Business Incubator Lead – Community-Based Nutrition Production Initiative

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Consultancy Title: Business Incubator Lead – Community-Based Nutrition Production Initiative

Location: Kigutu, Burundi (with travel to Bujumbura as needed)

Duration: 10 months

Compensation Range: $10,000 – $18,000

Reports To: Executive Director or Designee

Application Deadline: July 25, 2025

About Village Health Works

Village Health Works (VHW) is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that health and education are fundamental human rights. Operating in Kigutu, Burundi, VHW delivers high-quality health care and education while addressing the underlying social determinants of illness, poverty, and violence. Our holistic, community-centered approach combines clinical services, education, economic development, and food security to create lasting change and restore dignity and hope.

Program Background

VHW is launching Magara Meza, a community-based, locally run initiative to produce nutritious peanut porridge in Kigutu, Burundi. This pioneering effort will establish a community-based organization (CBO) to manage the facility as a sustainable, locally owned enterprise.

To ensure the successful establishment of the initiative, VHW seeks an experienced Business Incubator Lead to provide strategic, operational, and hands-on support throughout the launch phase.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Executive Director or designee, the consultant will:

• • Develop and oversee a strategic roadmap for the operational launch of the community nutrition enterprise.
  • Support the legal formation, governance framework, and leadership development of the CBO.
  • Lead recruitment and onboarding for key CBO staff.
  • Design and implement a comprehensive business plan, including financial models, revenue streams, and growth strategies
  • Establish internal systems for procurement, budgeting, cost tracking, and documentation.
  • Coordinate with government stakeholders, farmer cooperatives, and technical partners.
  • Ensure readiness for scale-up and compliance with certification and food safety standards.
  • Document lessons learned and develop a transition plan for local ownership and sustainability.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and day-to-day problem solver during start-up and handover.

Key Deliverables & Milestones

• • November 2025: Operational setup completed; hiring and training of staff finalized
  • January 2026: Small-scale production launched; supply chain operational
  • May 2026: CBO legally registered and functioning under independent local management

Qualifications

• • Demonstrated experience in enterprise start-up, small business, or cooperative development, or incubation, preferably in East Africa.
  • Proven ability to work with community-based organizations and grassroots initiatives.
  • Familiarity with sectors such as public health, nutrition, agriculture, or food production is an advantage.
  • Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and systems-building skills.
  • Fluency in English, French, and Kirundi required; Kiswahili an asset.
  • Ability to work independently and travel regularly to Kigutu.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following documents by July 25, 2025, to jobs@villagehealthworks.org

1. 1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   2. Cover Letter highlighting relevant experience and proposed approach
   3. Proposed Monthly Fee, within the stated range

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.