Expression of Interest: Business Development Services Consultancy

**Terms of Reference (TOR) for Business Development Services Consultancy**

**Organization:** World Vision Somalia (SomReP)

**Project:** SIDA: Business Development Services

**Donor Funded:** SIDA

**Position type:** Contract

**Location:** Remote & in Somalia/Land

**Estimated working days:** 30 days

**Estimated number of staff required to work on the project:** 1-3

**Reporting to:** Economic Development and Market system development advisor - SomReP

**Starting date:** July 2026

**1. Project Background.**

SOMREP is implementing a sustainable livelihoods SIDA funded Inclusive livelihoods for vulnerable pastoral groups project, aimed at promoting economic empowerment among vulnerable individuals in Somaliland including pastoral, agro pastoral, host community and poor and marginalized women and youth. We achieve this through capacity building and support of market-linked skills development, development of new income-generating activities (IGAs), MSMEs and access to services to support growth of existing, high-potential IGAs and MSMEs. These efforts are intended to support self-sufficiency and sustainability among target beneficiaries by expanding their access to economic and social resources. All this is under outcome 3 of the project which is:

Outcome 3: Improved capacity of pastoralist, agropastoral, and peri urban households, to engage in strategies for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth to enhance food security and resilience (Sustainable Livelihoods & Economic Growth)

Many factors are important to the success of these economic activities, including recording keeping, market driven business models access to markets, quality of products (quality inputs, standard production and processing skills), market demand, competitiveness and compatibility, easy availability of raw material/inputs and market trends/polarity, etc. In addition, activities and considerations related to vulnerable groups e.g. obstacles, risks, and opportunities that are unique to pastoral, agro pastoral, men or women, youth or adults, people with disabilities, and/or other marginalizing characteristics. Thus, a robust digitized recoding keeping for MSMEs, business mentorship/coaching on the same and Market linkages will be key under this consultancy.

**2. Purpose and Objective**

The project seeks to engage a qualified consultant to support in the development of a digitized recording keeping system for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs), provision of business development services that will assist the target organizations (MSMEs) in identifying growth opportunities, enhancing operational efficiency, improving market positioning, and achieving long-term sustainable success for job creation and economic growth.

**The objectives of the consultancy include:**

- Assess MSMEs in retail trade within project locations to support the development of income growth strategies to enable job creation.
- Develop simplified recording keeping system for MSMEs
- Identifying potential markets and growth opportunities for the targeted enterprises.
- Providing insights and recommendations to optimize business processes.
- Developing strategies to enhance revenue generation and business sustainability.
- Advise of fostering strategic partnerships and alliances.
- Provide mentoring and coaching on Digitized record keeping system

**3. Scope of Work**

The consultant will cover the following areas:

**a. Business Model Assessment**

Conduct an in-depth assessment of the current business models of retail trade related enterprises to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and areas for improvement. The assessment will guide the development of tailored interventions that align with the businesses’ goals and market realities.

**b. Develop a digitized recording keeping system for MSMEs**

The consultant will develop a simplified recoding keeping for MSMEs which will support them in their day-to-day operations including business records management. This will help them calculate profits, track expenses but overall ensure MSMEs have a clear picture of the business in terms of costs and expenses and how to manage the same.

**c. Mentoring and Coaching**

Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to business owners to help them build leadership, strategic, and operational skills. This support will focus on enhancing decision-making, improving business practices, and overcoming challenges in a sustainable manner.

**d. Market Linkages**

Through the assessment advise on connections between enterprises and key markets, industry stakeholders, and other critical ecosystem enablers. The consultant will work to unlock opportunities for business expansion, improved market access, and collaboration with partners that can support the enterprise’s growth and job creation objectives.

**4. Deliverables**

The consultancy will provide the following deliverables:

The following deliverables are envisioned under this consultancy:

1. Inception report
2. Digitized recording keeping system
3. Business model assessment
4. Mentorship and coaching support
5. Draft and Final report - to be finalized after inputs from SOMREP
6. All resources developed for this assignment

**5. Duration of Consultancy**

The consultancy services are expected to be completed within a period of 30 days which can be staggered but not exceed 60 days.

**6. Reporting and Communication**

The consultant will report to the Economic development and Market systems advisor. The consultant is expected to update advisor on a regular basis and submit progress reports according to an agreed schedule. Any issues, delays, or obstacles should be communicated promptly to ensure timely resolution.

**7. Qualifications of the Consultant**

The ideal consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

- At least 7 years of experience in business development, strategic consulting or related fields.
- Proven track record in building & working with MSMEs to grow & scale up their business etc
- Experience working with Retail trade MSMEs in Somaliland or similar context
- Extensive knowledge on working in/with private sector and development organizations.
- Ability to work independently and deliver results within specified deadlines.
- Relevant educational background (e.g., Degree or MBA, M.Sc. in Business Administration or business related etc.)

**8. Evaluation Criteria**

The Selection of the firm will be made based on cumulative analysis (i.e., mandatory requirement and technical qualifications as follows:

**Mandatory requirements**

**Preliminary Compliance Check (Pass/Fail) - Mandatory Documents Evaluation**

**EVALUATION CRITERIA**

**Suppliers Eligibility -** Refers to the minimum requirement that suppliers should fulfill, such as business license & registration, TIN Certificate and VAT Certificate. **Criteria - Pass & fail**

**Technical and financial**

Refers to technical capacity (80%) of the vendor and technical conformity of the submitted bid with the requested TOR Vendors are required to submit financial reports (20%) - Total Score 100%

**The following documents should be submitted to proceed to technical evaluation**

- Valid Copy of business registration (company/organization).
- Valid Copy of the tax registration

**Technical Evaluation**

Applicants need to clearly articulate on the following, but not limited to: -

- A Consulting profile and cover letter outlining the suitability of the consultant in undertaking the assignment (Not exceeding two pages)
- Up to two-page statement of capability (referencing the selection criteria) and the approach to be take in undertaking this assignment
- Clear work plan including time frames for the BDS assignment
- Detailed CVs of key personnel (including any formal qualifications) should be provided
- References including names and contact information from previous clients who can be contacted regarding relevant experience in market system assessment (At least three)

**Techn