TOR

BACKGROUND

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a part of new global initiative of the AKDN in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop more formal structures to catalyse enterprises within AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment-related programs of AKF and draws significantly on technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and coordinates efforts with the AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia and many other national partners.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognising that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyse start-ups, grow small firms, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas. The overall theory of change is that with improved business models, investment readiness along with tailored financing bundled with commercial and B2B linkages driven by the private sector, the supported businesses will be equipped to unlock private sector investments, sales, and growth, leading to increased incomes and job creation.

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

Accelerate Prosperity is seeking a consulting firm or individual consultant (subject matter expert) in the broader energy sector and predominantly the solar energy for an upcoming innovation challenge focused on the problem of high upfront costs of solarization within the context of the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. The purpose of engaging a consulting form and/or consultant (subject matter expert) is to;

1. To equip entrepreneurs with specialized knowledge and insights tailored to the energy sector and prepare them to attract investments effectively.
2. To help existing entrepreneurs scrutinize their business solutions from a technical standpoint and advise on their commercial viability.

These TORs are supported under the BEST4WEER project which aims to improve women’s social and economic empowerment during the process of COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding in Gilgit-Baltistan province and the Chitral district in Pakistan.

DELIVERABLES

The required outputs for this engagement include: 

1. One-on-one technical advisory to be given to entrepreneurs.
2. Provide sector specific data along with the current trends in the energy sector, specifically solar energy and reference relevant case studies as needed.
3. Scrutinise the existing business models of businesses and provide advice through critical analysis of the solution and the overall, business model.
4. Provide insights on commercial viability of solutions specifically in the context of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions.
5. To provide inputs about the viability of the business to the judges during the contest day/last day.

TIMELINE

• The advisory will include up to 4-6 days of engagement with the last day being the business pitch day. The consulting firm and/or individual consultant may be asked to provide pre-event support to AP.
• Tentative dates (Any 3-4 days during this date range): November 6 – November 19, 2023

The consulting firm (should be able to provide 2 subject-matter experts) or an individual consultant (subject-matter expert) is required to follow the below mentioned steps:

1. 10 businesses will be assigned for one-on-one technical advisory.
2. The experts will network with businesses for up to 4 days.

KEY CAPACITIES REQUIRED

• At least 5-7 years of experience in the energy sector, with relevant years of experience in the social energy domain.
• Experience conducting market analysis and feasibilities for various businesses working in the energy sector.
• Understanding and relevant experience in raising investments for early-stage businesses, business planning, financial modelling, and conducting valuations.
• Established networks with relevant stakeholders working in the alternate energy domain.

TARGET AUDIENCE

MVP or post-revenue stage businesses working in the energy sector, preferably within solar energy.

MODE OF SERVICE

In-person

LOCATION

Gilgit City, Gilgit Baltistan

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• 1^st installment
• complete delivery of one-on-one advisory and business assessment and submission of completed activity report. The activity report should include details of the one-on-one engagement with each business and provide recommendations to AP on business models with investment potential.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following to apply:

• Technical proposal with detailed profile, relevant experience and methodology. Detailed profiles of implementing team (CVs of industry/sector experts).
• Financial bid against the stated deliverables with detailed cost breakdown by each item, inclusive of all costs including travel and accommodation and applicable taxes as per law.

DEADLINE:

October 25, 2023

MODE OF SUBMISSION

Please email your complete profiles and financial bids (inclusive of all taxes and costs) at procurement_appk@akdn.org