UNCDF Jobs - 75087- Financial Capability Consultant, Digital and Finan

Financial Capability Consultant, Digital and Financial Literacy Support to UNCDF Tanzania Country Programme

Advertised on behalf of

UNCDF

Location :

TANZANIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

22-Oct-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

up to 80 days over the year

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2018-2019

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 49 least developed countries. It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital. UNCDF focuses on Africa and the poorest countries of Asia and the Pacific, with a special commitment to countries emerging from conflict or crisis.

UNCDF also has expertise in forming partnerships to spur innovation and convening stakeholders to coordinate activities, exchange insights, and scale impact. UNCDF is thus well positioned to complement existing livelihood programming and improve refugees’ situation and the local economy by supporting the expansion of savings groups and digital and financial literacy. In the long-term, data gathered through these activities can also be used to influence policy changes that create a more enabling environment for financial inclusion.

UNCDF is developing several country-wide programmes which will combine financial and digital literacy programmes along with financial inclusion interventions in Tanzania: 1) A country-wide programme focusing on the economic empowerment of women and youth; and 2) A pilot programme to accelerate refugee’s linkage to the financial sector in Nyarugusu Camp, with long-term goals of expanding to additional camps in Tanzania as well as the wider community in Kigoma District.

1) Economic Empowerment for Women and Youth in Tanzania

Access to finance has a clear and direct impact on livelihoods, economic growth, and inclusive social and economic development. When refugees, and women in particular, are financially included, they are more empowered, more resilient, and better prepared to respond to economic shocks. UNCDF has built expertise in Inclusive Finance programs, reaching unbanked populations, particularly women, as well as building financial capabilities through innovative delivery channels.

While financial inclusion in Tanzania has increased by 26% from 2013 to 2015, the gender gap persists standing at 9% in 2015. Improving financial inclusion for women is key for their economic empowerment. Per a country assessment survey conducted by Dalberg in 2017, usage of financial products leads to an increase in self-confidence, greater involvement in household spending, further investment in productive resources such as education, and pursuit of economic opportunities such as growing a business. After conducting a country assessment in Tanzania to understand the country-specific constraints that women and young girls face, UNCDF has developed a global strategy, Participation of Women in the Economy Realized or PoWER, to improve the financial inclusion gender gap and drive women’s economic empowerment by addressing issues related to access, usage, and agency. UNCDF will combine financial and digital literacy with technical support to financial service providers and partner institutions in Tanzania under the PoWER strategy.

2) Digital and Financial Literacy for Refugees in Nyarugusu Camp, Kigoma District, Tanzania

There are a number of international and local organizations currently implementing livelihood development programming in Tanzania’s refugee camps, some of which are incorporating access to finance, but there is a need to refine and scale these programs. UNCDF has received funding to expand and strengthen these services, and proposes a pilot program that will expand access to finance through savings groups, which will also serve as an entry point for digital and financial literacy. Over the long-term, UNCDF will expand the program activities to the host community; engage in policy advocacy to create a more enabling environment for refugees’ financial inclusion; and work to accelerate refugees’ linkage to the formal financial sector.

The findings of research studies carried out by UNCDF and GSMA in the Nyarugusu Camp indicate the presence of a vibrant economy within and outside the camp characterised by an increased focus on savings groups within the camps, increased connectivity inside camps leading to the expanding use of mobile money, and the creation of a “common market” in Nyarugusu camp, where locals, Burundian refugees and Congolese refugees can trade with each other. These changes have created an ideal context for UNCDF to pilot a program on refugee financial inclusion through the strengthening and establishment of savings groups complemented by financial and digital education.

UNCDF Tanzania envisions partnering with UNHCR Tanzania and other local NGOs to implement a pilot project from August to April 2018 to increase access to savings groups and improve levels of digital and financial literacy, leveraging the expertise of partners already working in the camp and in greater Tanzania.

Objectives of the Assignment

UNCDF Tanzania seeks the services of a consultant with demonstrated expertise in the design and implementation of financial inclusion and financial/literacy interventions to support UNCDF Tanzania to achieve the following objectives for a duration of two years, from January 2018 – December 2019:

(i)   Provide technical guidance and technical assistance to partner firms that will develop and test digital and financial literacy programmes using innovative, technology-based delivery channels for refugees in Nyarugusu Camp;
(ii)   Provide technical guidance and technical assistance to partner firms that will develop and test digital and financial literacy programmes focused on women and youth in greater Tanzania;
(iii)   Contribute to programming development, rollout and formulation of activities for the scale up of new projects in Tanzania, and
(iv)   Draft documents, communications and knowledge-sharing materials as necessary.

All proposals are expected to demonstrate the ability to take a "hands-on approach" while providing support to UNCDF, its local partners who are developing and delivering financial education. The consultants will be required to travel frequently to Nyarugusu Camp and other areas of Tanzania to achieve the objectives of the project.

At the end of the contract period, the consultant will be expected to attain the following results:

a.   A field-tested financial and digital literacy programme using innovative delivery channels for refugees in Tanzania;
b.   A field-tested financial and digital literacy programme using innovative delivery channels targeting female small- and micro-business owners in greater Tanzania;
c.   A field-tested financial and digital literacy programme using innovative delivery channels targeting youth in Tanzania, and;
d.   Other deliverables to be determined with the Tanzania Programme Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for jointly performing the activities highlighted below. Specific deliverables will be agreed upon between UNCDF and the consultant during project planning phases, dependant on # of days awarded. The structure and desired content of written deliverables (such as reports and plans) will be agreed upon with UNCDF prior to drafting.

