Job vacancy Consultants - SMEs Capacity Improvement

Company Profile

Nathan, a Cadmus Company is a leading provider of analytic and economic consultancy services worldwide. In the past decade, we have implemented more than 120 projects in more than 50 countries leveraging our global presence in Washington DC, London, and India. From improved transparency and deeper stakeholder engagement to more effective policies and more resilient businesses, we deliver results that impact economic growth, human development, and poverty reduction. We are passionate about applying our deep analytical expertise and advanced proprietary tools to generate economic solutions tailored to our clients’ unique challenges.  Nathan focuses on a range of economic development subject matter areas including Trade & Logistics; Economic Policy & Governance; Private Sector Development; Women’s Economic Empowerment; and Financial Solutions. 

Background

The Feed the Future Ghana Trade and Investment (GTI) Activity is a four-year program that seeks to improve the enabling environment for Ghana’s economic growth by (1) facilitating growth in export-oriented trade; (2) improving and developing product standards; (3) catalyzing investments in private enterprises related to high-value commercial crops; (4) promoting job creation, particularly among women and youth; (5) promoting economic growth.

GTI seeks to strengthen the food safety enforcement systems to enhance exports and foster SME growth by addressing the root causes of under-investment in agriculture and building the capacity of marginalized populations to participate more fully in agribusiness and trade.  To improve quality standards and certification in the domestic value chain and build strong SMES, GTI engaged in extensive outreach and laid the foundation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to pass the audits required for certification and improve the management of SMEs organization for sustainability. GTI as part of its support to enhance trade and investment in export firms from its inception has given out 35 grants to organizations made up of 4 public organizations and 31 selected private SMEs to improve and develop product standards certification and improve markets. With the grants, GTI is also expected to assist USG-assisted organizations in improving organization management using a standard measurement of capacity improvement.

GTI from FY2023 and FY2024 assessed and developed organizational capacity assessment (OCA) action plans with SME organizations. The action plans identified strengths and weaknesses, opportunities for improvement, analysis of issues, and prioritization of key areas of focus to address system and structural gaps. The SMEs requested technical assistance from GTI to address specific capacity gaps. Therefore, technical assistance is needed to be provided to all grantees SMEs assessed as part of the capacity improvement support effort. The short-term consultant will engage and review together with the management of SMEs their current organizational documents, vision, and mission to update or develop one if lacking. The consultant(s) will utilize the relevant materials for review and analysis and organize internal meetings to obtain feedback and information from board members and staff. S/he will present the final document clearly and concisely so that it can be understood by all stakeholders, recommending changes to improve efficiency and profitability. S/He will also be expected to design a monitoring matrix for use to measure the progress of activities in the plan.

Position Summary

GTI is seeking six short-term technical assistant consultants to support  Grantee SMEs in addressing gaps in organizational capacity action plans. The objective of the assignment is to provide technical support to SMEs in implementing the Organization Capacity Assessment action plans. The consultants will support grantees in developing policy documents, set up systems and templates to enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as develop strategic plans as required. S/He will review existing financial, and administrative manuals and consult with the team to update the documents on financial, administrative, and human resource management.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Each consultant is expected to.

Review the grantee’s OCA action plan in the current state of the SMEs' organizational capacity and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a detailed action plan for implementation with the grantee to review existing policies and documents in financial management, administration, human resources, and organizational management.

Understand the SME's business and industry, including key drivers of success, and develop an understanding of the SME's current strategic performance and policies required.

Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders to gather information on the company’s current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to complement the review of the existing strategic plan.

Assist in the development of relevant policy documents tailored to the specific needs of each SME in specific areas.

Design and implement systems and templates to streamline processes and enhance productivity.

Providing training and guidance to SME staff on the implementation of the policy and strategic document   

Prepare and facilitate workshops with board members to generate buy-in for the proposed strategic direction.

Develop implementation plans for the SMEs, outlining actions, timelines, and responsible parties.

Evaluate the results of the implementation and make recommendations for improvements.

Depending on the OCA action plan, the assignment may include.

Draft teams of reference (TOR) and standard operating procedures for board members.

Train grantee board members on board charter, role, and responsibility of board members.

Support grantees in developing financial, administrative, operational, and human resources policies and procedures.

Train board members and staff to understand policy and procedures.  

Develop pay grades, staff salaries, and staff plans for SMEs.

Review national labor laws and review personal policy.

Advise and train SMEs on financial systems to help meet their needs.

Review and update SMEs' strategic plans, operational plans, and communication plans.

Support in project performance and M&E.

Deliverables1. Inception report with an implementation plan. 2. Individual activity report with finalizes strategic documents. 3. Gap analysis and recommendations to GTI on system and policy updates. 4. Final report of the entire process.  Level of Effort

This assignment will be executed from June 2024 – November 2024, and has a maximum level of effort of 60 days per consultant.

Education Required: Master’s Degree

23 May, 2024 (3 days left)