The consultant will deliver the following main outputs as the ultimate results of the assignment
• Inception report including the workplan endorsed by DSDG/DESA and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, by 31 March 2022
• A fifteen to twenty-page report of the stakeholder consultations, including interview notes and recommendations from stakeholders, by 30 April 2022
• First draft of the MSME monitoring framework, by 10 May 2022
• Contribute to organizing a stakeholder consultation workshop on the monitoring framework; submit workshop report including key messages and follow up steps on the impact and sustainability of the framework, by 21 May 2022
• Final draft of the MSME monitoring framework, including the list of completed interviews and interview notes, by 31 May 2022
Harare Zimbabwe
In-person consultations will take place in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare. Related travel will be organized in line with relevant policies to prevent transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Duration of contract
The consultancy will be over a period from 25 March to 31 May 2022
The terms of reference are for the consultancy to develop a monitoring framework for the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Zimbabwe under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) project to “strengthen national capacities for enhancing MSME resilience and building forward better to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.” The project is funded by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund of the UN Peace and Development Fund.
The Government of Zimbabwe recognizes the importance of the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to the national economy. MSMEs account for more than 76 % of all employment and have continued to be a very important source of incomes and livelihoods for people living in poverty, the working poor, women and youth, persons with disabilities and groups in vulnerable conditions. MSMEs also contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they are a breeding ground for innovation to solve socio-economic challenges faced many countries. Recognizing their important roles, the Government of Zimbabwe has been increasingly focusing on the role MSMEs play in promoting industrialization of the economy and the attainment of Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle-income economy as underscored by the National Development Strategy (NDS1) as well as the SADC Industrial Development Policy Framework.
Support for MSME’s has been prioritized in the National Development Strategy 1 and has been strengthened by the review of the National MSME Policy 2020-2024 and the MSME Recovery Plan in response to the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the endeavor to promote the growth and formalization of MSMEs, the Government of Zimbabwe is being supported under the UNDESA project to strengthen national capacities for enhancing MSME resilience and for building forward better to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Key areas of priority in the development of the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are in line with the National MSME Policy 2020-2024. The prioritized areas include formulating an MSME Monitoring Framework, conducting capacity building of MSME entrepreneurs and policymakers whose work supports the growth and formalization of MSMEs. The prioritized areas will expand MSME contributions to the national economy, employment creation and the empowerment women, youth and groups in vulnerable conditions.
Objective
The ultimate objective of this consultancy assignment is to formulate a monitoring framework for the MSME sector, which will timely capture the outputs, outcomes and impacts in critical areas, including size of the sector, formalization, contribution to gross domestic product, employment creation, access to finance and many other aspects. Traditionally, these information from these areas are collected through a national survey which is done every five years. Given the rapid and dynamic changes taking place in the sector, a robust monitoring framework is required to provide much regular and real-time information for evidenced based programming and policymaking process that support MSMEs and expand their contributions to the 2030 Agenda and the National Development Strategy 1. The monitoring framework is of high priority for the Government of Zimbabwe.
• Advanced university degree in entrepreneurship, business administration, economics, social sciences, statistics, project management, strategic planning, administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 10 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• At least ten years of policy analysis experience on private sector and industrial development with experience of working with women and youth MSME entrepreneurs;
• Experience in formulating policy monitoring and evaluation systems desirable;
• A sound understanding of global, regional and national development issues including but not limited to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AU Agenda 2063, and the National Development Strategy (NDS1);
• Demonstrable experience of policy research and impact assessment relating to the MSME sector is required;
• Demonstrable ability to work and build relationships with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, MSME entrepreneurs, research communities and civil society representatives in Zimbabwe, experience of handling complex issues and facilitating consultations with multi-stakeholder participation;
• Highly developed analytical skills with ability to produce high quality analytical reports and policy papers;
• High organizational and facilitation skills and ability to handle complex tasks and deliver in tight deadlines;
• Effective communication and technical writing skills.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.