This includes segmenting MSMEs into three tiers based on their readiness for capital and finance, ensuring strategic, tailored support that enables targeted assistance effectively. and investments being strategic to tailored support effectively and enabling targeted assistance. Through tailored tools, resources, and capacity-building initiatives, the program empowers agribusinesses to thrive in competitive markets, unlocking their full potential while creating shared value across the agricultural value chain.
Responsibilities:
Conduct assessments of agribusinesses (MSMEs, cooperatives, etc.) identified as beneficiaries of the projects, focusing on operational, financial, and investment readiness.
Share insights on systemic investment barriers and enablers for MSMEs in the local and regional context.
Develop a detailed Action Plan for each entity based on Tier, outlining steps and recommendations to improve investment readiness, including timelines, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Build capacity for MSMEs to improve their investment readiness through tailored training and coaching programs.
Hands-on coaching, small group training and/or individualized support for creating high-quality business plans, pitch decks, financial projections, and investment materials.
Group-based training on foundational business and financial planning, basic market positioning, and general understanding of investment and investor expectations
Facilitate the development of essential investment and investor materials, such as: o Business plans, elevator pitches, and professional pitch decks. o Investment brochures and profiles that communicate the opportunity effectively.
Conduct mock pitch sessions and feedback loops for Tier 1 and 2 entities to enhance presentation skills and refine investment understanding.
Broader financial literacy training and operational management skills enhancement, including cash flow management, cost control, risk mitigation, and tailored agribusiness financial management strategies addressing climate risks, seasonality, and price volatility.
Identify and share the network of capital providers for A4A’s landscape map.
Enable MSMEs to access capital through matchmaking, investor forums, and direct engagements with capital providers.
Actively network with local, regional, and international capital providers to create potential investment/capital opportunities, including impact investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), banks, foundations, family offices, MFIs, venture capital, and private equity firms.
Support to entities in applying to call for project proposals, grant funding, etc. by drafting and supporting the application process.
Pre-vet and establish strategic relationships with key local, regional, and international investors to expedite investment processes and reduce potential delays in accessing capital for high-priority MSMEs.
Coordinate and support participation in investment forums and pitch events, ensuring high-quality presentations by MSMEs.
Provide hands-on for engagement process of investors interest and due diligence phases: o Support the preparation of data/deal rooms and documentation.
Facilitate investor queries and help MSMEs address capital provider concerns to move toward a successful deal closing.
Organize and host site visits for investors and capital providers. o Consider post-investment opportunities for A4A’s continued involvement to further de-risk and encourage investment.
Track outcomes of matchmaking efforts and document impact.
Provide continuous post-investment follow-up including regular progress checks, milestone monitoring, investor reporting assistance, compliance management, troubleshooting support, and documenting success stories for visibility and continuous improvement as needed.
Promote A4A’s investment promotion strategy and showcase aligned MSMEs, leveraging the consultants’ local networks.
Assist informal or semi-formal producer groups to formalize, strengthen governance structures, and transition to investment-ready entities.
Actively identify, engage, and provide tailored support to women and youth-led MSMEs, reporting clearly on gender and youth participation in the project.
Participate in Quarterly A4A Investment Consultant Roundtable Discussions to share insights and support the refinement of the A4A Investment Promotion Approach.
The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form.
Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC.
ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
Requirements:
Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or another relevant field.
Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
At least 5/6 years of experience working with businesses on investment strategies.
Experience working with ITC or international organizations will be an asset.
Excellent understanding of financial and investment strategies.
Strong knowledge and experience in finance and investment for agribusiness MSMEs.
Knowledge of agribusiness value chains
Ability to work with minimum supervision, efficiency, competence and integrity and in harmony with people from different backgrounds.
