Following the successful implementation of the First Phase of the SME Digitalisation Project which focused on sustaining existing jobs, GEA proposes to implement another phase of the Digitalization Project for SMEs with a focus on women-owned and women-led SMEs. The objective of this Second Phase is to increase operational efficiency and business growth leading to job creation. The Project will be implemented through a combination of targeted demand-based support for SMEs in digitalizing their procedural models as well as encouraging innovative business processes. The support will comprise facilitating a detailed assessment of the beneficiaries’ needs, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, online visibility as well as in-depth knowledge of digitalization and process innovation.

This Project includes the development of an integrated solution for the survival, improvement, and growth of SMEs with the aim to provide targeted support in digitalizing their operations. This will provide a centralized platform involving a detailed assessment of SMEs’ needs, challenges, and potentials, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, virtual visibility, and in-depth knowledge in digitalization and process innovation.

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Based on the above and following the successful implementation of the First Phase of the SME Digitalisation Project which focused on sustaining existing jobs, GEA proposes to implement another phase of the Digitalization Project for SMEs with a focus on women-owned and women-led SMEs. The objective of this Second Phase is to increase operational efficiency and business growth leading to job creation. The Project will be implemented through a combination of targeted demand-based support for SMEs in digitalizing their procedural models as well as encouraging innovative business processes. The support will facilitate a detailed assessment of the beneficiaries’ needs, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, online visibility, and in-depth knowledge of digitalization and process innovation.

This Project includes the development of an integrated solution for SMEs’ survival, improvement, and growth with the aim to provide targeted support in digitalizing their operations. This will provide a centralized platform involving a detailed assessment of SMEs’ needs, challenges, and potentials, virtual and non-virtual demand-based capacity-building programs, access to digital solutions, virtual visibility, and in-depth knowledge in digitalization and process innovation.

Download TOR - Online Operational and Digital Visibility D4J ↓

Background to the Assignment

The Ghana Enterprises Agency in partnership with the German Cooperation's 'Invest for Jobs' (an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), is implementing a Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs.

The project seeks to provide capacity-building to women-owned/led SMEs on different aspects of digitalization and how their companies can grow from its use and increase their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to knowledge, digital tools, and expertise in the field of digitalization and innovation management challenges. It will Create a digitalized business environment conducive to the rapid growth of SMEs in Ghana, ensuring that they are creating jobs after the program.

Objective and Tasks of the Assignment

As part of this project, GEA seeks to engage a competent and highly qualified IT consultancy firm / Digital Services Provider, that has the required capability and experience in the development of digital solutions for SMEs, to lead the development or customization of (Open Source) software solutions based on key needs and demands of selected SMEs in Ghana.

The objective of this assignment is to support the digital transformation of selected women-owned SMEs in Ghana thereby increasing their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to demand-based digital software solutions complementing the technical assistance in terms of training and mentoring that the project offers.

The IT consultancy firm should be able to identify the needs and challenges of the target SMEs, advise on appropriate solutions to support their businesses operations, to recommend innovative open-source solutions - without license costs - that could be considered for adoption/customization to address SME’s constraints in the following areas but not only limited to these.

1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
2. Invoicing, Order, and Sales Management
3. Bookkeeping and Accounting
4. Inventory Management
5. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
6. eCommerce

The software solutions shall be easy to handle, user-friendly, and simple but include necessary core functions, a very affordable model, context-specific and modular.

The underlying approach is not to develop new software solutions from scratch but to explore whether appropriate and effective existing open-source solutions are available on the local market that can be customized to the needs of Ghanaian SMEs.

Sustainability is key - The proposed software solutions need to be adapted to the local market so that maintenance and IT Support in Ghana are guaranteed.
The customization/configuration of the software solution shall be complemented by training/capacity building of SMEs as users but also administrators (for later adaption/configuration).

Scope of Work

The scope of work of this assignment includes the following:

1. Identification of digital software solutions for Ghanaian SMEs: The Consultancy Firm shall undertake a desk study or leverage the needs of the selected SMEs as part of the “Women SME
2. Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs (D4J)” to identify potential software solutions, which address the digitalization pain points of SMEs in Ghana. This would also include an analysis of open-source software solutions to be acquired off-the-shelf and to be customized.
3. Development and customization of digitalization tools - The Consultancy Firm shall customize digital solutions for the selected SMEs.
4. Conduct training on the procured software solutions - The Consultancy Firm shall be responsible for conducting training for the various SMEs to enhance their understanding and use (and administration) of the customized procured solutions.
5. Provide post-implementation support - For the developed solutions, the Consultancy Firm shall be responsible for providing support to the SMEs post-implementation, to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.
6. Identification/Marking of the solution – The Consultancy Firm shall include logos or text at the footer of the solution information provided by GEA.

Expected Deliverables

Considering the scope of work of this project and based on the proposed project development & implementation methodology, the Consultancy Firm must provide a complete list of all deliverables that will be produced throughout the entire project timeline whether those are plans, reports, applications, etc. in a table format mentioning the stages, activities, and timelines.
Some examples of the deliverables are mentioned here under for your reference.

