Job Description

JOB TITLE: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL MENTOR CONSULTANT
LOCATION: Marib, Yemen (Frequent Travel to Field Areas)
CONTRACT DURATION: May 2025 – July 2025
START DATE: ASAP

1.    ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

Founded in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a renowned Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to fostering international solidarity and promoting humanitarian and social causes. With over three decades of experience, SIF operates both in France and globally, believing in a more equitable and compassionate world where the basic needs of vulnerable populations are addressed. The organization implements a wide range of programs in emergency relief, sustainable development, and advocacy efforts aimed at alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for those in need, while remaining non-discriminatory and non-proselytizing.
SIF has developed significant capacities in essential sectors, including food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education and child wellbeing, and nutrition. Within Yemen, SIF has established a strong presence in key regions, including Aden, Lahj, and Marib governorates, where it aims to improve the living conditions and resilience of affected communities.
About the Improvement of vulnerable households resilience in Marib Governorate project 
As part of its program, SIF implement a Food Security and Livelihood project in Marib Governorate The project’s overall goal is to contribute to the improvement of food security, nutrition and resilience of the most vulnerable IDPs and Host Communities through unconditional cash assistance and Income Generating Activities support.
The entrepreneurial mentor will contribute to the Specific Objective n2: “Promote sustainable livelihoods of crisis-affected vulnerable IDPs and host communities through the support of an income generating activity” through his individual mentoring and technical support for 40 women and 40 men all along their training.

Entrepreneurial Empowerment component:

This activity aims to empower 80 vulnerable individuals, comprising 40 women and 40 men, through entrepreneurial training and support to respond to the severe economic challenges faced by internally displaced persons and host community families in Marib Governorate, negatively impacted by ongoing conflict and instability. By equipping these individuals with essential skills and resources, the project seeks to foster self-sufficiency and improve their access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Participants will undergo a comprehensive 12-week training as per the Yemen FSAC guidelines, starting in April. The training program will be facilitated by a local Technical and Vocational Training Center in Marib city. Upon completion, successful trainees will receive conditional grants to establish or expand their income-generating activities, thereby reinforcing their economic stability and resilience.
In addition to the training and the grants, the 80 trainees will received individual support from the entrepreneurial mentor regarding their learning progress and business plan development, but also to be supported in the establishment of community-managed savings and loan schemes.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

SIF aims to engage an Entrepreneurial Mentor to ensure effective implementation of the entrepreneurial training program and the trainee’s success. The objectives of the assignment include:

• Ensure the successful completion of the training for 80 trainees, by providing support when required
• Ensure the development of a strong business plan by the 80 trainees by providing coaching session (collective and one-to-one) 
• Provide accompaniment in the mentorship and skills transfer process for the trainees to have autonomy, confidence, and support system.

SCOPE OF WORK

The assignment will be carried out over a period of three (3) months for an agreed number of days per month. The Assignment will cover the following scope: 

Role During Training:

1.    Guidance and Support: The Mentor will provide guidance to beneficiaries throughout the training process, helping them understand the curriculum, clarify any uncertainties, and encourage engagement.
2.    Expertise Transfer: Mentor will share their knowledge and experiences in business and vocational skills, offering practical insights that complement the theoretical training provided. This includes sharing best practices in business management, marketing strategies, and operational logistics during one to one coaching or collective coaching.
3.    Personalized Feedback: Throughout the training, mentor will work closely with beneficiaries to provide personalized feedback on their ideas, business plans, and any projects they envision. This support will help refine their proposals for maximum viability and impact.
4.    Networking Opportunities: Mentor will facilitate connections between beneficiaries and relevant industry contacts, resources, and opportunities that can aid in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Role After Training:

