Trainer(s) to Conduct Business Skills and Financial Management training for vulnerable urban refugee and host community women operating small businesses in Kampala

Introduction
Ace Policy Research Institute (APRI) is implementing a research project titled “Examining the combined effects of a two‑generation model involving childcare and financial support interventions among vulnerable businesswomen in urban refugee and host communities in Kampala.”

Project design.
The study implements and tests the effect of two key interventions, one aiming at reducing time allocated to childcare by women in urban refugee dwellings and host communities involved in small businesses, and another seeking to boost women business capitalization.

1-Community-based day care facility: To reduce time allocated to childcare, this project set up day care facilities in the refugee hosting communities targeting children aged 8 months to 3 years for both refugees and host-communities.

2- To support vulnerable mothers involved in small informal businesses, the second intervention focuses on provisions of a one-off grant of approximately USD 30- USD 100 (actual amount to be determined by the level of capitation of the business) per eligible woman (both refugees and nationals) to address one of the key constraints to business performance, limited capital. This we envisage that in addition to childcare, will boost business sales and hence revenue, profitability, and growth.

Study approach
The project is implemented using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to rigorously assess the effects of combined child- and caregiver-targeted interventions on key outcomes, including child development, women’s productivity, business profitability and growth, and overall household welfare.

The evaluation design consists of two comparator groups:

• Childcare Benefit Group: Participants receive interventions aimed solely at alleviating the burden of childcare.
• Business Package Benefit Group: Participants receive both childcare support and additional business-related interventions, including training in business management and bookkeeping, as well as a financial boost in the form of a grant.

Aim of the research project
The study has three main aims:

1. To understand the status of childcare burden and its attendant constraints on livelihoods for urban refugee women.
2. To design interventions that alleviate the childcare burden for urban refugee women while at the same time improving their social and economic welfare.

• To evaluate the effects of these interventions on reducing the burden of childcare as well as business growth, productivity, profitability, livelihoods, and the wellbeing of urban refugee women/caregivers.

Justification for Engagement of Trainers
The project builds on earlier implementation phases, including a scoping study, household listing, community sensitization, participant recruitment, and a comprehensive baseline survey. Following these activities, a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) process was undertaken to ensure a transparent and unbiased allocation of participants. As a result, 45 women comprising both refugees and host community women with small businesses in Makindye were assigned to the treatment group to receive a financial booster (cash transfer) alongside complementary capacity-building support/training.

While the financial booster is intended to relax immediate capital constraints, evidence shows that access to finance alone is often insufficient to drive sustained business growth without the necessary financial management and entrepreneurial skills (Dean Karlan & Martin Valdivia, 2011; David McKenzie & Christopher Woodruff, 2014). It is therefore critical to complement the financial support with targeted training that equips participants with practical business competencies.

In this context, APRI seeks to engage qualified trainers to deliver a structured training program designed to:

1. Strengthen core business management practices, including record-keeping and financial planning
2. Enhance participants’ ability to make informed business decisions and adopt growth-oriented strategies
3. Build skills in leveraging social and business networks to expand market opportunities

The training is a key component of the intervention package and is essential for maximizing the impact of the financial booster, ensuring that participants are able to productively invest resources, improve business performance, and ultimately enhance their livelihoods and wellbeing.

Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be required to:

1. Develop a detailed training program and methodology, covering:
2. Practical business management skills (bookkeeping, planning, record‑keeping, customer care, inventory management).

• Growth strategies for small businesses (market expansion, product differentiation, savings discipline, risk management).

1. Understanding and leveraging social capital (business networks, trusted relationships, community ties, peer learning).
2. Deliver training to 45 businesswomen (Refugee and host communities) at a venue provided by APRI.
3. Use participatory and context‑appropriate training methodologies, including but not limited to role‑plays, group discussions, scenario‑based learning, and practical demonstrations.

• Develop and submit training materials, including presentations, handouts, group exercises, and practical tools.
• Assess participant learning, using pre‑ and post‑training assessment tools.

1. Submit a final training report summarizing:

• Training delivery and attendance
• Participant performance and feedback
• Recommendations for follow‑up support

Expected Deliverables

1. Training Materials and Tools
2. Training Report and Participant Assessment (pre- and post-assessment)

Duration & Timeline

1. Training starts on 15^th April 2026

Required Qualifications
The trainers must have:

Technical Expertise

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in entrepreneurship training, business development services (BDS), SME coaching, or livelihoods capacity‑building.
• Experience working with women‑led businesses, informal sector traders, or vulnerable groups.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver participatory adult‑learning programs.
• Familiarity with refugee and host‑community dynamics is an added advantage.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and intercultural skills.

Institutional Competence (if firm)

• Demonstrated ability to deploy qualified facilitators with relevant expertise.
• Track record of similar assignments with NGOs, research institutions, or development partners.

Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested trainers/consultants are required to submit:

1. Technical Proposal (maximum 3 pages) including; methodology/approach, proposed training program/time‑table, profile of trainer(s) and relevant experience and previous assignments.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for individual consultants or lead trainers.

• Financial Proposal/Budget (submitted as a separate attachment)

Submission Instructions
All applications should be submitted electronically to: Email: snyangoma@apriug.org  and copy pbengana@apriug.org and jacklyn@apriug.org

Deadline for submission:
Monday, 13th April 2026, 11:00 AM EAT

Late submissions will not be considered.