Background

Many people in Ethiopia, especially those in rural areas do not have adequate access to financial services. In order to translate better access and better services to effective use by clients in rural Ethiopia, the Government with financial support from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched Financial Inclusion Project (EFIP) in 2010.

The Ethiopian Financial Inclusion Project(EFIP) is aiming at accessing the unbanked rural population to financial services and products; mobilizing saving for productive use; providing diversified financial products that met customers’ demands; enhancing financial literacy; and responding to the right of citizens for financial inclusion.

EFIP is a multi-stakeholder project involving: MoFED/FIU owner with oversight and coordination role, UNDP as administrator of the financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, FISU with the role of technical support, ACSI as financial service provider (for the pre-pilot & pilot phases), Kifiya as technology service provider, and customers as ultimate beneficiaries.

The one year (January-December 2012) pre-pilot phase has been implemented in Libo-kemkem woreda of the Amhara National Regional State using the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) beneficiaries as an entry point. The main reason for using PSNP beneficiaries as entry point is that, the manual payment system practiced with PSNP beneficiaries has found to be risky and time taking. The delay in the provision of cash assistance to eligible PSNP beneficiaries has also caused delay in the preparation and submission of financial reports to concerned bodies (Government and Development Partners). This in turn has affected the timely release of program funds from donor partners.

The pre-pilot has tested the financial inclusion models and innovative approaches/payment technologies (mobiles & point of sales) for the improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of cash transfers to the beneficiaries of the PSNP in Libo-kemkem sample woreda. According to the end-stage evaluation report of the pre-pilot phase encouraging results have been achieved providing the concept and informing the final design of the pilot phase.

Based on the successful implementation of the pre-pilot phase and the results achieved, the Government has decided to continue with the pilot phase considering one additional woreda (Angolela-Tera woreda) within the same region.

In order to implement the pilot phase in the two woredas (Angolela-Tera and Libo kemkem) effectively and efficiently, all stake holders in these woredas need to have project related training to enable them implement the project successfully. To this effect, there is a need to procure the services of a capable consultant with specific experience in the areas of financial inclusion-financial literacy and electronic payment systems. Promoting financial literacy within the woreda will improve access to finance through electronic payment. As the pilot project is part of the country’s broader development strategy, it will ultimately benefit the rural poor in the woreda to expand their business through gradual savings.

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of the training program should include the following, among others:

  • Introduction to Financial Inclusion concepts, approaches and applications;
  • Importance of financial inclusion and causes of financial exclusion;
  • Impact of financial inclusion on the economy and the effects of financial exclusion;
  • The pros and cons of financial inclusion;
  • The     practical ways of practicing financial inclusion;
  • The key factors that expand or limit financial inclusion.                   

Financial Inclusion Products, Channels, and Devices:

  • Financial inclusion products;
  • Distribution channels and delivery system;
  • Devices.

What is appropriate to Ethiopia?

  • In terms of Technology;
  • In terms of  cost effectiveness;
  • In terms of the  existing infrastructure in the country;
  • In terms of the country’s policy framework

Benefits/advantages of electronic payment to the rural poor.

Competencies

The Consultant is required to have the following professional and technical qualifications. Only the applicants who hold these qualifications will be shortlisted and contacted.

Professionalism

  • Ability to understand  the financial sector and interpret the concept of financial inclusion  and translate those into technical requirements;
  • Ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure;
  • Shows persistence and remains calm in stressful situations;
  • Shows pride in work and achievements, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter;
  • Responds positively to feedback and different points of view. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 

Planning and Organizing

  • Develops clear goals that are consistent with the terms defined here;
  • Identifies priority activities and assignments, and adjusts them as required;
  • Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work by foreseeing risks and developing contingency plans accordingly;
  • Monitors and adjusts plans as necessary, and uses time effectively;

Communications

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
  • Keeps confidential information undisclosed.

Accountability

  • Takes ownership of responsibilities and honors commitments;
  • Delivers assigned tasks within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
  • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
  • Takes personal responsibility for his/her shortcomings;
  • Performer;
  • Works against an agreed outcome and priorities;
  • Seeks performance feedback from supervisors and support staff in the performance review in a constructive and objective manner;

 Functional Competencies:

  • Strong knowledge of the financial sector policy and the regulatory framework;
  • Excellent research, analytical and reporting skills;
  • Ability to provide general leadership and direction to the study/research analysis and report writing;
  • Excellent research and advocacy skills relating to financial management, financial education, saving behaviour and household saving;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Ability to undertake technical policy-focused research related to financial literacy
  • Ability to work under pressure, with a group of UN agencies, and to deliver in a timely manner without compromising quality standards.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • At least Master’s degree in financial management and /or economics who is well acquainted with the Ethiopian  Banking or Microfinance sector.

Experience:

  • A minimum of eight years of relevant work experience preferably in financial sector after achieving higher degree in the above mentioned fields out of which at least four year are in the financial sector;
  • Proved experience in conducting financial sector related training program;

Language:  

  • Excellent knowledge of English, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions;

Application Instruction:

Documents Required:

  • Technical Proposals in pdf;
  • Financial Proposals in pdf;
  • CV and full address of at least three references.

Note:

Those applicants who have submitted their CV, without submitting technical and financial proposals will be automatically disqualified from further considerations.