1.    Business Plan Development: After completing the training, mentors will assist beneficiaries in finalizing their business plans to ensure they are well-prepared for grant proposals. They will help them articulate their visions and expected outcomes effectively.
2.    Grant Utilization Support: Once beneficiaries receive their grants, mentor will continue to support them by monitoring the implementation of their business plans, ensuring that the funds are utilized as intended, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
3.    Regular Check-Ins: Mentors will conduct regular follow-ups through visits, phone calls, or meetings to track progress, provide ongoing support, and address challenges beneficiaries might face as they start their businesses.
4.    Skill Enhancement: Mentors will offer one-on-one coaching as needed to help beneficiaries enhance their skills based on market demands and business needs.
5.    Encouragement and Motivation: As beneficiaries embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, mentors will play a crucial role in providing encouragement, motivation, and emotional support, helping them persevere through challenges and celebrate their successes.
6.    Mentoring and Feedback Mechanisms :Develop a robust mentoring framework to track progress, document successes, and collect feedback from participants to adapt the program as necessary.

APPROACH/METHODOLOGY:

To achieve the objectives of this assignment effectively, the following approach and methodology will be adopted:
Needs Assessment and need Analysis: An assessment will be conducted to understand the specific needs of trainees. This can include individual pre-test or consultations per group. The assessment will guide the customization of training content and tools to ensure relevance and impact.
Collaborative Planning with SIF and Stakeholders: Engagement with SIF staff and the Training center will be prioritized to ensure a smooth implementation and a close follow up of trainees.
Mentorship Workshops: Tailored mentorship sessions will be conducted for trainees, including practical exercises. The number of sessions will be set before the signature of the contract. A minimum of collective session and individual session will be set.
Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: The mentor will report on a weekly basis to the Program officer the achievement and work plan for the coming weeks, using a comprehensive monitoring tool. The mentor will support the implementation of the feedback and complaint mechanism.

Deliverables:

1.    Training monitoring: Mentoring will work closely with the project team to monitor the training at the institute and provide feedback that helps enhance the skills of the beneficiaries and provide weekly report. 
2.    Business Plan Template: A standardized template for beneficiaries to develop their business plans, including guidelines and criteria required for grant applications.
3.    Grant Evaluation Framework: An established framework for assessing and rating business plans presented by beneficiaries, involving the Entrepreneurial Committee’s criteria for successful grant proposals.
4.    Monitoring and Mentorship Plan: A structured plan detailing how mentoring and support will be provided throughout the training and after grant acquisition, including schedules for follow-ups, check-ins, and additional training opportunities.
5.    Sustainability Best Practices Guide: A guide outlining eco-friendly practices that beneficiaries can implement in their businesses, promoting sustainability and community engagement.

Duration:

The project is expected to last approximately three months, divided into one month of training followed by two months of follow-up assessments and support.

Other responsibilities: 

The consultant will receive mandatory training on SIF Code of Conduct, Safeguarding policies and procedures and will be requested to comply strictly with all measures in place to promote a safe environment for everyone. In case of breach of SIF policies, the contract will be terminated.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Development Studies, Social Work, Human Rights, or any other related Social Sciences.
• Extensive experience in humanitarian work, protection, particularly in training and capacity building.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the local context and protection issues.

SIF’s responsibilities:

1.    Facilitate participant mobilization for the training sessions as well as mentoring activities.
2.    Assist in logistics and organization in accordance with internal policies.
3.    Provide refreshments and logistics means for the collective workshop sessions.
4.    SIF will pay on a monthly basis based on agreed reporting mechanisms.

The submission of a consultancy application therefore entails a commitment to comply with the institution’s Safeguarding Policy. Accordingly, any history of professional behavior constituting a risk to children, women and men (individual acts, joint acts, complicity) will result in the systematic refusal of the candidate’s application. Comprehensive references will be requested for this consultancy assignment. 

How to Apply

APPLICATION:

• Please submit your application - Cover letter and CV with 3 professional references in one document saved in PDF format to:  Log.Officer.ye@secours-islamique.org
• The position title (TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL MENTOR CONSULTANT) should be indicated on the subject line
• The deadline for application is 30 April 2025 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.