Training on Market Linkages for Displacement-Affected Communities

1. Background
Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO) is a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organization committed to connecting communities with opportunities that promote sustainable development. In collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), SOLO is implementing an Economic Inclusion (EI) Project aimed at fostering self-reliance among displacement-affected communities. Through this initiative, 500 individuals have been trained in various fields, including food and beverage services, poultry farming, climate-smart agriculture, and general business operations. Many of these participants have since established small businesses such as eateries, poultry farms, crop farming ventures, and general shops.

Despite their entrepreneurial progress, participants face significant challenges in effectively marketing their products and services and establishing market linkages. To address this gap, SOLO seeks to engage a qualified consultant to design and deliver a one-day training program for participants, focusing on practical strategies for creating and strengthening market linkages.

2. Objective of the Consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and sustain market linkages that will enhance their business growth. Specifically, the training should enable participants to:

• Understand the concept and significance of market linkages in business development.
  • Identify and connect with potential buyers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders in their value chains.
  • Develop practical, actionable strategies for marketing their products and services, even with limited literacy skills.
  • Strengthen their ability to negotiate and build long-term, sustainable business relationships.

3. Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Training Needs Assessment

• Review the profiles of the 500 participants and their respective businesses.
  • Identify specific challenges and opportunities related to market linkages for each business type (e.g., eateries, poultry farms, crop farming, general shops).

2. Training Design

• Develop a tailored training curriculum that is simple, practical, and accessible to participants with limited literacy skills.
  • Include modules on:

– The basics of market linkages and their importance.
– Identifying and accessing local and regional markets.
– Marketing strategies for small businesses.
– Building and maintaining business relationships.
– Negotiation skills and pricing strategies.

3. Training Delivery

• Conduct one-day training sessions for each participant, ensuring an interactive and hands-on learning experience.
  • Use visual aids, demonstrations, and role-playing exercises to enhance understanding and engagement.
  • Provide participants with simple, easy-to-use tools for marketing and networking.

4. Post-Training Support

• Develop a concise guide or toolkit summarizing key training concepts for participants to reference after the training.
  • Offer recommendations for follow-up support to ensure the sustainability of the training outcomes.

5. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. A simplified, participant-focused training curriculum and materials tailored to the needs of displacement-affected communities.
2. One-day training sessions for each of the 500 participants, delivered in an engaging and accessible manner.
3. A comprehensive final report detailing:
– Training outcomes.
– Participant feedback.
– Recommendations for future interventions to strengthen market linkages.
6**. Duration and Timeline**
The consultancy will span approximately 14 days, with one-day training sessions conducted for each of the 500 participants. The consultant will work closely with SOLO to develop a detailed schedule for the training sessions, ensuring efficient delivery within the specified timeframe.

7. Qualifications and Experience
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.

  • Proven experience in conducting training for semi-literate or low-literacy groups.

  • Expertise in small business development, marketing, and financial management.

  • Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.

  • Familiarity with the socio-economic context of displacement-affected communities is highly desirable.

    8**. Budget and Payment Terms**
    The consultant is required to submit a detailed technical and financial proposal, including:

• Daily consultancy rates.
• Any additional costs associated with the training (e.g., materials, travel).

Payment will be made in installments based on the completion of agreed deliverables, as outlined in the contract.

How to apply

9**. Application Process**
Interested consultants are invited to submit the following documents:
1. A technical proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan.
2. A financial proposal detailing the cost of the consultancy.
3. A detailed CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
4. At least two references from previous clients.

Applications should be submitted via email to jobs@somalilifeline.org no later than 15:00 on March 19, 2025.