially increase and sustain their contributions to the provision of priority public health commodities and services, ultimately expanding access for Tanzania’s underserved populations.

Against this backdrop, the SHOPS Plus team conducted an assessment of ADDOs in the Mwanza region and focused on critical gaps which provided input to develop an ADDO strengthening strategy. The assessment focused on business practices and financial resources, the latter on both demand and supply side. The assessment found that ADDOs faced short-term challenges related to inefficient business practices, and lack of access to finance. In order to address these challenges, the SHOPS Plus project is undertaking a business strengthening program focused on ADDOs in the Mwanza region.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in brief assessment activities designed to inform the business strengthening assistance program for ADDOs in the Mwanza region;
  • Provide assistance and support to Banyan Global home office personnel in the design/adaptation of business training and coaching materials;
  • Participate in a training-of-trainers (TOT) on training content and participatory methodology;
  • Deliver a series of two-day trainings focused on business strengthening skills for up to 60 participants from 30 ADDOs in the Mwanza region;
  • Provide one-on-one business coaching for up to 30 ADDOs in the Mwanza region;
  • Draft periodic reports, and address all requests for edits and adjustments.

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of five years’ experience in training adults, with an emphasis on business administration and financial management;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the business and financial management challenges facing businesses in Tanzania, with a particular emphasis on SMEs and/or private health providers;
  • Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills;
  • Ability to work both independently, and to submit high-quality deliverables on time;
  • University degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration or other relevant discipline. Master’s level degree a plus.
  • Previous experience working on USAID projects is a plus.

Timing and Level of Effort

The consultancy is expected to take place between July 2017, and September 30, 2017. The consultant will be provided with LoE up to 36 days. Expectations are that the consultancy will be extended.

Salary is commensurate with background and experience. Banyan Global is an equal opportunity employer. Please apply to the position through our website, https://banyanglobal.com/careers/, and include a cover letter and résumé in your submission. No phone calls please.

About the Organization

Banyan Global is a development consulting firm committed to improving livelihoods through market approaches to international development. The firm has offices in Washington, DC and New York City and staff working in a number of developing countries. Banyan Global operates seamlessly within five practice areas: gender, health, microfinance, financial sector development, and enterprise development.

Banyan Global, a small, women-owned business, has implemented gender integration programming in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. As a leader in gender integration and mainstreaming, our gender practice supports both men and women to have equal opportunities to benefit from and contribute to economic, social, cultural, and political development. Because gender perceptions and attitudes evolve, our approach to gender mainstreaming is committed to local adaptation and cultural viability. We collaborate with local teams and stakeholders to identify and create awareness of gender perceptions and practices, as the foundation for establishing equity in access to opportunities and benefits.

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