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Short Term Technical Experts (m/f)

Call for Applications: Roster for Pre-Approved Short Term Technical Experts (m/f)

• Type of Contract:  Individual Contract - National
• Duration:  Various short-term consultancy assignments
• Location:  Home-based, with availability to travel throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background

In 2017 USAID has awarded Financial Markets International, Inc., a five-year, US$5,2 million contract for implementation of the Harnessing BiH Diaspora for Economic Development Activity project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter Diaspora Invest). The purpose of Diaspora Invest is to catalyze the economic contribution of BiH diaspora to BiH’s socio-economic development by stimulating diaspora investment in BiH.  

Diaspora Invest aims to reach the expected goal through a combination of activities structured in three main components: 

1. Creation of an Investment Policy Framework for Diaspora Engagement in the economic development of BiH that will be integrated into development strategies and action plans at all Government levels (i.e., State, Entity, Cantonal and Municipal).
2. Establishment of a BiH Diaspora Marketplace to support Diaspora direct investment and other forms of business development through (i) implementation of a Bosnian diaspora marketplace and business plan competition (BPC) to source innovative and high-growth oriented business ideas, linked to (ii) business advisory services provided and technical assistance, and (iii) grant funds. Successful investors and startups will be also eligible for DCA-backed loans provided through a complementary program outside of the scope of this Activity.
3. Development of a sustainable local platform to provide business services and facilitation to potential diaspora investors through the establishment of (i) a One-Stop-Shop for diaspora investors, (ii) creation of an online diaspora business network, and (iii) outreach activities, including diaspora investment conferences and B2B events.

In this context, Diaspora Invest is soliciting the submission of CVs from individual experts and experienced consultants to be considered for inclusion in the project’s pre-approved roster of short-term experts. The short-term expertise would be solicited within broader technical assistance and business advisory assignments implemented with Diaspora Invest beneficiary companies. 

Diaspora Invest invites all applicants with experience in providing business services in the sectors and technical assistance categories listed below, to submit their application to be included in one or several of the specialized roster categories.

Technical assistance categories

Diaspora Invest is seeking short-term technical experts in the sectors of information and communication technologies (ICT), agriculture, wood processing, metal processing, tourism and energy with a particular emphasis on the following areas of technical assistance:

1. Business intelligence and investment facilitation 

1.1 Business environment information

1.2 Sector and industry intelligence

1.3 Assistance in selecting business partners and business service providers

1.4 Business registration services

1.5 Location scouting services

2. Manufacturing and service inputs/ Factor markets assistance

2.1 Access to finance facilitation

2.2 HRM assistance

2.3 Supply-chain development support (raw materials and service suppliers)

3. Strategy and operations

3.1 Improving operational efficiency

3.2 Business and management consulting

3.3 Product and service development

3.4 Research, development & innovation support

3.5 Corporate governance

4. Market linkages

4.1 Marketing and promotional services

4.2 Diaspora market linkages

4.3 International standards and certifications 

4.4 Matchmaking and sales support.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree (BSc/BA) relevant to the thematic areas (technical assistance categories).
• Advanced university degree (Master, PhD) would be considered an asset.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience relevant to the selected technical assistance thematic area;
• Extensive technical knowledge relevant to the thematic area;
• Knowledge of BiH business environment, proven track record in working with private sector clients in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Demonstrable experience with technical assistance to project development, implementation, management and/or evaluation;
• Excellent drafting and formulation skills; proven record of official reports or papers/studies in the selected area;
• Experience with training and facilitation is an asset.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a must.
• Full IT literacy.

Competencies

• Strategic vision, strong technical and analytical capabilities;
• Strong communication and writing abilities;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and negotiating skills;
• Integrity, modelled by USAID values and ethical standards;
• Sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to accommodate additional demands on short notice.

Evaluation of Applicants

The evaluation of each application will be based on a set of selection criteria as listed below and on the basis of the information submitted by each candidate. Only candidates fulfilling the minimum expertise, experience and qualifications required will be considered for inclusion in the roster.

Candidates included in the roster would be invited to provide specific technical assistance to Diaspora Invest beneficiaries, usually startups or early stage firms. Each assignment would be defined through a separate contract and scope of work outlining the roles and responsibilities of the consultant, including specific tasks, deliverables, timelines, reporting, reimbursement, etc. The range of tasks for the consultant may include applied research, diagnostic missions, provision of strategic and operational advice, capacity assessment and capacity development activities, on-site support, partnership development, and other.

Inclusion in the Roster

The successful candidates will be invited to join the Roster and may be called upon to provide specific technical advice/support on an if/when required basis through a separate individual contract.

The addition of an individual in the roster does not guarantee a contract with Diaspora Invest project. The roster will be maintained throughout the duration of the project and will be updated each year.

Contracting

Once a consultant is included in the roster, the project team will screen the roster to identify a match between one or several consultants and the requirements stipulated in the Scope of Work (SOW) for each corresponding assignment. The identified matched roster consultant will be contacted to confirm availability and to submit an ad-hoc financial proposal. Criteria for award of contract will be dictated by the availability, the level of matching of the expertise with the requirements in the SOW and the cost of the assignment. The daily fee quoted during this application process shall remain as the ceiling fee and cannot be increased for any offered assignment.

Travel

Any anticipated mission travel will be included in the SOW for each assignment to allow for inclusion in the financial proposal.

Payment

Payment(s) shall be made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables and will be calculated based on a submitted timesheet.

Guidelines for Applications

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter confirming interest and availability
• CV
• • Filled-out, signed and scanned BIO DATA form which is available for download at Diaspora Invest website here. 

Bio data form is used to establish an average USD daily rate for the consultant. Consultants included in the roster will be asked to quote specific daily fees for each concrete assignment, based on their biodata and profile matching the SOW.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is March 31, 2018.  Applications should be submitted to: info@diasporainvest.ba no later than 31 March 2018. Incomplete applications and submissions received after that date will not be considered.  Only candidates included in the roster will be contacted. 

Financial Markets International, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  All information received will be treated with confidentiality.

Any request for clarification must be sent in writing or by standard electronic communication to info@diasporainvest.ba.

Izvor: Posao.ba