Training for the Business Development Service Officer in Agriculture and Tourism

USAID TRADE AND COMPETITIVENESS

SCOPE OF WORK

Title of Assignment: Training for the Business Development Service Officer in Agriculture and Tourism.

1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

USAID Trade and Competitiveness (here after referred as ‘The Activity’) is a five-year $18.9 million Activity that charts a new path for the Nepali economy as it recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Activity enables Nepal to capitalize on global integration to diversify toward higher quality and higher value exports, foster sustainable job growth and income-generating opportunities for those that have previously been left behind by economic growth, and create greater sustainability and resiliency. To achieve this, the Activity deliberately promotes the integration of women, youth, and marginalized groups into markets to participate in economic opportunities created as Nepal’s economy grows. It will increase jobs and exports while supporting the private sector in managing risks from climate change, COVID-19, and other threats. Through this Activity, USAID will unlock new sources of financing and investment, including green growth financing, climate financing, and foreign and domestic investment. Deloitte Consulting LLP is implementing this Activity in partnership with J.E Austin, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics, and Environment (SAWTEE), and Deloitte, Touche, and Tohmatsu India (DTTI).

The goal of the Activity is to accelerate firm and sector level competitiveness, generate employment opportunities, and increase sales of firms through interventions that incentivize public and private sector actors across the ecosystem to adopt new behaviors driving outcomes across three key objectives:

1. Improve access to market-based financial and non-financial services.
2. Increase productivity in sectors with high growth and employment potential.
3. Improve the investment climate and business enabling environment, especially for targeted sectors.
4. Private sector led recovery supported.

2. BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

Despite the progress Nepal has made in recent years in terms of financial inclusion, a substantial gap remains in access to finance within the agriculture and tourism sectors, impeding the growth and productivity of businesses/firms operating in these domains. Access to formal financial services remains a challenge for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in tourism and agriculture.

Promoting the development of MSMEs through financial cooperatives is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship, increasing income, and generating self-employment. The Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions Ltd. (NEFSCUN), serving as a member-based national apex organization of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS), operates in 76 districts with outreach to 3.57 million individuals. Savings and credit cooperatives are considered a well-suited model for providing financial services with low-cost delivery, minimizing unnecessary risks and costs. However, challenges arise when saving and credit cooperatives engage in risky business loans without sufficient technical expertise in the sector.

Cooperative managers often lack the necessary knowledge to effectively steer their businesses, especially in the tourism and agriculture sector. To address this gap, it is crucial for cooperatives to adopt innovative solutions, such as providing Business Development Services (BDS). These services go beyond financial support, offering a spectrum of non-financial assistance tailored to enhance business performance and competitiveness based on the specific needs of enterprise clients of the Cooperatives. Cooperatives must also be prepared to operate in challenging environments characterized by difficult geography, dispersed settlements, subsistence agriculture, and socially excluded communities. Embedding BDS among its services becomes a strategic imperative for Cooperatives’ success in navigating these complexities and fostering sustainable growth. Establish innovative business support services by delivering a comprehensive suite of offers encompassing skills development, access to technology, marketing and financing.

To address the specific financial needs of agriculture and tourism firms, there is a pressing need for tailored business development service with user-friendly processes. Increasing access to finance becomes imperative to build resilience of firms/business and accelerate recovery. The Business development services of SACCOs can help MSMEs in the long run to strengthen their financial management, digital literacy and resilience.

3. OBJECTIVE

USAID Trade and Competitiveness is seeking a firm/individual with expertise in business development service in the agriculture and tourism sector. The key objective of the training is to enhance the skills and knowledge of officers of SACCOs involved in Business Development Services. The training program should provide a comprehensive understanding of key business concepts and practices in agriculture and tourism. It is anticipated that the training will equip BDS officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively support and catalyze the growth of businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The long-term objective of this assignment is to equip BDS desks of SACCOs with skilled officers to assist businesses in developing and refining their business plans.  The BDS officer also needs to be trained on step-by-step instructions to help them not only understand a procedure, but also apply it to their jobs, contributing to the success of the cooperatives.

Upon completing the training, BDS officers should be able to: 

• Acquire an in-depth understanding of the agriculture and tourism sectors, including insights into market trends, client engagement strategies, effective service delivery.
• Have a sense of seasonality in demand and supply, and the intricate dynamics of the businesses they serve.
• Informed about the challenges and opportunities specific to these sectors. 
• Be able to set realistic goals, identify growth opportunities, and create a roadmap for achieving success to assist businesses in developing and refining their strategic plans.

4. TASKS

The Consultant shall conduct 4-day training for the BDS officers of financial cooperatives focusing on providing an understanding of the agriculture and tourism sector, market trends, and the dynamics of businesses in these sectors. The training sessions should be designed in such a way that they provide an overview of the best concepts and applications being used by the business development service to agriculture and tourism enterprises. One of the cores aims of this consultancy will revolve around providing hands-on practical BDS training which the officers can use in their day-to-day job analyzing and supporting the members/clients in the agriculture and tourism sector.  

