Market Research Consultant

Under the guidance of the Senior Somalia/land Programme Manager, the Consultant will be responsible for conducting detailed market research on DP World’s recent agreement to develop an economic free zone at the Port of Berbera. The Consultant will be tasked with identifying how DP World’s investment in the port will impact and alter Somaliland’s markets, which sectors will benefit and where new business opportunities are most likely to be created. The market research will specifically focus on the impact that the port’s development will have on Berbera’s fishing sector.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct in-depth and extensive market research on the current market of Berbera and greater Somaliland.
• Analyze and assess the potential impact that DP World’s development of an economic free zone in the port of Berbera will have on the local and regional markets.
• Identify which sectors are likely to benefit or suffer from the port development, with a specific focus on Berbera’s fishing sector.
• Assess how the current job market will be impacted by the development of the Port of Berbera, specifically identifying in which sectors new business opportunities are most likely to be created.
• Conduct interviews, where possible, with relevant stakeholders
• Produce a high-quality market research report that analyses the current economic situation from all angles and considers all possible outcomes of DP World’s investment
• Manage a half day dissemination workshop in Somaliland to present findings and brief on final report

Research Schedule

• The proposed scoping study consists of 21 working days (including 2 travelling days)
• The assignment should be carried out in a period of time to be defined with the consultant, ideally between 1stNovember – 30th

Requirements and Skills

• Master’s Degree in economics, marketing research, marketing analytics, international business, statistic, international development, or any other related field
• Sound understanding of the investment climate and opportunities in Somaliland
• Demonstrable work experience in conducting and writing of market studies
• Minimum of five years extensive experience in carrying out research reports and analysing case studies
• Experience in conducting research for INGOs is preferable
• Fluent in both English and Somali languages
• Somali nationals preferred

About SPARK

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship to empower young, ambitious people to lead their fragile and conflict-affected societies into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing, international not-for-profit development organisation with 80+ staff members, in more than 14 offices around the world. SPARK supports refugees in the Middle-East by providing them with scholarships in universities and higher education institutions in the region. SPARK also supports young entrepreneurs in fragile states, to start or grow their own businesses.