Growth Hub Manager in Rustavi

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: Growth Hub Manager in Rustavi

Reference No. GE-GEDC-CS-IC-47

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 the Growth Hub Manager in the City of Rustavi. 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. The Project facilitates development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Tbilisi and regions through delivery of consulting services, improving business skills, and provision of information availability, which shall enable creation of new jobs and economic increase. 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 provide micro-grants to finance working capital and fixed assets for micro and small firms. Sub-component 1.2 co-finance interest payments on loans underwritten by participating financial institutions (PFIs). Sub-component 1.3 provide partial credit guarantees for loans issued by PFIs. Sub-component 1.4 provide technical assistance for COVID-proofing and digitalization of MSMEs.

Objectives of the assignment

This subcomponent 1.4 finances: (i) Consulting services provided by selected consultants to firms to increase their resilience by providing consulting services and digital solutions to transform their managerial practices and digital capacity; (ii) Improving business skills of MSMEs through trainings by selected consultants to improve MSMEs’ business skills and facilitate the uptake of improved practices and digital solutions; and (iii) Providing information by GEDC to the MSMEs to access all business support-related information in one space. These services are provided through the Consulting Centers, modeled after the concept of Growth Hubs set up in the regions of Georgia. In particular, the Rustavi Growth Hub Manager shall lead operational delivery and performance of Rustavi Growth Hub.

Scope of work of Rustavi Growth Hub Manager

The Rustavi Growth Hub Manager will report to the Growth Hub Project Manager based in the GEDC head office in Tbilisi. The Manager will be responsible for the following tasks: Ensure the smooth daily operations of the Rustavi Growth Hub, including administrative oversight, workflow management, resource allocation, and issue resolution. Maintain ongoing engagement with MSME beneficiaries, including identifying needs, gathering feedback, and guiding them through the support services available. Lead and supervise the Hub’s local team, assigning tasks, providing mentorship, monitoring performance, and ensuring effective execution of responsibilities. Collect data and generate regular reports reflecting the Hub’s performance and impact; ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation of activities. Collaborate with the central office to align regional initiatives with national strategies and to implement both short-term and long-term development plans for the Hub. Develop and maintain internal procedures to ensure quality and consistency of services, promote best practices, and support team development. Serve as the main liaison with regional stakeholders, including local government institutions, NGOs, business associations, and international development partners; represent the Growth Hub at public events and meetings. Oversee the consulting services cycle, from business diagnostics to monitoring service delivery. Ensure selected consultants fulfill contractual obligations and services rendered meet the agreed scope and timeline. Organize capacity-building activities, such as trainings, workshops, and networking events to enhance the business skills of entrepreneurs and SMEs. Perform additional tasks relevant to the objectives of the Growth Hub as required.

Reporting and Deliverables Rustavi Growth Hub Manager shall perform the above-mentioned tasks continuously during the term of his//her assignment, to the satisfaction of the Client. The Manager shall prepare and submit monthly reports to the Head Office Growth Hub Project Manager, reflecting the Hub’s performance during the reporting period, including the information about: Businesses that visited the Hub for drop-in consultations, including categorization of reasons for their visit; Capacity-building activities conducted and total participants reached; Business diagnostics completed at the Hub; Any other relevant updates or operational notes.

Qualification and Experience:

The candidate shall meet the following requirements: At least Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, management or in other related area; Minimum 2 years working experience in small and medium business support. Knowledge of B2 level English; Experience in working on a managerial position. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools;

The candidate shall also have the following skills: Data analysis; Business correspondence; Effective communication/presentation; Good analytical skills; Sense of responsibility; Team worker; Organized and oriented on details.

Preference will be given to candidates with business project management experience or those with certificates in this/related area. Facilities and Services to be provided by the