FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
O1.
What problem are we solving?
We are democratizing access to skilled talent for mission driven work in Africa.
According to UNESCO, many Africans with strong formal skills still struggle to find decent work to survive and contribute to economic growth. Yet, there are many organizations in Africa who face significant hurdles finding the right technical talent to fit roles.
O2.
Who is 1Capacity designed for?
1capacity is designed for two main groups:
Clients: Organizations seeking skilled consultants for development projects across various SDGs. This includes international development agencies, large NGOs, consulting firms, and private companies with CSR initiatives.
Freelancers: Academics, researchers, graduate students, and independent consultants with expertise in SDG-related fields, eager to contribute to positive social and environmental change through freelance projects.
O3.
How does 1Capacity work?
For clients:
Post project details: Define nature of gig, desired consultant archetype, type of preferred engagement model (single gigs or Managed Services).
For single gigs, review options of consultant profiles based on project details set
For managed services– DPD Admin handles the selection and management of the project team
Direct communication: Interact with shortlisted consultants through the platform’s messaging system.
Hire and collaborate: Negotiate terms, manage projects, and track progress directly on the platform.
For consultants:
Create a profile: Highlight your skills, experience, and SDG areas of expertise. The better you highlight your skills the better the algorithm notices you.
Respond to requests: Once contacted for a gig, submit proposals or express interest in relevant projects.
Collaborate with clients: Secure projects, communicate and manage tasks directly through the platform.
O4.
How does 1Capacity ensure quality of Freelancers?
Freelancer employs a multi-layered approach to ensure consultant quality:
Rigorous application process: Consultants complete detailed profiles outlining their skills and experience.
Reference checks: Client references are verified for past performance and professional conduct.
Publication checks
Social media checks
Client reviews and ratings: Consultants receive feedback and ratings after project completion, ensuring accountability and transparency.
O5.
What are the fees and payment terms for using 1Capacity?
1Capacity charges clients a commission on project engagements. Freelancer keep the majority of their project fees, with transparent deductions for platform fees. A typical gig attracts a 20% commission (take rate) deducted from the consultant’s fees. Freelancers keeps 80%. However, a 5.5% markup is also added to the client’s bill for transaction charges.
For Freelancer’s coming from academia, we will soon introduce a split incentive regime where 1.5% of the platform’s take rate per transaction (20%) goes to the respective academic institution; and 6% out of the consultant’s percentage (80%) also goes to the academic institution. Thus, the academic Freelancer keeps- 74%, DPD keeps 18.5%, Academic institution keeps 7.5%. This only applies to consultants from academic institutions.
Payment terms are usually milestone based, however we ensure that before the project commences the client pays the 1st milestone fee into the platform’s Escrow.
O6.
For freelancers coming from academia, is there a conflict of interest?
No, there is no conflict of interest with your current activities. Freelancing on remote gigs can be done at your time and your pace. As a lecturer, you may consider taking up a side hustle as a freelance graphic designer on Fiverr. If this is possible, then why should it be an issue seeking other platforms to monetize your primary skillset?
However, we are actively working with academic institutions in Africa to in addition to teaching, research and grant making, include remote freelancing as part of the JD/Roles of lecturers. The incentive design mentioned above will also help provide an additional source of revenue to the academic consultant and institution.
O7.
How do you ensure financial trust and transparency?
The platform has an in-built Escrow. Client funds the escrow and funds only get to the consultant upon verification and confirmation of service delivery by client.
O8.
What support is available to clients and freelancer?
User-friendly platform: The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, with comprehensive tutorials and help guides.
Dedicated support team: A responsive customer support team is available to answer questions and address any issues through email, live chat, or phone.
Knowledge base and FAQs: An extensive knowledge base and frequently asked questions section provide readily available answers to common inquiries.
O9.
I hear you have a complementary platform for clinical workers
Yes, managedmedics.ng
Would you like to start a project with us?
or you are a technical expert and interested in a gig or contract?