Entrepreneurship and CSOs Capacity Building Expert – IWEE

Objectives of the Assignment

The primary goal of this assignment is to:

-Enhance the capacity of CSOs to effectively provide business development support to women entrepreneurs.

-Strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem to ensure sustainable, long-term impact.

– Foster the development of women-led enterprises by creating better access to mentorship, financial services, and networks.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

1. Capacity Building for CSOs and Local Partners:-

–Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the capacity-building needs of CSOs in the entrepreneurship space.

–Training Development: Design and deliver training modules on topics such as business mentoring, access to finance, and monitoring & evaluation strategies.

–Workshop Facilitation: Organize and facilitate workshops focusing on entrepreneurship development, governance, and impact measurement for CSOs.

–Capacity Enhancement Programs: Support CSOs in establishing and operating business incubators and accelerators targeting women-led enterprises.

–Toolkits and Guidelines: Develop resource materials, toolkits, and operational guidelines for CSOs, promoting best practices and replicable models.

2. Strengthening the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: –

– Partnership Development: Build relationships between financial institutions, incubators, accelerators, and CSOs to improve service delivery.

–  Knowledge Sharing: Establish knowledge exchange platforms to facilitate networking and collaboration among CSOs and ecosystem stakeholders.

–  Promote Financial Access: Collaborate with microfinance institutions to ease financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas.

3. Direct Support to Women Entrepreneurs

–Training and Mentorship Programs: Develop and implement tailored entrepreneurship programs, focusing on startup development, financial literacy, and business expansion.

– Business Networks: Organize networking events and mentorship sessions to connect women entrepreneurs with role models, investors, and financial institutions.

– Monitoring and Coaching: Provide ongoing support and coaching to selected women entrepreneurs to ensure business sustainability. 

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

– Performance Indicators: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of capacity-building initiatives in coordination with IWEE MEAL officer

– Data Collection and Reporting: Prepare monthly and quarterly reports summarizing progress, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

– Sustainability Planning: Develop recommendations to ensure the sustainability of project initiatives.

Expected Deliverables

Deliverables

Timeline

Detailed needs assessment of CSOs and recommendations

March 2025 

Training Materials: Tailored toolkits, modules, and guidelines for CSO

December 2024

April 2025

Capacity-Building Workshops: to deliver capacity building workshops to contracted CSO as per the IWEE communication plan

Continuously

Progress Reports: Monthly and quarterly reports on progress, challenges, and success stories.

Monthly and quarterly

Final Report: A comprehensive report summarizing project outcomes and lessons learned (end of contract).

end of contract

Required Qualifications and Skills

Experience:

– Minimum of 5 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, capacity building, or working with CSOs.

– Demonstrated experience in supporting women entrepreneurs in developing economies, preferably in Iraq or conflict-affected areas.

– Knowledge of financial inclusion initiatives and experience working with microfinance or banking institutions is an advantage.

Skills:

–          Strong facilitation and training skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

– Proficiency in English and Arabic is required.

Personal Attributes:

– Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

– Ability to work independently and in a multicultural environment.

– Flexibility to travel within Iraq as required

Reporting and Coordination

– The expert will report to the IWEE Project Manager and work closely with other project team members and partner organizations.

– Regular meetings with IWEE management to track progress and adjust strategies.

Close collaboration with key stakeholders, including local CSOs, financial institutions, incubators, and government representatives.

Travel Requirements

–  The expert will be expected to travel within Iraq to engage with CSOs and monitor activities across target regions, including both urban and rural area.

–  Travel policy will be as per Expertise France regulation.