Consultancy – Investor in Residence 

GENERAL CONTEXT

The Rwanda ICT Chamber is an arm of the Private Sector Federation (PSF). Established in 2011, the Rwanda ICT Chamber is the leading partner for organizations to share experiences, network, and connect with key players in the Rwandan ICT sector. At the ICT Chamber, we assist our members in collaborating with the right associations, companies, and individuals, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills, opportunities, and tools for growth. 

1. THE ASSIGNMENT 

1. Background of the Assignment

The ICT Chamber is seeking a qualified and experienced individual to take on the role of Project Lead for facilitating strategic partnerships between innovative and high-growth tech startups and traditional enterprises in Rwanda. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the tech and traditional business sectors, fostering collaboration that drives innovation, growth, and sustainability. The successful candidate will work closely with both sectors, leveraging their expertise to create valuable partnerships that transcend conventional boundaries. 

Objectives 

• Identify compatible verticals for potential partnerships between tech startups and traditional businesses.
• Assess the scalability and growth potential of tech startups.
• Facilitate conversations between tech and traditional businesses.
• Lead contract negotiations for mutually beneficial agreements.
• Generate data-driven insights for decision-making.

2. Key Responsibilities:

• Vertical Identification: Identify compatible verticals for potential partnerships based on shared goals, complementary strengths, and mutual growth opportunities.
• Startup/Tech Scalability Assessment: Conduct assessments of tech startups using available tools such as the Hanga Startup Index, analyzing scalability and growth potential.
• Valuation Matrix Development: Build comprehensive valuation matrices and conduct thorough valuations of tech companies and traditional businesses, considering individual assets and potential synergies.
• Growth Culture Workshops/Training: Develop and facilitate leadership training and business coaching to foster progressive partnerships and business growth approaches.
• Match Making: Facilitate conversations between tech companies and traditional businesses to cultivate valuable partnerships that leverage technological innovation and product expertise.
• Contract Negotiations: Lead contract negotiations to establish mutually beneficial partnership agreements, addressing key terms, responsibilities, and resource structures.
• Analytics and Insights: Generate data-driven insights that inform decision-making and future partnership conversations. Feedback from stakeholders is essential for refinement, and ongoing monitoring ensures insights remain current. Data security and privacy are paramount throughout the process, and continuous reporting cycles help keep stakeholders informed and support decision-making.

3. Deliverables

• Inception report presenting a Comprehensive list of tech companies and traditional businesses with precise profiles and a baseline assessment of growth areas and potential training needs.
• Detailed valuation matrices and assessment tools for startups and businesses.
• Record of facilitated negotiations and partnerships created on a quarterly basis, along with signed agreements.
• Recommendations for continuous business growth and support. 

4. Timeframe of the Service

The project is expected to span 6 months, with the following general timeline:

• Month 1-2: Company identification, initial valuations, and growth culture training, Startup needs diagnostic
  • Identify the most compatible verticals for potential partnerships between tech companies and traditional businesses based on shared goals, complementary strengths, and mutual growth opportunities. 

• Month 3-4: Matchmaking and contract negotiations.
  • Facilitate conversations leading to valuable partnerships that combine the technological innovation of tech companies with the product resources and data insights of traditional businesses. 

• Month 5-6: Partnership implementation, growth training, insight development;
  • Facilitate contract negotiations to create comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership agreements, addressing key terms, responsibilities, and resource structures. 

In addition to the above timelines, the consultant must always submit a monthly report on the project's progress.

5. Selection Method

The consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultants Qualification Selection (CQS) set out in these terms of reference. 

6. Reporting and Cooperation

The expert will directly report to the Rwanda ICT Chamber, and the final reports will be presented to RDB, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and the ICT Chamber. 

7. Candidate Requirements:

The ideal candidate for the role of Project Lead for facilitating strategic partnerships should possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Nationality: the applicant must be a citizen of Rwanda, and he/she must submit a copy of National ID as proof of nationality.
• Entrepreneurship Experience: The consultant should possess prior experience as an Angel investor, preferably in Rwanda and the surrounding region. Additional value will be attributed if the consultant also has firsthand experience in entrepreneurship.
• Education: An MBA or a relevant master's degree in Business, Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in entrepreneurship, business development, or strategic management are advantageous.
• Experience: A proven track record of at least 10 years in facilitating partnerships, business development, or strategic consulting, preferably within the technology or startup ecosystem. Prior experience in working with both tech companies and traditional businesses is highly desirable.
• Understanding of Startup Ecosystem: In-depth knowledge of the startup landscape, including familiarity with tech startups' challenges, growth patterns, and scalability requirements.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess the scalability and growth potential of startups and traditional businesses, including the capacity to develop valuation matrices and conduct comprehensive valuations.
• Negotiation Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in negotiation and contract drafting, with a track record of successfully structuring mutually beneficial partnership agreements.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate conversations, lead workshops, and present insights to diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership: A proactive and results-driven individual with strong leadership capabilities, capable of guiding stakeholders through the partnership process and fostering a growth culture.
• Collaboration: A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with both tech startups and traditional businesses, bringing together diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Strategic Vision: Visionary thinking and strategic mindset to identify untapped synergies and potential growth areas between tech and traditional sectors.
• Project Management: Exceptional project management skills to ensure the timely execution of tasks, meet project milestones, and deliver on-time reports and recommendations.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the local business environment in Rwanda, with the ability to navigate cultural nuances when facilitating partnerships.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Kinyarwanda is required. Knowledge of additional languages such as French is advantageous.

This organization is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Next Steps:

Qualified individuals interested in leading this project are encouraged to submit their credentials and proposal, detailing how they plan to execute the project's objectives. The selected individual will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, growth, and collaboration between the tech and traditional business sectors in Rwanda. 

8. Compensation and Benefits:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

9. How to Apply?

Qualified candidates interested in this consultancy role are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, and a detailed proposal highlighting their approach to achieving the project's objectives. All applications are sent to employment@ict.rw by October 29, 2023.