ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Strategic Business Planning Consultant for an Organizational Performance Improvement assignment under the USAID-funded Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity (AFDA) in Myanmar. The AFDA facilitates the transformation of agriculture and food systems by increasing productivity, inclusiveness, and competitiveness of the agricultural market system in the zone of influence (ZOI) such as Kachin State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region and Magway Region. A critical part of strengthening market systems is the improvement of performance of organizations working in the market systems. AFDA will improve the organizational performance of market actors such as producer groups, cooperatives, firms, and industry associations so they may perform their better roles in the market system and grow their businesses in a sustainable manner.
This assignment will specifically help market actors develop a strategic plan for their business or organization, so they are clear on their priorities for the next three to five years and they have a guide on how to achieve their priority objectives for their business or organization. Additionally, this assignment will coach and mentor young professionals as “Junior Business Development Service (BDS) Providers” to increase the availability of “Professional BDS Providers” specifically trained in strategic planning and strategic/business plan development, currently lacking in the agriculture sector of Myanmar.
The anticipated timeframe for this assignment is May to December 2021 with a level of effort of approximately 7 months (number of days to be agreed upon).
RESPONSIBILITIES
The consultant will be responsible for organizational performance improvement of about 15 to 20 partner organizations in line with AFDA-designed organizational performance index, and for training about 3 to 5 interns to become Business Development Services providers under Business Development Professional Services Program. Organizational Capacity Assessment Reports and Organizational Performance Improvement Plans of selected partners conducted by AFDA staff will be available to the consultant for reference.
Tasks
1. Prepare inception report including a plan (activities, timeline, deliverables and participants) for Strategic Planning and Business Plan Development
2. Provide technical support (training and coaching) during the business/strategic planning sessions and in the drafting and finalization of the business/strategic plan
3. Closely work with AFDA and the leadership of AFDA partners to develop Business/Strategic Plan of the Partner companies/enterprises until the production of the finalized Business/Strategic Plan document.
4. Develop curriculum for business development services program on Business/Strategic Planning including practical training for interns, providing them actual hands-on facilitation role in strategic planning sessions and providing after-session feedback.
5. Select, train, mentor and coach Interns to become Professional BDS providers on Business/Strategic Plan development
6. Develop evaluation/Scoring matrix to assess performance baseline and improvement of interns.
7. Conduct regular evaluation and assessment on the learning and improvement of interns.
DELIVERABLES
No.
Description
Dates
1
Inception report with workplan of STTA including plan on how to carry out the strategic planning activities, timeline and results for the AFDA partners.
End of the first two weeks
2
Short curriculum/outline for planned trainings for AFDA partners and/or Interns on relevant principles and exercises relating to Business/Strategic Planning and Plan development
The second week of the second month
3
Training of Partners (report and attendance signature sheets); Training of Interns (report and attendance signature sheets); Business or Strategic Plan documents of AFDA partners
End of the second quarter/To be agreed upon.
4
Performance assessment tools and Records of Interns with baseline and improvement scorings
The two weeks of engagement with monthly/quarterly update/To be agreed.
5
Progress Report provided with presentation to the AFDA SMT (with summary reports of technical assistance activities completed)
Quarterly, to be agreed upon.
6
Final Report is provided with presentation to AFDA SMT (Includes technical inputs and outputs, activities outcomes and recommendations)
Two weeks before contract end
QUALIFICATIONS
· This assignment is open to international and national consultants.
· University degree in Business, Management, Economics, Financial Management and Accountancy, Marketing Management or Enterprise Development related field, Master’s degree preferred.
· At least eight years of experience in providing organizational/business/enterprise development services specifically to business enterprises.
· Demonstrated successful outcomes of business development support to enterprises (including producer groups operating as businesses).
· Experience facilitating training and providing coaching on strategic/business planning and business development support and drafting strategic/business plan.
· Familiarity with agriculture and agri-enterprise development in Myanmar preferred.
· Experience in enterprise development and/or strategic and business planning support to agribusinesses in countries in Asia including remote technical support preferred.
· Demonstrated good understanding of and experience working with businesses/enterprises on gender and cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness preferred.
TERMS OF APPLICATION
Interested consultants should apply via email to afdaprocurement@acdivocamm.org by April 30, 2021. Please include the following items:
1. Application and CVs or profile of individual applicants or members of organizations
2. Cost Proposal
3. Examples/samples/curricula or results of related work done outlined in the SOW.
4. References or testimonials from businesses that have received similar consultancy work before.
Any questions should be sent via email to afdaprocurement@acdivocamm.org. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and only shortlisted candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.
Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.
