SIYB and Financial Education trainer, MSME linkage and dialogue facilitator, and tracer study data collector supporting MSME access to finance in Bsr

Call for External Collaborator – SIYB and Financial Education trainer, MSME linkage and dialogue facilitator, and tracer study data collector supporting MSME access to finance in Basra.

I. Background and purpose
the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), is implementing a project in Southern Iraq. The project focuses on enhancing private sector development and creating decent jobs, emphasising sustainable green businesses and support for startups. The project operates on three levels: at the macro level, it supports evidence-based policy options for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through business environment assessments. At the meso level, it builds the capacities of financial institutions to better serve their clients' needs and provides training to intermediary organizations. At the micro level, it offers training to youth, small business owners, and startups, focusing on business management and financial literacy, while facilitating their access to financial services. The project collaborates with various ministries, employers' and workers' organizations, and financial institutions, ultimately benefiting vulnerable workers in Iraq. This initiative aligns with the Iraq Decent Work Country Programme and the government's Riyada' initiative for development and employment, with a focus on the green economy, improving MSME capacities, enhancing financial inclusion, and providing essential support to startups. It includes enterprise assessments, identification of constraints in green business development, and training and support for trainers, financial institutions, and businesses.
The project is actively implementing various initiatives in Basra and Muthanna, targeting MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs. These initiatives include Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training, financial education, and green business development. Additionally, the project facilitates connections between entrepreneurs and financial institutions to enhance access to finance, ultimately supporting business growth and sustainability.
The implementation of these activities is carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders in Basra and Muthanna to ensure effective coordination and impact. To further strengthen and support these efforts, the project requires a national consultant to assist in the implementation of activities across both governorates.

The objective of this consultancy is to deliver SIYB and Financial Education training in Basra, supervise the collection of tracer study data from beneficiaries who received training during the project implementation period, and facilitate MSME dialogue sessions to promote business linkages, formalization and registration, access to opportunities, adoption of green practices, and other areas that support MSME development and growth.

II. Scope of work
Under the overall supervision of the project manager, the consultant will be responsible for delivering entrepreneurship and financial literacy support services to project beneficiaries in Basra and facilitating their access to finance. The consultant shall undertake the following tasks:
1\. Beneficiary Identification and Selection
o Support the selection of eligible beneficiaries in accordance with the project criteria.
o Coordinate with field consultant and relevant stakeholders to ensure transparent and inclusive beneficiary selection.
2\. Delivery of SIYB and Financial Education Training
o Organize and deliver four rounds of SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) and Financial Education training.
o Each training round shall be conducted over four consecutive days using approved training materials and methodologies.
o Ensure active participation, maintain attendance records, and administer pre- and post-training assessments.
o Provide practical guidance on business planning, financial management, loan readiness, and green business opportunities.
3\. Post-Training Coaching and Access to Finance Support
o Provide individual and group follow-up support to trained beneficiaries.
o Assist beneficiaries in developing and refining business plans and loan application packages.
o Guide beneficiaries through the financing process and coordinate with participating financial institutions where required.
o Track beneficiary progress and address challenges that may hinder access to finance.
o Maintain regular communication with beneficiaries until completion of the financing process, including loan approval, rejection, or withdrawal.
4\. Tracer Study Data Collection (sample 1000)
o Supervise and support the collection of tracer study data from project beneficiaries using approved questionnaires and tools.
o Ensure data quality, completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
o Coordinate with enumerators and project staff to resolve data collection challenges.
5\. MSME Dialogue and Stakeholder Engageme