SWERC Grants Disbursement Guidelines

1. Introduction and Background

Horn of Africa Peace Network (HAPEN) is a non-governmental Organization which was established in 2008 to respond to the effects and address the causes of recurring conflicts, drought, disease outbreaks and floods in Somalia and the greater Horn of Africa Region. The organization works to provide emergency relief, recovery, development and resilience building support to the affected populations. Target groups include pastoralists, farmers, agro-pastoralists, fisherfolk, rural and urban poor, returnees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), women, children, people living with disability and minorities. HAPEN is headquartered in Kismayo with field offices in Gedo and Bakool and a liaison office in Nairobi. The core broad areas of focus are Livelihood and Food Security, Health, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution with a Component to Counter Violent Extremism, Nutrition, Protection, Shelter & NFIs and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Education.

With support from GCERF, HAPEN is implementing the programme, Somali Wellness and Economic Recovery Consortium (Somali WERC) in Kismayo and Belet Hawa districts in Lower Juba and Gedo regions respectively. The overall objective of the programme is to improve integration and reintegration of youth, thereby reducing their vulnerability to radicalization. The programme takes a mixed approach- working both with youth who have disengaged from violent extremism or criminal activity and youth who are vulnerable to recruitment. It will work towards resolving conflict-related trauma of youth and families, it will increase acceptance and understanding of trauma and mental health at family and community levels, it will provide youth with improved economic outlooks and it will increase community’s acceptance of vulnerable youth.

One of the components of the program involves support for businesses, business networks and mentorship in a bid to create economic opportunities for the youth beneficiaries. Grants will be availed to support the selected businesses based on criteria to be developed. In order to pave way for sustainable businesses and constructive engagement of youth, two activities are planned as prerequisites. These include a market assessment and the development of grants disbursement guidelines. While the market assessment has been carried out, the Consortium requires to hire a consultant to support the development of the grants disbursement guidelines. This will guide and inform the selection of beneficiaries, type of training required, prior to disbursement, criteria for support, approach to be used (cash or in kind) and type of businesses to consider.

1. Objectives of the Consultancy
2. 1. Overall Objective

The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a comprehensive guideline for grant disbursement and monitoring for the SWERC programme.

1. 1. Specific Objectives

At the minimum, the disbursement guidelines should embody the following parameters;

1. The eligibility requirement and selection criteria for businesses benefiting from the grants
2. Use of grant funds; the allowed and prohibited uses of the grants
3. Due diligence and vetting process
4. Any required contribution of the businesses
5. Funds application process including documentation
6. Fund categories and attributes
7. Scope of Consultancy

The scope of services in this consultancy shall comprise the following:

1. 1. Review the project documents and market assessment to familiarize with anticipated outcomes of SWERC programme and business environment including opportunities and gaps
   2. Develop a guideline and procedure document that features the following:
      • Criteria to identify businesses to be supported
      • Type of businesses to be supported
      • Grants application forms
      • Business evaluation/scoring process for support
      • Selection process
      • Size of grants in line
      • Mode of disbursement
      • Define pre and post-grant support services required
      • Post grant monitoring tools
   3. The consultant will facilitate a stakeholder workshop to validate the grants disbursement guidelines.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of SWERC Program Manager, the Consultant will do the following:

• Develop work plan and inception report
• Study project documents and other literature
• Carry out interviews with key stakeholders
• Prepare draft report
• Finalize the report based on inputs from stakeholders

1. Reporting arrangements (Supervision and Collaboration)

The consultant will report to the SWERC Programme Manager and collaborate with the MEAL manager and Sub recipients.

1. Time Schedule

The total duration of the assignment will be undertaken in a timeframe of 12 days from the date of commencement. The consultant will propose the actual days for the assignment.

All the deliverables, including annexes, notes and reports should be submitted to the client in English.

Upon receipt of the deliverables and related reports, they will be reviewed and approved by MEAL Manager and Consortium Manager.

1. Required experience and qualifications

The Consultant should fulfil the following requirements:

• University degree in Business Administration or related field
• At least 5 years of experience in conducting and implementing business support initiatives in Somalia
• Excellent analytical and writing skills and very good organisational and task management skills, demonstratedteamwork skills and ability to work independently
• Fluency in English language is a must, Somali language is an advantage.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people, both independently and as part of a team