The consultant/firm will be responsible to prepare and deliver training at least on following topics to build capacity of the BDS officers:

Module 1: Introduction to Business Development Services (BDS) in Tourism and Agriculture

• Overview of BDS in Tourism and Agriculture: Understanding the role of BDS officers in fostering growth and sustainability.
• Industry Landscape: Analyzing the current state of the tourism and agriculture sectors.
• Key Challenges and Opportunities: Identifying and addressing sector-specific challenges and exploring potential opportunities.

Module 2: Market Analysis and Trends in Tourism and Agriculture: 

• Market Research: Techniques for conducting effective market research in tourism and agriculture.
• Trend Analysis: Identifying and adapting to current trends in the tourism and agriculture industries.
• Competitive Landscape: Analyzing competitors and positioning businesses strategically.

Module 3: Client Relationship Management in Tourism and Agriculture

• Understanding Clients in Tourism and Agriculture: Tailoring BDS strategies to meet the unique needs of clients in these sectors.
• Building and Maintaining Client Relationships: Strategies for establishing and nurturing long-term client partnerships.
• Effective Communication Skills: Enhancing communication for better client engagement.

Module 4: Financial Counseling and Credit Management:

• Understanding of financial counseling to the client's management team, emphasizing responsible credit management practices which includes guidance on optimizing cash flows, reducing debt, and improving overall financial health. Skill in working with the client to develop financial models that project the potential impact of various business strategies which can assist in making informed decisions and provide insights into the financial feasibility of specific initiatives funded by the loan.
• Technique for developing a long-term strategic plan that goes beyond the loan utilization period which should align with the client's vision for sustainable growth and continuous improvement. Knowledge sharing on reviewing and evaluation of the business's performance post-loan utilization which includes identification of successes, challenges, and areas for ongoing improvement. 

Module 5: Service Delivery Best Practices

• Introduction to Service Delivery: Defining and understanding quality service in tourism and agriculture.
• Customizing Services: Adapting BDS to the diverse needs of tourism and agriculture businesses.
• Sustainability Practices: Integrating sustainable practices into service delivery.

Module 6: Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Tourism Case Studies: Analyzing successful BDS implementations in tourism.
• Agriculture Case Studies: Examining real-world examples of effective BDS in agriculture.
• Group Projects: Applying BDS principles to solve industry-specific challenges.

Module 7: Technology Integration in Tourism and Agriculture

• Leveraging Technology: Integrating digital tools for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Data Analytics: Utilizing data for informed decision-making in tourism and agriculture.
• Online Marketing Strategies: Implementing effective online marketing for businesses in these sectors.

Module 8: Regulatory Compliance and Ethics

• Legal Considerations: Navigating regulatory frameworks in tourism and agriculture.
• Ethical Practices: Maintaining integrity and ethical standards in BDS operations.

Module 9: Final Project Presentations: Participants showcase their BDS strategies for tourism and agriculture businesses.

5. METHODOLOGY OF TRAINING

The trainer is encouraged to employ a combination of lectures, interactive sessions, group discussions, and case studies to ensure effective learning. Emphasis on practical application and real-world scenarios, allowing BDS officers to translate theoretical concepts into actionable strategies. Use of experiential learning techniques such as case studies, role-playing, and simulations to enhance participant engagement and knowledge retention.

6. DELIVERABLES 

The Consultant/Firm is expected to deliver the following results and deliverables: 

Training materials, including presentations, handouts, and any additional resources deemed beneficial for successful impartation of knowledge and skills. Additional reading and reference materials, including an electronic version and/or printed copy of the book to be provided to all the participants. All modules in the training program must be organized electronically by folders, with each folder containing a PPT presentation, reading material, case studies and/or exercises to be used in the module. and make presentations.

Training is delivered using PowerPoint (PPT) presentations, real cases studies, exercises and group discussions and participation or panel discussions. The trainer is responsible for developing and providing all necessary.

Pre and post training assessment of the knowledge, skills and experience of participants relating to the agriculture and tourism sectors, BDS provision, and other related concepts and skills sets for specific business development services.

7. TIMELINE

TIMELINE: The firm/individual is expected to submit a work plan with a timeline with the technical proposal within this deadline. The timeline cannot be extended. The training is planned to be organized in the month of March 2024.

8. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION:

The Consultant must demonstrate the skills and experience required to undertake the tasks set out in these terms of reference. Specifically:

1. The trainer should have at least a master’s degree in business administration, management, economics, or a related field.
2. At least 5 years of practical experience in business development service roles, preferably in diverse industries, to bring real-world insights into the training sessions. Familiarity with tourism and agriculture is highly preferred.
3. The trainer should have work experience with wide categorical range of financial Institutions/financial cooperatives in Nepal.
4. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills in Nepali and English with an ability to interact with a very broad spectrum of stakeholders.

9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will report to Manager, Access to Financial Services under the overall guidance of Director of Economic Resilience and Competitiveness. Deliverables will be assessed during key milestones by the team, as well as external experts, when required.

Budget: Up to USD 3000

All interested applicants shall submit their resume to info@tc-udhyamnepal.com no later than COB 5.00 pm February 16, 2024.