Consultancy- Establishment of an Export Advisory Consultancy Firm- USAID TRADE

Consultancy- Establishment of an Export Advisory Consultancy Firm- USAID TRADE

We are searching for an experienced Consultancy- Establishment of an Export Advisory Consultancy Firm- USAID TRADE at our Egypt facility. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Introduction

The USAID-funded TRADE Activity aims to bolster Egypt’s international trade by stimulating exports from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in targeted sectors. The activity’s Theory of Change is based on three key strategies: providing targeted technical assistance (TA) to New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs) to enhance their competitiveness, improving the quality and relevance of trade support services offered to exporters, and eliminating barriers to trade and investment. By implementing these strategies, TRADE seeks to catalyse short-term export growth while simultaneously fostering an ecosystem that promotes inclusive and sustained economic development for years to come.

The TRADE Activity focuses on the following selected sectors:

• Building Materials
• Chemicals
• Engineering Products
• Food Processing
• Home textiles
• Packaging and printing
• Ready Made Garments

To achieve the Activity’s goal, the project implements activities in the following three Result areas:

• Result 1 (R1): Enhanced export capacity of SMEs, particularly New and Expanding Export- Ready Enterprises (NEEREs) in selected sectors.
• Result 2 (R2): Strengthened Public and Private Trade-Support Institutions – TSIs (e. g., trade associations, Export Councils, etc.).
• Result 3 (R3): Improved trade and investment policy, regulatory and institutional environment.

The Result 1 component of the project focuses on enhancing the capabilities of Egyptian SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in export markets by accessing new markets, establishing and maintaining strong linkages with buyers in regional and international markets, enhancing their competitiveness and adopting sustainable business models in accordance with international standards in seven industrial sectors.

Through Result 1, the project uses the services of Export Advisors from each of the above sectors to provide SMEs with one-on-one coaching and mentoring to help them grow and expand their exports. The project also contracts with various service providers such as consultants, brokers, and technical experts to provide technical support to these SMEs in areas such as e-commerce, certifications, operational efficiency, environment, and social and governance to help them comply with new regulations and compete in sophisticated export markets.

Assignment Purpose

As part of its sustainability efforts and in response to anecdotal demand for export advisory services in Egypt, the USAID TRADE would like to explore the feasibility and soundness of establishing an export advisory consultancy (EAC) firm specializing in advisory and capacity building services to exporting SMEs. The EAC would aim to capitalize on the learnings, expertise and accumulated knowledge developed by USAID TRADE’s Export Advisors in coaching and advising SMEs that aim to grow their exports and to benefit from their services beyond the life of the project. This company would aim to sustain and potentially expand its critical services to SMEs across the region.

Overall objectives are as follows:

• Continuity of Services: The primary objective is to ensure the seamless provision of export advisory services by retaining the expertise of skilled export advisors from the USAID TRADE project after project completion.
• Strengthening the export competitiveness of SMEs: The EAC will seek to empower SMEs by providing tailored export advisory services, enhancing their capacity, and facilitating their entry into international markets.
• Partnership with donor projects to provide consultancy services to SMEs: The EAC would enter into commercial and other partnerships not only with SMEs but also with Trade Support Institutions, USAID TRADE itself, and any other donor projects that seek export advisory services for Egyptian enterprises.

Scope of Work

Through this assignment the consultant shall cover the following:

• Assess the demand for export advisory services (coaching and advising, consultations, export strategies, market access, buyers’ linkages, planning, client management, etc.) provided to SMEs in the local market, whether through trade and business associations, donors and donor projects, or private businesses of all sizes. Assessment of demand will include willingness for businesses and associations to pay market or subsidized prices for such export advisory services.
• Scan the local consultancy market for firms providing similar services, as well as their pricing of services, providing insights on market size, major players, untapped markets, and underserved segments.
• Interview TRADE’s current Export Advisors to understand their career goals, potential roles and interest in such a consultancy, business model preferences, salary, and benefit expectations, etc.
• Develop a 3-year business plan for the new company including sustainable Revenue Stream Analysis, Cost Structure, Marketing and Sales Plans, Human Resources Needs, Initial Capital Requirements, legal structure options and recommendations, etc.
• Develop an Organizational Structure for the new company.
• Assess the financial feasibility of establishing and running such an export advisory services company.

Deliverables

The expected deliverables of this assignment are:

• Feasibility study for the EAC’s establishment that includes at minimum:

— Demand analysis for export advisory services (including items mentioned above)

— A 3-year business plan for the company, including legal structure options and recommendations

— An Organizational chart and staffing plan for the company.

— Financial feasibility study to include projected profit & loss statement P&L, balance sheet B/S and cashflow statement CF determining break-even point, optimal operating capacity and expected ROI (Return on Investment).

• Presentation of preliminary findings (mid-consultancy)
• Final presentation of findings
• A brief consultancy report in English that contains the purpose of the consultancy, progress achieved, observations, issues and / or problems encountered, and details of expected follow-on activities by USAID TRADE or its counterparts.

Timeline and Estimated LOE

• The assignment must be completed within 3 months from the date of commencement.
• Estimated Level of Effort is 30 person days

Submission Requirements

Interested consultants should submit brief proposals (no more than a 10-slide PPT except for CV) including methodology, timeline, and budget.

Proposals should also include relevant experience and references.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the consultant’s experience, methodology, timeline, and cost-effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• 15+ years of expertise in the consultancy and advisory services field, with a proven track-record of developing successful business plans. Experience with SMEs and the export business is highly desirable.
• A master’s degree in business, finance, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in guiding companies through strategic planning and financial modelling.
• Proven experience in market analysis and business planning.
• In depth knowledge of organizational Structures that support effective corporate governance.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (both verbal and written) is essential.

Consultants

Month

0.00 – 0.00

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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