Consultancy Call: To Provide Investment Readiness Advisory and Support to Biodigester Enterprises

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org.

1. The Africa Biodigester Component (ABC) Project – Uganda

The Africa Biodigester Component (ABC) Project is an energy and agriculture integrated programme in Uganda implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) as lead implementer in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as consortium partner and Biogas Solutions Uganda Limited as the National Implementer. The ABC – Ug project seeks to achieve a sustainable, stable and growing market for biodigesters that significantly contribute to achieving national sustainable agricultural production, energy access and climate targets, by following a market-based approach to triggering demand, promoting the supply of high-quality technology and services and improving the enabling environment.

ABC Uganda is committed to supporting Biodigester Enterprises (BEs) in enhancing their investment readiness, enabling them to receive advanced results-based financing (RBF). As part of the Access to Finance component of the project, the project would like to offer advance Results-Based Financing (RBF) to 12 Biodigester Enterprises to increase their working capital, affordability and grow uptake of the bio digesters within their regions. 

The project needs to conduct assessments to understand the finance needs of the BEs and their financial forecasts/projections. There’s also needed to provide investment readiness advisory and support to the BEs to prepare them for the financing. Based on this background, SNV-ABC project wishes to engage the services of a consultant to conduct both the assessments and investment readiness support to the 12 biodigester companies.

2. Objective: The investment readiness support aims to prepare the BEs for the advance RBF to ensure suitability, proper utilization and growth in biodigester sales.

3. Scope of Work and Deliverables

The consultant will perform the following tasks:

• The consultant will conduct an assessment to determine the investment readiness status of the 12 BEs. This will be done through physical visits to the BEs sites.
• The consultant will provide training, coaching and mentorship to support the BEs to develop/review documents including Business plans, Pitch decks and 3-year financial plans.

3.1 Investment Readiness Assessment:

• Assess the current financial and operational status of selected Biodigester Enterprises.
• Identify gaps in business models, financial management, and investment readiness.
• Provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations for each BE on how to improve their readiness for investment.

3.2 Business Plan Development:

• Guide BEs through the process of developing or refining business plans that align with investor expectations.
• Ensure business plans get tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise and sector, considering financial projections, market strategies, and operational goals.
• Work closely with BEs to incorporate recommendations & enhance operational efficiency, market penetration, and financial sustainability.

3.3 Baseline Financial Data Development:

• Support BEs to compile and analyse their financial data, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Provide tools, templates, and training to help BEs develop baseline financial statements, including Profit & Loss (P&L) statements, and cash flow projections. Help BEs understand key financial metrics, profitability, and risk factors associated.

3.4 Advanced Results-Based Financing (RBF) Support:

• Work with BEs to ensure they are well-prepared to apply for and receive advanced RBF.
• Support BEs to develop financial models that clearly demonstrate their capacity to achieve results-based financing objectives.

3.5 Capacity Building and Mentorship:

• Provide capacity building sessions for BEs in areas such as financial management, business development, and investment readiness.
• Offer one-on-one mentorship to address specific challenges and foster long-term growth for each BE.

4. Methodology 

• The assessment will be done through physical visits to the BEs sites
• The mentorship, coaching and training will be done through one-on-one sessions with the BEs. The consultant will conduct both physical and virtual sessions based on the status and needs of the BEs.

5. Consultants's Deliverables

• A needs assessment report indicating the investment readiness status of all the 12 Bes including recommendations for improvement.
• 12 bankable business plans
• Baseline financial data and refined 12 pitch decks
• In-depth feedback to BEs on business plans with financials/ investment proposals. All documents will be developed by enterprises and reviewed by the consultant.
• 3-year financial plans with realistic projections for all the 12 Bes
• Final consultancy report with Training Materials, including attendance lists, and post-training evaluations.

Note: Committed BEs who complete their documents before the end of the contract will be eligible to receive advance RBFs.

6. Timeframe: The consultant will be contracted for 80 (Eighty days) running for a duration of four (4) months from March – July 2025.

     An indicative timeline is given below.

Activity                                                                                      Timeline

Call for and submission of proposals                                          March 2025

Evaluation and contracting of best bidders                                 March 2025

Implementation Programme                                                       April, May, June & July 2025

7. Coordination and Reporting of Work: The consultant will report directly the ABC Project Manager or the designated representative who will provide guidance to the consultant and coordinate the activity. Regular updates will be provided during scheduled meetings and through email. Progress will be monitored according to the deliverables and timeline outlined above.

8. Location of Service: The Consultant will implement activities directly with the BEs located in Soroti, Jinja, Ntungamo, Kabarole, Wakiso and Kampala districts.

9. Payment terms: Payments shall be in line with SNV payment policy.

10. Qualifications: The applicants shall possess the following minimum qualifications as mentioned in the Technical Assessment Grid.

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Capabilities and Expertise                                                                                                    

Extensive expertise in providing investment readiness advisory and financial consulting to renewable energy growth-oriented SMEs in Uganda (25 marks)

Documented experience in offering Business Advisory Service/support to renewable energy enterprises in Uganda to obtain growth-focused debt – capital, Expertise in developing business plans, financial analysis, and structuring investments. (Attach evidence of similar past engagements). Share at least 3 references for similar assignments conducted complete with contact details with in last two years. (25 marks)

Detailed Workplan: a detailed workplan falling within the proposed assignment’s timeframe (10 marks)

Experience in facilitating interactive and participatory workshops and Demonstrated capacity to mentor and build the capacity of entrepreneurs. (10 marks)

Strong knowledge of the biodigester and clean cooking sector, with a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities for enterprises in this field. (10 marks)

Financial Proposal clear budget matching deliverables as detailed. (20 marks)

Administrative Requirements for Firms

• Legal registration documents to operate in Uganda including certificate of registration/ incorporation and articles of association.
• Valid Trading Licence (2025)
• Current Tax Clearance Certificate addressed to SNV (TIN: 1000112373)
• C.V’s/profiles of the consultants or team members to be involved, highlighting relevant experience.
• Individual consultants can submit their detailed CVs showing education and professional background

Submission Requirements

• A detailed technical proposal outlining the approach to achieving the objectives, including timelines, evidence of past work with International Organisations, delivery timelines, and a clear delivery methodology.
• A financial Proposal comprised of a fixed amount based on the number of working days required to deliver the required services as per the defined deliverables.

The above should be sent to the following email address ugandatenders@snv.org with “proposal for ABC Business Development consultancy for BEs” in the subject line.  Proposals should be received by Saturday 15th March 2025.