Company Profile

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is one of Canada’s leading non-profit international development organizations, committed to building a more equitable and sustainable world. Our vision is a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for youth. It is a world in which all young people, especially women and refugees, are empowered to secure a good quality of life for themselves, their families, and their communities. We work with a diverse network of students, volunteers, institutions, governments, and businesses to improve education, economic, and empowerment opportunities for youth, and to improve the lives of millions of disadvantaged people around the world.

Job Description

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultancy Services To Organize A Pitch Event For Entrepreneurs Under The ACTIVATE Project.

• Low quality of ATVET instruction, curriculum and equipment/infrastructure; 
• Non-alignment of new TVET policies and reforms across ministries; 
• Lack of ATVET engagement with industry to understand their human resource needs; 
• Poor business skills among young people and insufficient entrepreneurship support to the diverse needs of agripreneurs;
• Insufficient management capacity of ATVET providers, regulators and support organizations.

• In the ideation stage, individuals or teams will focus on developing creative and feasible business concepts, presenting their ideas concisely while highlighting problems, unique value propositions, and market opportunities. Workshops and mentoring sessions will provide support and feedback from experienced mentors.
• The startup or early-stage stream will cater to businesses that have established their concepts and are ready to scale. Participants will present their business models, market traction, and growth strategies. This stage will involve a rigorous evaluation process with seasoned investors and business leaders as judges, offering valuable insights and potential funding connections.

• Develop a comprehensive plan for the pitch event, including timelines, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Identify and engage key stakeholders from ATVET institutions, industry, government, and civil society relevant to the successful implementation of the pitch event.
• Design a program that includes presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.
• Create a marketing strategy to promote the event and attract participants.
• Oversee event logistics and manage on-the-day activities to ensure smooth execution and implement a feedback mechanism to assess the event's impact.
• Design and deliver technical support to at least 100 participants through workshops and mentoring sessions.
• Expose successful participants to funding opportunities and sources for accessing finance to operationalize their business ideas, while also offering technical assistance and facilitating partnerships with potential investors.

• Refine (where appropriate) the event's theme and objectives in consultation with the ACTIVATE Project team
• Develop a comprehensive plan for the pitch event, including timelines, agendas, and detailed logistical requirements.
• Determine the format (e.g., pitch presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions) and duration of the event.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including ATVET institutions, government officials. Industry representatives, WUSC staff, mentors, and judges.
• Create clear guidelines outlining eligibility criteria, application requirements, judging criteria, and the evaluation process for participating entrepreneurs with focus on young women and marginalized groups.
• Develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach plan to attract students from ATVET institutions and recent graduates from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 batches, focusing on collaboration with faculty and administration, ensuring diverse representation through partnerships with student organizations and community groups.
• Create promotional materials, including eye-catching flyers and engaging social media posts, highlighting the benefits of participation, alongside informative email newsletters, while utilizing various communication channels such as school announcements and community events to effectively reach the target audience.
• Implement an inclusive application process for applicants to submit their business ideas or proposals.
• Organize pre-event briefing sessions for participating entrepreneurs to prepare them for the pitch.

• Oversee the event’s day-to-day operations, including registration, pitch scheduling, and audience engagement.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event.
• Develop and distribute a feedback survey to participants.

• Business Fundamentals: Understanding core concepts such as business models, market analysis, and financial literacy, along with the development of comprehensive business plans that outline vision, mission, target market, and revenue model.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the specific industry or sector they are entering, including trends, challenges, and key players, as well as conducting market research to understand the competitive landscape and customer needs.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Awareness of legal requirements, intellectual property rights, and compliance issues relevant to their business, complemented by guidance on legal and regulatory matters.
• Marketing Strategies: Knowledge of marketing principles, customer segmentation, branding techniques, and the development of effective marketing strategies and promotional materials.
• Financial Management: Understanding budgeting, financial forecasting, funding options, and creating financial projections to support their business model, along with access to funding resources and advice on securing funding.
• Operational Management: Insights into supply chain management, production processes, and day-to-day operations, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of operational aspects.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Ability to convey ideas clearly and create engaging presentations, supported by training in pitch preparation and storytelling techniques.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Skills in establishing and maintaining professional relationships that can lead to valuable partnerships, enhanced through networking opportunities with industry professionals and investors.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Capacity to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and adjust strategies based on feedback and changing market conditions.
• Time Management and Leadership: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, alongside skills in leading teams and fostering a collaborative environment for successful entrepreneurship.

• The consultant will be responsible for managing their own fees and reimbursable travel expenses, including accommodation and transportation. All other event logistics, such as invitations, catering, and related services, will be managed by the project team. These arrangements will be agreed upon in advance to facilitate proper planning and ensure timely submission of the concept note for funding.
• Work closely with the project team to identify the logistics required for the pitch event, including venue, invitations, transportation, catering, and other event-related services.
• Assist in planning and organizing the necessary logistics to ensure they are procured and available on time for the event.

• A detailed work plan, including a timeline for all activities leading up to the event.
• An event planning document outlining the concept, objective, logistics,including pitch format, criteria for evaluation, and structure.
• Clear guidelines outlining eligibility criteria, application requirements, judging criteria, and the evaluation process for participating startups.
• A list of confirmed stakeholders and participants in WUSC format.
• A finalized Event agenda with speakers confirmation
• Promotional materials and marketing strategy.
• An application process for startups to submit their business ideas or proposals.
• Selection and preparation of participating entrepreneurs, including the provision of pre-event training.
• BDS support training plan
• Execution of a successful pitch event.
• A post-event report summarizing outcomes, including feedback from stakeholders, judges, and participants.

Required Skills or Experience

• Proven experience in organizing pitch events, startup competitions, or business acceleration programs.
• Ability to manage all aspects of event logistics, from planning to execution
• Expertise in agripreneurship development, business coaching, and mentorship.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Experience in impact investing
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the agricultural and TVET education sectors in Ghana / Africa will be an asset.
• Familiarity with event management tools, as well as proficiency in using social media and digital marketing strategies for promotion.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry representatives, government officials, and civil society.
• Ability to think creatively and adapt to challenges that may arise during the planning and execution phases.
• Experience in developing promotional materials and marketing strategies