Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ) Component 1 is a four-year programme funded by the UK’s International Climate Fund. It consists of three sub-components: 1A – Market Systems Development, 1B – Uganda Climate Innovation Fund, and 1C -Ecosystems Services. Component 1 seeks to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and ultimately improve the incomes of smallholder farmers (particularly women, refugees, and host communities). CSJ understands that smallholder farmers (SHFs) are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change (particularly extreme weather events) and face numerous constraints. Mitigating these effects is central to the programme’s approach.
The constraints SHFs face in improving agricultural productivity and income levels include limited access to inputs for crops and livestock, poor soil and water management, limited access to an efficient distribution model for climate-resilient varieties, limited access to affordable extension services for both livestock and crop, weak engagement between Private Sector Actors (PSAs) and research institutions, high incidence of pests/parasites and diseases for crops and livestock, uncertainty in seasonality (unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spell, spatial distribution of rainfall), limited access to affordable on-farm mechanization services), and weak market access and value addition.
CSJ intends to work with market actors to trigger change in the market system in a way that enables SHFs to gain increased access to affordable, quality input products and services, in turn increasing their incomes and ability to adapt and become resilient to the effect of climate change.
This TOR focuses on the provision of Technical Assistance (TA) to develop a Business Incubation Framework and Guide for UCIF. UCIF is targeting to support business owners to acquire the necessary skills to drive their company’s growth and prepare SMEs to become bankable and competent in raising capital.
Background to the Assignment
Component 1B serves as the conduit for delivering the Uganda Climate Innovation Fund (UCIF). It is designed to empower market actors to initiate, expand, and replicate innovative climate-smart solutions, specifically tailored to benefit smallholder farmers. There is a specific focus on key demographic groups, including women, refugees, and host communities in Northern Uganda. The primary objective is to enhance their resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change while simultaneously increasing their incomes and employment opportunities.
The UCIF in partnership with the SBIL is set to provide a holistic package of TA to the pioneers of the SBIL from piloting their business idea to establishing product market fit before scale-up under Component 1A. TA will be delivered through bootcamps, training workshops, one-on-one expert-led coaching and mentorship, as well as peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Objectives of the Assignment
CSJ requires the services of a suitably qualified and experienced Consultant to provide technical expertise and guidance to develop a Business Incubation Framework and Guide to provide holistic and comprehensive business incubation to enable the pioneers to graduate from ideation to product- market fit. The document will provide a standard guide for the delivery of the incubation program which is usually between 3- 6 months. The objectives are summarized briefly as:
• To design a Business Incubation Framework that outlines the key components, processes, and best practices for setting up and managing a successful business incubator.
• To develop a detailed Guide that provides step-by-step instructions, templates, and tools for implementing the Business Incubation Framework
Scope of Work
The preferred Consultant will deliver the following responsibilities:
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, frameworks, and guides on business incubation
• Consult with key stakeholders to gather insights and best practice’s
• Design a Business Incubation Framework that includes:
1. Definition and objectives of SBIL’s business incubation programme.
2. key components of the business incubation programme, such as infrastructure, services and management
3. Processes for selecting, onboarding, and supporting incubate businesses
4. Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of the incubation programme.
• Developing a detailed Guide that:
1. Provides practical guidance on implementing each aspect of the Business Incubation Framework.
2. Includes templates, checklists, and tools that can be used by incubator managers and stakeholders.
• Presenting the draft Business Incubation Framework and Guide to SBIL for feedback and incorporating any revisions.
• Finalizing the Business Incubation Framework and Guide based on the feedback received.
Deliverables
The Consultant will deliver the following in execution of the Scope of Work:
• Inception Report outlining the approach and methodology for the consultancy.
• Draft Business Incubation Framework and Guide for review.
• Final Business Incubation Framework and Guide incorporating feedback.
Reporting
The Consultant will report to the Team Leader with support from the Manager, Programmes, Stanbic Business Incubator working closely with the Business Incubation Specialist.
Required Competencies
The preferred candidate will exhibit the following competencies:
• Achieve Results: Sets and aligns challenging, achievable objectives in performance of tasks having lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create opportunities to help teams expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Politically savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion wider collaboration.
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal Consultant will have demonstrable experience in development of incubation frameworks, guides and strategies for SMEs, entrepreneurs or start-ups in Uganda and/or East Africa
Education:
• Masters Degree in Business Management / Economics / Entrepreneurship / Enterprise Development or a related field.
Experience:
• Extensive experience in business incubation, entrepreneurship development, and SME support.
• In-depth understanding of the startup ecosystem and the challenges faced by early-stage ventures.
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Previous experience in developing frameworks, guides, or toolkits related to business incubation is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? submit your application now to info@csj.co.ug
More Information
- Address Kampala, Uganda, East Africa
