Menstrual Health Franchise Consultant

International Development Enterprises (iDE) is an international NGO dedicated to creating income and livelihood opportunities for poor rural households of Ethiopia through various projects implemented in different parts of the country. 

Project Background 

Menstruation is an essential marker of wellbeing and development for people that menstruate, yet millions out of the total two billion menstruators in this world still encounter monthly challenges with menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). In Ethiopia, menstruators face numerous challenges in the accessibility and affordability of menstrual health products (MHPs). Whereas penetration of MHPs are increasing in other countries, even in rural areas, the opposite is true in Ethiopia. The problem of MHPs in Ethiopia is two-fold and reinforcing; shop owners are reluctant to stock them because of minimal demand and consumers are reluctant to try and buy them when the supply is often limited, infrequent, and costly. 

Our work around menstrual health at iDE Ethiopia began in late 2020 with initial explorations into the menstrual value chain from production and distribution to end users. We are eager to expand and scale this work by leveraging private-public partnerships that will enable market actors to better reach last mile communities. Our proposed solution leverages three interrelated components to address the dispersed commercial supply, latent demand and harmful social norms around menstruation:

 Derisk entry into the rural market for an existing social enterprise through a business model focused on decentralized production and distribution.

Collaborate with partners to increase normalization of menstruation by improving education and awareness at the national and local level.

 Create a woman-centered business training curriculum focused on menstrual health.

We are seeking a consultant to help with the first component by guiding our team and selected partners through the steps necessary for establishing a franchise. The consultant will work extensively with iDE and selected partners to complete the deliverables in the first four months of the consultancy. We anticipate future work to be on an ad hoc basis for periodic progress check-ins for six months following the initial engagement. 

For general information about iDE’s work visit the Global website (www.ideglobal.org), and for specific iDE Ethiopia information visit iDE Ethiopia’s website (www.ideglobal.org/ethiopia). 

Deliverables

• The consultant will provide strategic guidance and recommendations to both iDE and their selected partners through monthly meetings. 

• Detailed roadmap for establishing a franchise partnership 

• Evaluation of selected enterprises and recommendations for growth

• Business development coaching for private partners 

Required Experience 

• Have a strong understanding of the key legal and regulatory requirements for franchising in East Africa, preferably in Ethiopia 

• Extensive consulting experience for early startups and social enterprises 

• Preferred knowledge of development and social impact space, interest in menstrual health is a plus 

• Efficient usage of available resources, cost-effective approach to mentorship 

• Transparent financial management processes and procedures 

Submission Requirements 

• Expression of interest on how the consultant meets the criteria and understanding of the scope detailed in a draft work plan  (1-2 pgs) 

• Resume with business consulting experience 

• Methodology for mentorship and guidance approach 

• Itemized financial proposal 

• Contact information for one reference of a social franchise, or past consultant service completed

How To Apply

Please email these required documents to iderecruitethiopia@ideglobal.org until the application deadline, September 15, 2024.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. We look forward to your application.