GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO
LESOTHO COMPETITIVENESS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION (CAFI) PROJECT
REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE
(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)
LEAD PROGRAMME MANAGER FOR THE LESOTHO ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB AND SEED FINANCING FACILITY
1.0 BACKGROUND
The Government of Lesotho (GoL), through the World Bank-financed Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, will support the establishment of a new specialised Entrepreneurship Hub (ecosystem developer) and Seed Financing Facility (investment fund/accelerator) to facilitate the development of a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lesotho. The Hub is expected to increase the quality and scope of integrated start-up business support services through certified Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) and access to early-stage financing through several specific incubation programs and a seed financing facility.
The Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility will capacitate ESOs and provide integrated support to start-ups and innovative SMEs (ISMEs) based in Lesotho. Start-ups are businesses with high-growth potential and intention, while ISMEs are SMEs with innovative products and services. The ISMEs are typically higher risk, with higher potential products or business models than typical SMEs. These types of entrepreneurial businesses will benefit from the specific types of business and financial support provided by the ESOs.
The overall support program for the entrepreneurship ecosystem includes the following activities:
a) Establishment of a sustainable and privately managed Entrepreneurship Hub to support Lesotho’s entrepreneurship ecosystem;
b) Upskilling and certification of 15 existing or newly established ESOs;
c) Facilitation of the design and implementation, through the ESOs, of an incubation support program that includes competitive funding to incubate up to 500 businesses over 6 years;
d) Integration of the Lesotho Start-up Community within a wider regional entrepreneurship ecosystem;
e) Development and management of a program to facilitate Basotho Diaspora engagement with the Lesotho entrepreneurship ecosystem;
f) Provision of initial funding to create a seed financing facility that will invest in 50 start-ups over the period of the project (6 years).
2.0 OBJECTIVE
The Lead Programme Manager (LPM) will be responsible for launching, coordinating and ensuring successful delivery of the activities of the Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility for the first two years (extendable based on need and performance).
3.0 SCOPE OF WORK
The LPM will be responsible for developing and executing the Hub strategy, recruiting, and managing a team, developing and managing a diverse set of partnerships, continuously adapting and refining the Hub service offering and sustainability model, overseeing the planning, execution and administration of the Hub, and directing all activities which support the Hub’s growth and mission.
The LPM will undertake the following specific tasks:
a) Coordinate the establishment of a sustainable and privately managed Entrepreneurship Hub to support Lesotho’s entrepreneurship ecosystem;
b) Coordinate upskilling and certification of 15 existing or newly established ESOs;
c) Coordinate facilitation of the design and implementation of a series of incubation support programs that includes competitive funding to incubate up to 500 businesses (these incubation programs are to be delivered by the ESOs);
d) Coordinate development and management of a program aimed at integrating the Lesotho Start-up Community within a wider regional entrepreneurship ecosystem;
e) Coordinate development and management of a program to facilitate Basotho Diaspora engagement with the Lesotho entrepreneurship ecosystem;
f) Successfully recruit and manage staff on a day-to-day basis, ensuring performance against agreed objectives with regular reviews and development;
g) Act as spokesperson for the Hub in discussions with stakeholders and donors, in conferences and other relevant forums, and at media events;
h) Ensure compliance with regulatory and fiduciary requirements of the GoL and the finance and procurement regulations of the World Bank.
i) Prudently manage finances and other resources of the Hub, including helping incubated businesses manage their resources where necessary.
j) Build and oversee the implementation of an evidence-based results framework and lead the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in accordance with the M&E requirements of the CAFI Project, showcasing successful enterprises.
4.0 DELIVERABLES
a) Work Plans and Budget for the Entrepreneurship Hub and Financing Facility.
b) Organisational Structure and Job Descriptions for the Hub Staff
c) Hub Staff Contracts
d) Instruments for Efficient Operation of the Hub
e) Entrepreneurship Hub Strategic Plan
f) Training Reports
g) Activity Reports
h) Quarterly Progress Reports
i) 15 selected and Certified ESOs
j) Four cycles of incubation programs delivered by ESOs. Each cycle includes 5 Incubation programs for 10 Entrepreneurs each.
5.0 GOVERNANCE
The successful candidate will be named as “the Lead Programme Manager (LPM)” of the Hub and will report administratively to the Head of Project Manager Management Unit (PMU) for the CAFI Project, and functionally to a multi-stakeholder Steering board.
6.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
6.1 Qualifications
A Masters’ degree in Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance or equivalent.
6.2 Experience
a) Seven (7) or more years’ experience in managing projects, with at least 5 years managing similar early stages of entrepreneurship project development.
b) Demonstrated understanding of issues relating to enterprise development and entrepreneurship ecosystem development and dynamics.
c) Prior involvement in managing a seed fund, business incubator, accelerator, or SME support organisation will be an added advantage.
d) Experience in fundraising.
e) Maintains a strong relationship with Start-up Ecosystems developments in Africa and beyond.
f) Demonstrated understanding of the local context, including the business and investment climate in the Sub-Saharan Region.
g) Good understanding of the context of the private and public sectors in Lesotho and the sub-region and ability to interact with key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
h) Prior entrepreneurial experience in having successfully started and/or run a business will be considered a strong advantage.
7.0 COMPETENCIES
a) Analytical skills, ability to coordinate and multitask.
b) Supervisory skills.
c) Strong Managerial skills.
d) Strong leadership skills and ability to respond effectively to deadlines and high-pressure situations.
e) Conflict Management skills.
f) Partnership building skills.
g) Report writing skills.
h) Integrity and confidentiality.
i) Fluency in the English language with strong written, oral communication and listening skills.
j) Advanced computer (PC) skills, including Microsoft Office or related software.
k) Good Communication, interpersonal skills and time management.
l) Hold a valid Code B driver’s licence plus 5 years of driving.
8.0 DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The duration of the contract is Twenty-Four (24) months with the possibility of extension based on need and performance.
SUBMISSION
The Government of Lesotho now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services by submitting an application letter and detailed curriculum vitae.
Candidates will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the current edition of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers.
Interested candidates must deliver their application letter and Curriculum Vitae to the address below by 18th November 2022.
Electronic submissions of application letters and detailed curriculum vitae (using a single pdf or other protected file) are highly preferred for security purposes and applicants should include as the subject message “Lead Programme Manager for the Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility” and should be sent to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected].
Only shortlisted Individual Consultants will be contacted.
The Project Manager
Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project
1st Floor, Matanki House
Corner Kingsway and Balfour Road
P.O. Box 747,
Maseru 100
Lesotho
Tel No.: (+266) 22 315 100