1. Inception report
2. User manuals for developed solutions.
3. Digital solutions deployment report with specific indicators to be provided by GEA.
4. Functioning solutions
5. Comprehensive report

Qualification and Experience of The Consultancy Firm

This is a national assignment with utmost importance to GEA, thus the Consultancy Firm must prove that they have a solid technical background and operational strength to undertake and take this work forward without any hindrances. The Consultancy Firm must also have adequate technical ability, human resources, and processes. As such, the following are defined as minimum eligibility criteria:

1. Degree in Computer Science / Information Technology, Digitalisation, or related fields
2. A minimum working experience of 5 years in developing digital solutions and services for SMEs
3. Excellent knowledge of the SME landscape (their needs and challenges) regarding digitalization
4. List of developed digital tools for Ghanaian SMEs and training conducted
5. Demonstrated experience and qualifications of key staff to be placed on the project
6. Excellent research, analytical, communication, and writing skills
7. Excellent teamwork and participatory process skills

Submission of CV

The CV shall be submitted by 12:00 pm/noon (GMT) on Monday, September 12, 2022, in a sealed envelope delivered to Procurement Officer, GEA, and be clearly marked "Digital Tools Development / Customization or Acquisition"

Applicants may obtain further information on the requirements including the criteria for shortlisting by applying to procurementgea@gmail.com, procurement@gea.gov.gh during office hours.

Deadline

Wednesday, 15th March 2023

Terms of Reference

Detailed Terms of Reference for this project may be downloaded HERE (Click Here).

Background to the Assignment

The Ghana Enterprises Agency in partnership with the German Cooperation's 'Invest for Jobs' (an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), is implementing a Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs.

The project seeks to provide capacity-building to women-owned/led SMEs on different aspects of digitalization and how their companies can grow from its use and increase their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to knowledge, digital tools, and expertise in the field of digitalization and innovation management challenges. It will Create a digitalized business environment conducive to the rapid growth of SMEs in Ghana, this will ensure that they are creating jobs after the program.

Objectives and Task of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to engage an experienced and qualified individual who will help with the development of knowledge management, communication, and public relation strategy for the project and make known to the public what the Project seeks to achieve, and reach out to potential beneficiaries.

Scope of Work

The Communications / Public Relations Consultant will be responsible for drafting and implementing the communication and publicity strategy of the Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs (D4J). He/she will oversee all information circulation concerning the project

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a Communication and Media Plan for the Project and manage the implementation of such plan.
• Organize monthly meetings with staff on communications.
• Produce change stories for the D4J Project.
• Lead in the design of planning events and branding.
• Providing advice, guidance, and support on planning and implementing internal and external communication efforts to strengthen national awareness of the project.
• Ensure appropriate communications before, during, and after District, Regional and National events like knowledge sharing meetings, seminars, training, conferences, and special events; and
• Profile effective media channels, develop a roster of media practitioners, expand contacts with print, audio-visual and social media outlets to enhance coverage, and respond to queries from the media and other external parties.

Expected Output

Progress report on challenges and achievement periodically as well as media and communication output.

Duration

The period of the assignment is 6 Months.

Reporting Requirement

Consultant shall act under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer of GEA or an appointed Representative and report to the Lead Project Consultant. The Consultant shall be expected to provide periodic reports on activities to the Chief Executive Officer of GEA.

Qualification and Experience of Technical Consultant

This is a National Assignment of utmost importance to GEA so the Consultant must have a solid technical background in communication and knowledge of the SME landscape and operational strength to undertake this work assignment without any hindrances. As such, the following are defined as minimum eligibility criteria:

1. Bachelor’s degree in languages/linguistics, communications, or other related fields such as Journalism, Public Affairs, Public Relations, or a related field.
2. 4-5 years of relevant work experience in a similar position.
3. Fluency in speaking and writing English.
4. Proven experience and understanding of communications and outreach at the international level, and proven ability to position and advocate for issues effectively.
5. Experience in various forms of communications production such as publications, Internet communication strategies, and or campaigning.
6. Demonstrated ability to build and nurture strong relations with the media.
7. Previous work experience with governments and/or international development agencies would be an asset.
8. Proven writing, editing, and language skills, and an ability to convey complex ideas in a concise, clear, direct, and lively style.
9. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently, ability to take initiative, and be innovative.
10. Working knowledge of relevant computer software such as MS Office, WordPress, Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop, and electronic mail.

Submission of CV

The CV shall be submitted by 12:00 pm/noon (GMT) on Monday, September 12, 2022, in a sealed envelope delivered to Procurement Officer, GEA, and be clearly marked "CV for Communication & Public Relations Consultant for Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize For Jobs (D4J)"

Applicants may obtain further information on the requirements including the criteria of shortlisting by applying to procurementgea@gmail.com, procurement@gea.gov.gh during office hours.

Background to the Assignment

The Ghana Enterprises Agency in partnership with the German Cooperation's 'Invest for Jobs' (an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), is implementing a Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs.

The project seeks to provide capacity-building to women-owned/led SMEs on different aspects of digitalization and how their companies can grow from its use and increase their process efficiency and competitiveness by providing access to knowledge, digital tools, and expertise in the field of digitalization and innovation management challenges. It will Create a digitalized business environment conducive to the rapid growth of SMEs in Ghana, this will ensure that they are creating jobs after the program.

