Appel à candidature : PNUD recrute un(e) Consultant(e) senior en études de marché au Zimbabwe.

1. Market research

The consultants shall conduct desk research and field interviews to understand the Zimbabwean market landscape, including industry trends and dynamics and key players, for both supply and demand including, but not limited to:

(i) Supply side: local commercial banks, MFIs, alternative credit providers, fintechs, impact investors, development finance institutions (both national and international), development partners, etc.

(ii) Demand side: SMEs, agricultural cooperatives, Financial Services Providers (FSP) – for their refinancing needs, small and large infrastructure projects, etc

(iii) Other ecosystem players: trade associations, investor community, regulators, government ministries/agencies, etc.

The goal of such research is to understand the risks (including political risks, legal risks, and financial risks, and strategies for mitigating those risks), market size, growth potential, and customer preferences namely for the selected target sectors: Food Security and Nutrition, Financial Inclusion and Innovation, Renewable Energy and Local Infrastructure (i.e., the ones targeted by BUILD+BUILDER).

2. Supply landscape analysis

Two main activities are envisaged:

1. Evaluate the landscape on the supply side for both investment and TA services (namely business advisory services), including the strengths and weaknesses of market players, market positioning, market share, and conditions offered to the market.
2. Support the TAF Manager to launch a call for Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to set up a roster of local TA services providers (individual consultants and consulting firms).

3. Demand landscape analysis

One main activity is envisaged:

1. Understand and analyze at a macro level the dynamics of the demand:

• Analyze the market potential by assessing the attractiveness and viability of the market, including opportunities, challenges, and risks to define an addressable market fit for the BUILD Fund.
• Segment demand by identifying and prioritizing potential investee segments based on business typology, markets and demographics served, business models, funding and TA needs, and adherence to the eligibility criteria of the BUILD Fund(Refer to Annex 1 BUILD Fund Investment Criteria) and the BUILDER TAF (Refer to Annex 2 BUILDER TAF Eligibility Criteria)
• Make an initial gap analysis on the demand vs supply by segment

4. Market entry validation and portfolio growth strategies 

The consultant is expected to evaluate different market entry and portfolio growth strategies, such as co-financing, partnerships, organic growth, etc. based on BUILD+BUILDER’s resources, capabilities, and goals, and select the best strategy to properly serve the Zimbabwean market.

5. Development of a roadmap

Obtain stakeholders’ validation of the Market Scoping Exercise findings and initial strategy design, develop a clear and actionable plan for entering and succeeding in the Zimbabwean market, including target segments (if any other identified).

Expected Outputs/Deliverables and Payment Terms

All deliverables are required for final submission within 35 calendar days (effective person-days) of the official work start date (target start date 9 June 2023) and the assignment is expected to be concluded by 9 Sept. 2023 (target end of the engagement).

Up to ca. 3-5 working days (maximum) lead time may be needed for UNCDF and the Steering Committee to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc.

Up to ca. 3-5 working days (maximum) lead time may be needed for UNCDF and the Steering Committee to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc

Up to ca. 3-5 working days (maximum) lead time may be needed for UNCDF and the Steering Committee to review outputs, give comments, certify approval/acceptance of outputs, etc.

Minimum BA or master’s level qualifications in finance, economics, or business administration. An additional degree in accounting or a professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, or CPA banking; a degree or diploma in law, especially with a focus on corporate or commercial law, or a degree or diploma in statistics or data analysis would be an asset.

Skills and competencies

• Market research skills: The consultant should have experience in conducting market research, including identifying market trends, gathering and analyzing data, and producing market reports, i.e., strong research, exploration, and analytical skills.
• Practical experience in finance, investment management, especially in the Zimbabwean context. This could include working for a financial institution, investment firm, or consulting company that specializes in Zimbabwean markets.
• Industry knowledge: The consultant should have a good understanding of at least 2 of the 4 BUILD’s target sectors (Food Security and Nutrition, Financial Inclusion and Innovation, Renewable Energy and Local Infrastructure) in Zimbabwe, including regulations, key players, and investment opportunities.
• Country knowledge: A thorough understanding of the country’s economic, political, and regulatory environment, as well as knowledge of the industry or sector(s) that the BUILD+BUILDER is targeting.
• Strong local networks: within the financial and corporate industries, with relevant businesses, regulators, investment promotion agencies etc.
• Financial analysis skills: The consultant should be able to analyze financial data, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to assess the financial health of companies, identify investment opportunities and the financial viability of investment terms.
• Understands the common challenges of the target investees, their TA needs, and the mix of various TA instruments and support required at different growth stages—from incubation to scaling up to commercial viability.
• Communication and presentation skills: The consultant should be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and other consultants, both orally and in writing; experienced in producing concise, executive level reports and presentations (design and delivery)
• Problem-solving skills: The consultant should be able to identify problems and develop creative solutions to address them.
• Project management skills: The consultant should be able to manage the scope, timeline, expectations as well as coordinate with other team members or stakeholders involved in the assignment; should also possess problem solving capacities with a sense of consensus and flexibility.
• Computer literacy, including proficient use of Office Suite, communication tools and project management tools.

Experience

Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in Zimbabwe in market research skills and/or practical experience in finance, investment management, especially in the Zimbabwean context, and industry knowledge as detailed in section 2i, ii and ii above.

This assignment aims to engage nationals of Zimbabwe due to the criticality of the knowledge of the local market, local industry practices and all other factors specific to the country.  However, if there are applicants that possesses all the required qualifications (education, experience, language, etc.) and passes the initial screening, but are not nationals of Zimbabwe, UNCDF reserves the right to consider their application to the assignment and subject them to the full scope of the proposal (technical and financial) evaluation process. 

Language

• Written and spoken fluency in English is required;
• Fluency in local languages is an asset.