Technical Assistance to the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU) in managing the implementation of the SASME project’s various components
Description
Credit Facility Agreement of 30M EUR from AFD alongside a Grant Implementation Agreement of 21.351M of EU has been signed with the Government of Egypt. These funds are used to establish a new credit line and guarantee fund for agricultural SMEs as well as to provide technical assistance.
The objective is to improve access to finance for agricultural SMEs via the Agricultural Development Programme (MALR credit fund body) by:
- improving access to finance (A2F) for agricultural SMEs and small farmers (1.1) Creation of the SASME Credit Fund, to be managed by an Agent Bank under the procedures of the Agriculture Development Program (ADP)
- providing technical assistance to key stakeholders in agricultural finance (lending and guarantee granting processes)
- increasing SME absorption capacity by establishing an agricultural credit guarantee scheme
- improving the productive and allocative efficiency of the dairy sector and marine aquaculture sector and the efficient use of the resources allocated to them
- addressing cross-cutting issues (environmental impact, gender equality, poverty reduction, good governance).
The SASME Project targets SMEs in all agricultural sectors, with a focus on the dairy and marine aquacultural sectors. The Project sought to finance SMEs with limited access to finance, but also individuals, cooperatives, NGOs, registered associations, and rural women.
The Consultant provides global project management support for the SASME project for the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR), assisting the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU) in the overall management and coordination of activities related to the planning and supervision of the implementation of the SASME Project.
Services
Project Management
- Provide advisory services on managing, supervising, monitoring, and reporting on project implementation activities
- Oversee organization of steering committee meetings with relevant members of the MALR
- Prepare of program technical reports
- Liaise with NCPU, and other MALR staff, project stakeholders including the Agent Bank, the Trust Fund representatives etc.
- Update the Project Implementation Manual
Financial Management and Administration
- Provide advisory services on financial management
- Advice on preparing quarterly work plans and progress reporting
- Establish a robust project accounting system, including reporting and filling systems
- Manage cash and banking transactions
- Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and maintain records on file;
- Monitor and ensure expenditure of project funding;
- Prepare project financial reports
- Conduct project-related administrative tasks
Procurement
- Oversee drafting of procurement plan and organization of procurement processes for hiring of external consultant
- Prepare the TORs for project tender dossiers for the SASME Technical Assistance activities and experts
- Set up and maintain an effective monitoring and recording system on procurement
- Manage the entire procurement process for goods and consulting services according to project Procurement Plan
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor progress on project activities, achievement of indicators
- Propose solutions to any implementation difficulties
- Develop strong monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures for all project components
Communication
- Take all appropriate measures to publicize that the Projects have received funding from the AFD and the EU
- Develop communications material
- Implement communications activities