Consultancy – ESOs Facilitator’s Training 

GENERAL CONTEXT

The Rwanda ICT Chamber is an arm of the Private Sector Federation (PSF). Established in 2011, the Rwanda ICT Chamber is the leading partner for organizations to share experiences, network, and connect with key players in the Rwandan ICT sector. At the ICT Chamber, we assist our members in collaborating with the right associations, companies, and individuals, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills, opportunities, and tools for growth. 

1. THE ASSIGNMENT 

2. Background of the Assignment 

According to the Dalberg Report, the current state of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in Rwanda presents a critical challenge to the development and growth of high-potential startups. The report identifies a concerning trend where high-growth startups in Rwanda are not receiving the necessary and highly customized support required to reach their full potential. The ESO loop in Rwanda, as highlighted in the Dalberg Report, primarily serves lifestyle and survivalist small businesses, while falling short in providing tailored assistance to high-growth startups. This lack of specialized support forces entrepreneurs to navigate a fragmented ecosystem, seeking additive solutions that are not readily available from existing ESOs. 

As a result, high-growth startups find themselves hopping from one ESO to another, seeking guidance that goes beyond what current ESOs offer. The absence of specialized support has a stifling effect on the growth trajectory of these startups, impeding their ability to scale and, ultimately, hindering the overall growth of Rwanda's startup ecosystem. 

3. Objectives

The primary objectives of the Facilitator Training Consultant are as follows:

• Develop and provide training sessions according to the proposed curriculum.
• Offer leadership skills training to startup facilitators.
• Deliver training in strategic planning and implementation.
• Provide insights into financial sustainability and business models.
• Train participants in impact reporting and effective communication.
• Support participants through leadership coaching and guidance. 

4. Key Responsibilities:

The Facilitator Training Consultant will assume the following key responsibilities: 

• Training Delivery: Develop and deliver training sessions based on the proposed curriculum, ensuring the content aligns with the specific needs of the Rwandan entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

• Leadership Skills: Provide specialized training in leadership skills, enabling startup facilitators to effectively guide and mentor entrepreneurs. 

• Strategic Planning: Impart knowledge and skills related to strategic planning, assisting participants in crafting effective growth strategies. 

• Financial Sustainability & Business Models: Train participants in financial sustainability concepts and the development of viable business models. 

• Impact Reporting and Communications: Offer guidance on effective impact reporting and communication strategies to enhance the visibility and success of startups. 

• Leadership and Coaching Support: Provide ongoing leadership coaching and support to participants, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Deliverables 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Develop a well-structured and comprehensive curriculum tailored to the specific needs of the Rwandan entrepreneurial ecosystem. This curriculum should cover a range of topics, including leadership skills, strategic planning, financial sustainability, business models, impact reporting, and effective communication. The curriculum should provide a framework for training sessions that bridge the gap between the current capabilities of ESOs and the requirements for supporting high-growth startups effectively. 

• Training Certification Process: Establish a certification process to formally recognize and certify trainees who successfully complete the training program. The certification should validate the trainees' knowledge and skills in supporting startups and should be a testament to their ability to contribute effectively to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Training Sessions and Materials: Develop and deliver a series of training sessions based on the curriculum. These sessions should be engaging, interactive, and designed to impart practical skills and knowledge to the participants. Prepare training materials, presentations, and resources that enhance the learning experience. 

• Assessment and Evaluation Framework: Create an assessment and evaluation framework to measure the progress and impact of the training program. This framework should include methods for tracking the development of participants and assessing the effectiveness of the training in bridging the gap in their capabilities. 

• Certification Documentation: Generate certification documents for trainees who successfully complete the program, including certificates, transcripts, and any additional relevant documentation. 

• Monitoring and Support Plan: Develop a plan for ongoing monitoring and support to assist certified trainees as they apply their knowledge and skills in the field. This plan should include mechanisms for feedback, continuous improvement, and mentorship. 

• Final Report: Provide a final report summarizing the outcomes of the training program, including the number of trainees certified, feedback from participants, and any insights on the program's impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rwanda. 

2. Timeframe of the Service 

The project is expected to span a timeframe that aligns with the curriculum and training needs, with a focus on delivering impactful training and support to ESOs and startup facilitators in Rwanda.

3. Selection Method 

The selection of the Facilitator Training Consultant will be carried out in accordance with the criteria established for this role. This will include evaluating qualifications, experience, and expertise relevant to the assignment. 

4. Reporting and Cooperation 

The Facilitator Training Consultant will report to the Rwanda ICT Chamber and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure effective training and support to the ESOs and startup facilitators. 

5. Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate for the role of the Facilitator Training Consultant should meet the following qualifications and attributes: 

• Nationality: The applicant should be a citizen of Rwanda, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

• Educational Qualifications: A Degree in Business related fields and relevant educational background in entrepreneurship, business management, or related fields is preferred. 

• Experience: A proven track record of facilitating training programs, coaching, or mentoring within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Experience in supporting startups and ESOs is highly desirable. The potential candidates must demonstrate that they developed a training model. 

• Leadership Skills: Proficiency in leadership and coaching, with the ability to guide and inspire startup facilitators. 

• Strategic Planning: Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and implementation. 

• Financial Knowledge: A strong understanding of financial sustainability concepts and the ability to convey this knowledge effectively. 

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on impact reporting and effective communication. 

• Collaboration: A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with both tech startups and traditional businesses, bringing together diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Strategic Vision: Visionary thinking and strategic mindset to identify untapped synergies and potential growth areas between tech and traditional sectors. 

• Project Management: Exceptional project management skills to ensure the timely execution of tasks, meet project milestones, and deliver on-time reports and recommendations. 

• Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the local business environment in Rwanda, with the ability to navigate cultural nuances when facilitating partnerships. 

• Languages: Proficiency in English and Kinyarwanda is required. Knowledge of additional languages such as French is advantageous. 

Next Steps:

Qualified individuals interested in leading this project are encouraged to submit their proposal, detailing how they plan to execute the project's objectives. The selected individual will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, growth, and collaboration between the tech and traditional business sectors in Rwanda. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

6. How to Apply?

Qualified candidates interested in this consultancy role are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, and a detailed proposal highlighting their approach to achieving the project's objectives. All applications are sent to employment@ict.rw by October 29, 2023.