State-Business Relations (SBR) Coordination Support

BUSINESS ESWATINI

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Short-Term Consultant: State-Business Relations (SBR) Coordination Support

Duration: 6 Months

Reporting & Supervision: Business Eswatini

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1. Background

Business Eswatini (BE) is a voluntary, membership-based umbrella body representing the interests of the private sector in the Kingdom of Eswatini. BE plays a central role in policy advocacy, public-private dialogue (PPD), and the promotion of a conducive business environment that supports national competitiveness, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

In February 2023, the Government of Eswatini and Business Eswatini officially launched the State-Business Relations (SBR) Framework, anchored by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) chaired by the Right Honourable Prime Minister. The SBR platform provides a structured mechanism for dialogue between the public and private sectors on priority issues such as competitiveness, policy reform etc.

While the SBR governance structures are operational, the long-term institutional arrangements and permanent Secretariat are currently under review. To safeguard continuity, coordination, and implementation momentum during this transitional phase, Business Eswatini intends to engage a short-term consultant to provide focused coordination and facilitation support for the SBR Project.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this six-month assignment is to provide targeted coordination, facilitation, and light technical support to the SBR process, ensuring effective collaboration and information flow between:

• Business Eswatini;

• The Office of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (MoCIT), represented through the Investor Road Map Unit;

• The Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC);

• Relevant public and private-sector stakeholders engaged in the SBR framework.

The assignment is results-oriented and focused on maintaining operational coherence, supporting priority SBR workstreams, and preparing the ground for a transition to a permanent arrangement in due course.

3. Scope of Work

Under the overall supervision of Business Eswatini, and in close collaboration with MoCIT, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

3.1 Coordination and Facilitation

• Serve as the primary coordination focal point for day-to-day SBR-related engagements among key institutions.

• Support the planning, convening, and follow-up of SBR Core Group meetings and selected Thematic Working Group meetings, as required.

• Ensure systematic tracking of decisions, action points, responsibilities, and timelines across SBR structures.

3.2 Technical and Administrative Support

• Prepare meeting agendas, briefing notes, presentations, and concise records of discussion.

• Consolidate inputs from ITC and ESEPARC to support evidence-based discussions within SBR platforms.

• Support alignment of Thematic Working Group outputs with the National Competitiveness Agenda and agreed SBR priorities.

3.3 Stakeholder Engagement and Process Alignment

• Support structured engagement with public and private-sector stakeholders participating in SBR processes.

• Assist in managing communication flows between technical, operational, and policy levels of the SBR framework.

• Contribute to sustaining trust, transparency, and continuity in public-private dialogue during the Secretariat review period.

3.4 Reporting and Knowledge Capture

• Provide concise periodic progress updates to Business Eswatini.

• Document emerging issues, implementation bottlenecks, and coordination risks.

• Support basic knowledge capture to inform the future institutionalisation of the SBR Secretariat.

4. Outputs, Milestones, and Timeline

The assignment will be delivered over a six-month period, structured around the following outputs and milestones:

Month 1 — Inception and Alignment

• Key Outputs: Inception note and coordination workplan agreed with Business Eswatini; Stakeholder mapping and communication protocol for SBR coordination; Consolidated calendar of SBR meetings and priority engagements.

• Milestones: Inception meeting held with BE and MoCIT (Investor Road Map Unit); Workplan formally endorsed by Business Eswatini.

Months 2-3 — Active Coordination and Implementation Support

• Key Outputs: Coordinated convening and follow-up of at least one SBR Core Group meetings and selected TWG meetings; Action-tracking matrix capturing agreed decisions, responsibilities, and implementation status; Consolidated technical inputs from ITC and ESEPARC integrated into SBR discussions.

• Milestones: Regular coordination updates submitted to Business Eswatini; Improved alignment and follow-through on agreed SBR actions.

Months 4-5 — Consolidation and Transition Support

• Key Outputs: Updated progress brief highlighting achievements, bottlenecks, and coordination risks; Documentation of emerging good practices and lessons; Inputs into discussions on future Secretariat arrangements, where requested.

• Milestones: Mid-assignment review with Business Eswatini; Adjusted coordination approach based on emerging needs.

Month 6 — Close-Out and Handover

• Key Outputs: Final assignment report summarising activities undertaken, results achieved, and outstanding issues; Practical recommendations to inform the operationalisation of a permanent SBR Secretariat; Handover note capturing key contacts, processes, and coordination tools developed.

• Milestones: Close-out meeting with Business Eswatini and key stakeholders; Formal submission and acceptance of final deliverables.

5. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will be for a fixed period of six (6) months. Any extension will be subject to Business Eswatini’s discretion and alignment with decisions regarding the future SBR Secretariat.

6. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to Business Eswatini. Operational coordination will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Office of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, through the Investor Road Map Unit.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should demonstrate:

• Proven experience in public-private dialogue, policy coordination, or private-sector development initiatives.

• Strong understanding of economic policy, competitiveness, and institutional coordination.

• Demonstrated project coordination and stakeholder-management capability.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Familiarity with Eswatini’s institutional landscape will be an advantage.

8. Application Procedure

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A brief technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed approach;

• A curriculum vitae (CV);

• At least three (3) professional referees;

• A financial proposal indicating the proposed fee structure.

Applications should be submitted electronically to:

The Chief Executive Officer Business Eswatini

P.O. Box 72, Mbabane

Email: nancys@business-eswatini.co.sz

Applications must be received no later than 12h00 on Friday, 13 February 2026.

BUSINESS ESWATINI RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.