Project / Activity

Pilot Project for Digital and Financial Literacy for Refugees (January – April, 2018)

Support project steering committee on development of project plan;
Review scope of the project, methodology, expected deliverables, project team involvement and responsibilities and timelines, and monitoring and evaluation framework and indicators;
Assist partner organizations in the implementation and data analysis of a limited-scope field research to assess content and delivery of financial/digital education programme;
Review report on knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours to form the basis of the financial/digital education programme from partner organizations;
Work with partner organizations in the development of financial and digital literacy programmes in English, Kiswahili and Kirundi, including identification and adaptation of existing content;
Support partner organizations in training and oversight of trainers;
Assist in the scale up process as per the implementation plan.

Gender Focused Programming: Digital and Financial Literacy for Women, Greater Tanzania (January 2018 – Dec 2019)

Support UNCDF in the finalization of the gender strategy document and theory of change, with specific emphasis on financial/digital education;
Review scope of the project, methodology, expected deliverables, project team involvement and responsibilities and timelines, and monitoring and evaluation framework and indicators;
Assist in the selection of partner organizations for the development and delivery of financial/digital education (using innovative delivery mechanisms);
Oversee and contribute to the development and pilot tests of financial/digital education materials and delivery mechanisms;
Support partner organizations in training and oversight of trainers;
Assist in the scale up process.

Digital and Financial Literacy for Youth, Greater Tanzania (January 2018 – December 2019)

Support UNCDF in the finalization of the youth strategy document and theory of change, with specific emphasis on financial/digital education;
Review scope of the project, methodology, expected deliverables, project team involvement and responsibilities and timelines, and monitoring and evaluation framework and indicators;
Assist in the selection of partner organizations for the development and delivery of financial/digital education (using innovative delivery mechanisms).

Program Documentation and Outreach

Create reports, blog posts, communication and knowledge-sharing materials as necessary.

Activities are expected to start in January 2018 and they will be finalised by December 2019. Duty stations will be UNCDF Tanzania premises in Dar es Salaam and Nyarugusu Camp.

Monitoring of progress shall be measured both according to the activities of the contractor as well as the performance of the UNCDF partners.
A. The contractor will conduct briefings to the UNCDF team prior to departure of on-site-upon request of UNCDF.
B. The contractor will draft documents (communications, materials for knowledge sharing, etc.) upon request of UNCDF.

The primary in-country/region contact shall be UNCDF Tanzania - Programme Specialist.

Competencies

Understanding and/or background in financial inclusion, microfinance, or access to finance;
Strong ability to communicate and function effectively in local/international/multicultural environment;
Excellent networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;
Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
High level planning, organizational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines;
Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively at senior levels, including central banks;
Analytical and problem solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advice;
A high level of maturity and sensitivity to the particular set of characteristics of and challenges faced by the target group is required i.e. In dealing with the refugees many sensitive and emotional issues are expected to arise given the limitations placed on them in terms of mobility, livelihood etc. The consultant must be able to field and navigate these issues responsibly and respectfully.

Required Skills and Experience

The consultant must provide evidence of the technical capacity to undertake this assignment. This includes capacity to deliver the results in the timeframe provided as well as indication of prior experience (relevant financial inclusion/capabilities and experience, training, programme development).

Education

Post graduate degree in Economics, Finance, Banking, Development, Education or related fields;

Experience

At least ten years of relevant and demonstrated experience in financial/digital literacy content design and implementation;
Demonstrated experience working deeply in the field with the mass market, including rural or low-income communities, related to financial/digital education;
Demonstrated experience managing or conducting participatory research, particularly related to assessing needs for financial capability or monitoring financial education programmes in rural or low-income communities;
Experience training staff of NGOs and financial services providers;
Previous work in Sub-Saharan Africa and Tanzania, in particular, is required;
Familiarity working in refugee settlement camps is a plus;
Previous publication in the field of financial capability (curricula, communications) is a plus;

Languages

Excellent analytical and writing skills demonstrating fluency in English;
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills in English and French (technical writing sample may be requested);

Application Process

Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications: (NOTE: the system does not allow multiple uploads of document. Applicants must make sure to upload all documents in one PDF file). All applications must contain the following information:

Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies in relation to the TOR;
Earliest availability;
Upddated Curriculum Vitae;
Completed and signed P11 Personal History Form with names and current contacts of 3 referees (available from http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc);

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF file as the system only allows to upload maximum one attachment.

Evaluation Process

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology (weighted scoring method), where the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight: [70%]

Financial Criteria weight: [30%]

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 (70%) points on technical part will be considered for the financial evaluation.

Key criteria for selecting the consultant:

Profile and CV of the candidate: 70%
Financial proposal: 30%

Criteria and scores for Technical Evaluation – 70 points

Criteria 1: Extent of relevant previous experience – 35 points;

Criteria 2: Proposed approach to work – 20 points;

Criteria 3: Familiarity and experience with microfinance and financial inclusion – 10 points;

Criteria 4: Relevance of academic qualifications – 5 points.

The following formula will be used to evaluate Financial Proposal:
p = y (µ/z), where
p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated: y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal
µ=price of the lowest priced proposal
z = price of the proposal being evaluated

The award of contract will be made to the individual consultant who receives the highest combined score out of the weighted technical and financial criteria as specified above.

References

UNDP’s Individual Consultant’s General Terms and Conditions are provided here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf