USAID MISRA is looking for a Local Economic/Investment Expert (Relaunched)

SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                Local Economic/Investment Expert (further Consultant)

Program:                              USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Activity (MISRA)

Location:                               Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:    July - November 2024

Total Level of Effort:         up to 30 days

Work Plan Activity:           Task 2.1.7 (FY24 WP):  Support in development of a proactive Investor Aftercare Program / Sub-task 2.1.7.6. Investor Aftercare Program Guide is developed

Background

The USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reform Activity (MISRA) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Nathan Associates Inc. MISRA’s objective is to stimulate a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the regional crisis, improve the institutional, business, and trade enabling environment in Moldova by supporting Moldova’s public institutions and the private sector to accelerate the implementation of trade liberalization mechanisms, adopt structural and investment climate reforms, accelerate financial sector reforms, improve economic governance in the public sector, and enhance strategic communications between the private and public actors. MISRA builds on prior and ongoing USAID and US Government activities in the business enabling environment and trade facilitation space to strengthen Moldova’s economic growth and resilience, and by doing so, increase transparency and accountability.

 Activity Overview

In June 2023, Government Decision No. 439/2023 was approved, leading to the reorganization of the Invest Moldova Agency (IMA). As part of this reorganization, an Aftercare Unit was established within the Agency. The functions of this new unit, as outlined in the Government Decision, include:

• Systematically tracking and evaluating investor complaints, processing them, formulating the Agency's position, and representing the legitimate interests of investors.
• Informing the Government about identified issues and formulating proposals to improve the regulatory and/or institutional framework to enhance the investment climate.
• Conducting research studies to develop proposals for improving the investment climate and providing information on the analyses and studies conducted.
• Implementing programs and projects, and participating in the implementation of national strategies to support and protect investments.

To strengthen the capacities of the new Aftercare Unit in delivering aftercare services, MISRA has supported IMA in analyzing the best international practices regarding Aftercare support. This analysis aims to equip the unit with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support and retain investors.

Building on and retaining the existing investment base is essential for long-term economic development. The Investor Aftercare Program (IAP) has been recognized as an effective tool for embedding investing firms in local economies. The IAP encompasses a range of operations, from post-establishment facilitation services to developmental assistance aimed at retaining investment, encouraging follow-on investment, and boosting local economic effects.

Under this Scope of Work, the Consultant will support IMA in developing the IAP Guide based on the analysis of best international practices. This will involve detailing aftercare-related actions and services, including their timelines and periodicity, to ensure a structured and effective approach to investor support and retention.

The IAP Guide shall describe such components as (but not limited to):

• Relationship Management: Strategies for maintaining regular communication with investors and government authorities, including a database of consulting companies for any informational and detailed support needed by investors.
• Business Development and Expansion Support: Identifying growth opportunities for investors, monitoring the investment process, money invested, and the ongoing business.
• Regulatory and Administrative Assistance: Providing guidelines for regulatory compliance information, facilitation services to streamline permits, licenses, and administrative processes, and developing position documents and analyses on the main issues faced by investors, providing sectorial analysis and strategic insights on different sectors of interest.
• Networking and Partnership Building: Organizing networking events, seminars, forums, business breakfasts, training programs, and workshops to foster connections and partnerships, increase the awareness, the network, and department’s credibility / reputation.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Creating tools for tracking investor satisfaction and feedback and developing evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of the aftercare program.

 Responsibilities and Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for the following:

Task 1. Draft the Investor Aftercare Program Guide and an Action Plan for the IMA to roll out the program.

 Deliverables

The Consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Investor Aftercare Program Guide, by October 15, 2024.
• Finalization report summarizing the work completed, findings, and recommendations, using MISRA template by October 31, 2024.

Skills and Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in investment promotion, economic development, or related areas.
• Strong understanding of investment processes, regulatory environments, and economic development strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with government authorities and institutions preferred.
• Experience working with USAID and/or other international donors preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Consultant will coordinate tasks and deliverables directly with the Component 2 Structural Reform Team Lead and Structural Reform Expert.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by July 05, with “Investor Aftercare Program” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled