TORs

Business Consultant

Background:
Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a part of a new global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Central and South Asia. It follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop formal structures to support enterprises in AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities are limited. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory services for startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment-related programs of AKF and utilizes technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS). It also coordinates efforts with AKDN’s financial institutions.

The overall mandate of AP is to facilitate the creation of small and growing businesses (SGBs) with the vision of building an inclusive and prosperous society powered by entrepreneurs.

 

Objective of the Consultancy:
The Business Consultant will support the AP Program and Investment Teams in Baltistan to achieve the following objectives:

  • Strengthen the startup ecosystem by identifying and supporting high-potential entrepreneurs and businesses.
  • Support the program team in delivering tailored business advisory services and training to entrepreneurs.
  • Facilitate market research, pre-financing due diligence for selected businesses, and monitoring of portfolio businesses to ensure close communication.
  • Build synergies with local stakeholders to enhance AP’s outreach and impact in Baltistan.

 

Scope of Work:
The consultant will be responsible for the following outputs:

  1. Conduct in-person outreach sessions, along with headhunting and scouting for programs across Baltistan, requiring frequent travel to multiple districts.
  2. Support the Technical Assistance (TA) team in preparing inducted businesses for AP programs in Baltistan through on-ground training and advisory.
  3. Coordinate and communicate with newly inducted cohort members.
  4. Assist AP staff in the field during business visits and information sessions.
  5. Assist in writing reports and evaluations on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
  6. Participate in startup ecosystem events and liaise with local stakeholders to build synergies and expand business pipelines from Baltistan.
  7. Conduct market research and due diligence on businesses in Baltistan.
  8. Assist the Investment team in monitoring visits of portfolio businesses in the region.

 

Deliverables:

  • Outreach and scouting report
  • Monthly cohort engagement report
  • Monthly and quarterly monitoring briefs for selected businesses
  • Event participation summaries
  • Final consultancy report
  •  

Time Duration:
The consultancy will last for six months immediately after hiring.

 

Location:

Baltistan

 

Qualifications and Expertise:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Economics, or a related field.
  • At least 1-2 years of experience in business consulting, entrepreneurship development, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel frequently within and outside Baltistan and adapt to dynamic work environments.

 

How to Apply?
Please submit your resume to the following email address: procurement_appk@akdn.org


Application Deadline: March 20, 2025


Note:
AKRSP offers a competitive remuneration package and a conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer. Our recruitment and selection policy reflects our commitment to safeguarding children and adults. Only online applications submitted through the designated website before the deadline will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the test/interview.

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