Objectives of the Assignment

The main objective of this assignment is to lead the Project Implementation and Coordination of the “Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize for Jobs” from a technical perspective. The Lead Digital Consultant plays a key role in the successful implementation of the Project and quality assurance of the Project:

The Consultant will:

• Advise on the initial project design and structure including the definition of the target group, eligibility criteria, selection process, etc.
• Oversee the day-to-day project implementation and coordinate the project goals
• Coordinate the different stakeholders and subcontractors involved and ensure that the assignments/deliverables meet the agreed requirements
• Provide technical advice on the digitalization of SMEs to GEA and all relevant partners whenever needed.
• Support the screening and selection process, oversees the training of the target SMEs, the customization of digital software solutions, and further support measures of the Project.
• Provide (technical) administration and management of the Project,
• Support the regular progress updates and final reporting as well as Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project impacts.
• Support all communication-related tasks of the Project. He/she will advise on the optimal means of communication channels to reach the target SMEs, support the development of communication material and coordinate PR and media-related activities.
• Support GEA Officers in the smooth logistical preparation and required administrative tasks of the Project.
• Support the development of appropriate structures to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.

Project Deliverables

The expected deliverables for this Project will include.

1. Inception report outlining the methodology and implementation approach of the entire Project.
2. Project Charter which will have key sections on:

• • Stakeholder map and framework for engagement
  • Understanding of the scope, objectives, and activities of the project
  • Detailed time schedules for the implementation of the tasks: Workplan and Gantt Chart

3. Regular (monthly) progress updates
4. A logical framework for Monitoring and Evaluation
5. Sustainability framework
6. A comprehensive list of Beneficiaries and Support received
7. Final report

Duration of the Project

The assignment is expected to be concluded over a period of up to 100 working days within a 6-month time frame from the date of commencement to the date of reporting. The Lead Consultant supports the project full-time in the implementation.

The consultant must be available for regular meetings with GEA and the Funding Partner to discuss the progress of work and further planning.

Reporting Requirement

Consultant shall act under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer of GEA or an appointed Representative and report to the Project Coordinator. The Consultant shall be expected to provide periodic (monthly) reports on activities to the Chief Executive Officer of GEA.

Selection Guidelines and Requirements

• This is an open and competitive process.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Degree in business administration, business management, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Marketing, Planning, Entrepreneurship, or related fields or in Computer Science / Information Technology, Digitalisation, or related fields
2. Minimum 4 years experience in IT Project Management and similar assignments including Project Design and Structuring
3. Demonstrated capacity to deploy a full-time experienced cross-functional team of experts in project design and structuring and managing relationships with multiple stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated experience and qualifications in SME development and digitalization in general
5. Demonstrated experience in the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, particularly with Open-Source solutions
6. Excellent knowledge of the Ghanaian SME landscape as well as digitalization of SMEs
7. Excellent research, analytical, communication, and writing skills
8. Excellent teamwork and participatory process skills

Submission of CV

The CV shall be submitted by 12:00 pm/noon (GMT) on Monday, September 12, 2022, in a sealed envelope delivered to Procurement Officer, GEA, and be clearly marked "CV for Lead Digital Consultant for Women SME Innovation Programme – Digitalize For Jobs (D4J)"

Applicants may obtain further information on the requirements including the criteria of shortlisting by applying to procurementgea@gmail.com, procurement@gea.gov.gh during office hours.

The Government of the Republic of Ghana has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The project comprises five (5) components namely:
Component 1: Provision of apprenticeship training for jobs
Component 2: Provision of entrepreneurship and micro and small enterprise support for jobs
Component 3: Operationalization of the Ghana Labor Market Information System, upgrading of district PECs and services, and independent performance reviews of Government youth employment and skills development programs
Component 4: Capacity development, technical assistance, and project management support for enhanced skills and jobs impact
Component 5: Contingent emergency response component

The Developmental Objective of the project is to support skills development and job creation in the Country.

GEA intends to contract a Consulting Firm to undertake a quality assessment of training that would be conducted by GEA across the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels of the Entrepreneurship Training initiative under component 2.1 of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.

Download TOR for Consultancy for Quality Assessors ↓

The Government of the Republic of Ghana has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The project comprises five (5) components namely:
Component 1: Provision of apprenticeship training for jobs
Component 2: Provision of entrepreneurship and micro and small enterprise support for jobs
Component 3: Operationalization of the Ghana Labor Market Information System, upgrading of district PECs and services, and independent performance reviews of Government youth employment and skills development programs
Component 4: Capacity development, technical assistance, and project management support for enhanced skills and jobs impact
Component 5: Contingent emergency response component

The Developmental Objective of the project is to support skills development and job creation in the Country.

GEA intends to contract a firm (“consultant”) to develop a Public Relations (PR) and communications strategy, success stories, documentaries, sensitization, promotional and other communication materials that will positively highlight subcomponent 2.1 of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, its outputs, and impacts, as well as achievements, good practices and lessons learned.

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