Background
Recognizing (i) the importance of ‘market leaders’ to drive sector development and (ii) the demand for safe, convenient savings products by low income populations, in 2008 UNCDF launched, with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the LDC Fund to Develop Savings-led Market Leaders, (see programme document at:
- http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/uploads/project/2008-10-27_21%20October_08_Savings_Led_Market_Leaders_LDC_FIF.pdf).
- Based on proven business models, market leaders can rapidly scale-up their own operations offering a variety of products and services while accelerating the pace of sector development. The Fund, also known as “MicroLead,” provided loans and grants to leading financial service providers (FSPs) on a competitive basis to facilitate their entry into LDCs, including in post-conflict contexts, where access to finance is most limited. The Fund provided support to some of the leading FSPs from the South to expand their operations through green-fielding or technical assistance provision to existing FSPs, with a focus on saving-based models.
- http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/uploads/project/MicroLead%20Expansion_Programme%20Document_signed.pdf).
- The MicroLead Expansion programme will continue with the savings-led focus and will encompass both LDCs and non-LDCs in sub-Saharan Africa. The MicroLead Expansion programme issued a Request for Applications in October 2011 for financial service providers and technical services providers to apply for support (see the RFA at
- http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/uploads/other/UNCDF%20MicroLead%20Expansion%20RFA%20and%20annexes%20English.pdf). Applications are due 1 February 2012. This consultancy will review and rank these applications based on scoring criteria developed by UNCDF.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Review applications (FSP/TSP business plans in standard format) and provide written analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) as well as views on overall feasibility of each application; provide list of outstanding questions needing clarification, if any;
- Based on criteria/weighting provided by UNCDF, score the applications and provide a ranking of all applications; for the highest ranking applications, provide suggestions on funding conditions;
- Participate on weekly calls to discuss applications and provide expertise on the target countries/markets and the applicants.
- Individual SWOT for each application;
- Score and rank all applications; and
- Suggested funding conditions.
- C.V. that highlights how the qualifications noted above are met.
- Consultant’s daily rate in US dollars.
- Confirmation of availability to conduct due diligence missions, if deemed necessary by UNCDF, in April-June 2012.
Competencies
- Minimum of five (5) years experience in microfinance/pro-poor financial inclusion;
- Experience developing or reviewing business plans for FSPs, microfinance operational experience, and/or conducting due diligence for investments in microfinance.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree (Finance, Economics) or equivalent
Experience:
- Extensive sub-Saharan Africa experience.
- Experience in pro-poor savings mobilization.
Language:
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French.