Background: Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems for more resilient economies
The rate of job creation in Africa is not keeping pace with demographic growth. According to World Bank forecasts, Africa's working-age population is set to increase by 450 million by 2035, while the continent's economies are expected to produce just 100 million new jobs. While the entrepreneurial spirit is omnipresent in Africa today - one African in 5 sets up his or her own business - the continent's young businesses and entrepreneurs encounter a number of obstacles in their entrepreneurial adventure, all of which hinder the development of their project and the creation of jobs: financing, support, cultural or social barriers, particularly for women, regulations and public policies that are more or less favourable to business creation, etc.
The ILO estimates that MSMEs represent more than 70% of global employment and 50% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They are a key engine of economic growth and poverty reduction providing goods and services to poor and underserved markets, as well as critical suppliers in global value chains. Despite this, gaps and deficiencies in the economic structure limit the capacity of both formal and informal MSMEs to grow, as well as limiting their potential to further contribute to job creation.
It is against this backdrop that the EU launched the TEI IYBA Team Europe Initiative Investing in Young Businesses in Africa to support start-ups and young entrepreneurs to launch and develop sustainable, inclusive, and job-creating activities.
The IYBA-SEED program, Investing in Young Businesses in Africa - Supporting Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, part of the TEI IYBA, aims to foster the growth and success of businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those in the very early (pre-seed) and early (seed) stages of development. The emphasis of IYBA-SEED is put on increasing access to Business Development Services for SEED beneficiaries, which primarily consist of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 and women entrepreneurs.
Objectives of the Consultancy
The Junior Consultant will be responsible for fulfilling a variety of M&E, administrative, and event support tasks. This role will ensure smooth operational processes, facilitate effective communication, and support the project’s monitoring and reporting requirements. The consultant will have opportunities to work with multicultural teams across Belgium, Benin, and Kenya, and gain valuable experience working with other actors in international development and project management.
Scope of Work
The Junior Consultant will work under the supervision of SNV’s Program Manager and in close coordination with project teams in Benin, Kenya, and Brussels. The primary responsibilities of the consultant include:
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Support
Administrative Support
Event and Communication Support
Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following: