Digital Transformation Expert

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Georgia

Project Name: The Relief and Recovery for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Project No: P173975

Loan No. 9239-GE

Assignment Title: Digital Transformation Expert

Reference No. GE-GEDC-CS-IC-45

Introduction

JSC Georgian Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), within the Relief and Recovery for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Project supported by the World Bank (WB) intends to apply part of the loan proceeds for consulting services of a Digital Transformation Expert, who will operate under the World Bank MSMEs Project structure, while being functionally integrated with GEDC’s Growth Hubs network. The Project Development Objective for the Relief and Recovery for MSME operation is to provide relief to MSMEs and support their recovery, including by strengthening the enabling environment for access to finance. Project Description The Project is implemented nationwide and consist of four components: Component 1 – Financial relief and recovery for MSMEs Component 2 – Digital payments & financial infrastructure upgrading Component 3 – Project management and Monitoring Component 4 – Contingent Emergency Response Component A substantial portion of the Project activities fall under Component 1. Component 1 is implemented by GEDC. It comprises of the following sub-components: Sub-component 1.1 - micro-grants to finance working capital and fixed assets for micro and small firms. Sub-component 1.2 - co-financing interest payments on loans underwritten by participating financial institutions (PFIs). Sub-component 1.3 - partial credit guarantees for loans issued by PFIs. Sub-component 1.4 - technical assistance for COVID-proofing and digitalization of MSMEs.

Objectives of the assignment

Subcomponent 1.4 of the Relief and Recovery for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Project aims to support both the design and the provision of technical assistance to firms to adjust to the post Covid environment through the adoption of relevant managerial, digital, and other relevant practices and supporting the creation of a market for such services. The objective is to supplement the financial support under other subcomponents with technical assistance to address outstanding firm needs in key sectors, informed by stakeholder outreach. This subcomponent will also aim to gauge the feasibility of establishing and eventually scaling the most relevant of managerial capability and digitization programs in the context of Georgia. It will also pilot activities aimed at creation of a local market for firm consultancy services. In order to effectively provide support services mentioned above and ensure coverage and accessibility in all regions, GEDC will be developing Growth Hubs in all regional centres.

Scope of Work of the Digital Transformation Expert

The Expert will support the implementation of Subcomponent 1.4's digitalization component, ensuring alignment with GEDC’s strategic digital transformation agenda and Growth Hub service portfolio. The Digital Transformation Expert will report to the Head of Business Services Development Division and coordinate closely with the Strategic Development Unit within GEDC’s M&E Department, as necessary, particularly on monitoring, reporting, and knowledge-sharing related to digitalization activities at the Central Office of GEDC. The Expert will play a pivotal role in enabling digital transformation among MSMEs supported through the Growth Hub network. This includes conducting digital diagnostics, recommending tailored digital solutions, supporting implementation, and contributing to knowledge development across regions and sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

Conduct digital maturity assessments to MSMEs identified through the Growth Hub’s diagnostics, analyze their existing digital maturity level, their business processes, assess the existing technological infrastructure, and identify opportunities and draft a tailored digitalization plan to recommend how to digitally transform their business operations based on their outstanding needs; Provide technical support to MSMEs during the rollout of selected digital tools and solutions, as defined by their digitalization plans; Contribute to building the capacity of Growth Hub staff and partner consultants to apply digital diagnostic tools and support MSMEs’ digitalization efforts; Identify and maintain a roster of credible technology vendors and digital service providers, in coordination with GEDC procurement and technical teams; Recommend appropriate technology platforms for individual MSMEs, considering their size, industry, and operational capacity; Develop and implement, and periodically update/improve methodologies for assessing digital maturity of businesses and contribute to the creation of sector-specific digital transformation roadmaps; Create and maintain a structured catalog of digital tools, platforms, and their providers available on the Georgian market; Collaborate effectively with project partners, internal teams, and external contractors to align on shared goals and work streams; Actively participate in the planning and delivery of educational and awareness-raising activities to promote digital literacy and transformation among current and potential beneficiaries; Engage proactively with MSMEs, responding to inquiries and providing follow-up guidance throughout the digitalization process; Monitor the adoption and effectiveness of digital solutions after implementation, and issue recommendations to ensure sustained impact; Participate in the development of content and input for project progress reports related to digitalization; Perform other related tasks within the scope of the assignment, as required to support the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives within the project, and as assigned by management; Provide data and inputs on digitalization activities, indicators, and results to the Strategic Development Unit for inc