Antecedentes

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the United Nations' flagship catalytic financing entity for the world’s 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). With its unique capital mandate and focus on the LDCs, UNCDF works to invest and catalyze capital to support these countries in achieving ?the sustainable growth and inclusiveness envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031. 

UNCDF builds partnerships with other UN organizations, as well as private and public sector actors, to achieve greater impact in development; specifically, by unlocking additional resources and strengthening financing mechanisms and systems contributing to transformation pathways, focusing on such development themes as green economy, digitalization, urbanization, inclusive economies, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

A hybrid development finance institution and development agency, UNCDF uses a combination of capital instruments (deployment, financial & business advisory and catalyzation) and development instruments (technical assistance, capacity development, policy advice, advocacy, thought leadership, and market analysis and scoping) which are applied across five priority areas (inclusive digital economies, local transformative finance, women’s economic empowerment, climate, energy & biodiversity finance, and sustainable food systems finance).

Inclusive Digital Economies 

UNCDF manages initiatives to develop inclusive digital finance ecosystems which offer a wide range of financial services especially for low-income vulnerable communities. Specifically, UNCDF provides a mix of policy, technical and financial support to a range of government and private sector actors in each country, as well as invests in research and other public goods to benefit all market actors. By supporting the development of digital finance ecosystems in these countries, UNCDF aims to increase the financial security of low income and rural households through access to appropriate, affordable and secure means to receive, manage and save money.

Recently, UNCDF has formulated its strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind. The vision of UNCDF is to empower millions of people by 2024 to use services daily that leverage innovation and technology and contribute to the SDGs. UNCDF will apply a market development approach and continuously seek to address underlying market dysfunctions. For more information, please see: https://www.uncdf.org/article/4567/uncdf-launches-digital-economy-strategy-leaving-no-one-behind-in-the-digital-era

Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy

With support from the European Union’s Digital 4 Tanzania Program, and in line with the UNCDF strategy to ensure "no one is left behind in the digital era," UNCDF is currently implementing the Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy (TIDE) project. Launched in September 2022, TIDE is a four-year project that aims to increase access to and usage of digital payments and digital financial services in Tanzania, while enabling the innovation ecosystem to better support entrepreneurs and further drive digital innovation. The project contributes to the development of policies and regulations that enable innovation, supports small digital financial service providers' digitization and integration to the national payment system (TIPS); and promotes inclusive and locally-driven innovation.

 

The TIDE project has a strong focus on research and knowledge dissemination woven throughout the activities.  Over the course of the project UNCDF has committed to researching and publishing findings, insights, and lessons learned to relevant stakeholders in the financial sector and the fintech startup and innovation ecosystems. Publications/knowledge products include:  2 fintech mappings, state of the innovation ecosystem focusing on 4 fintech relevant issues, 2 publications on MFI digitalization, 2 publications on corporate/fintech partnerships, 2 publications on last mile distribution of financial products, 2 publications on effective use of data for public and private sector decision-making, 3 publications on catalyzing investment for startups and early-growth technology firms, 1 publication on effective support to hubs, 2 publications on facilitating access to markets for fintechs, 4 policy briefs for regulators.  In addition to producing research and knowledge products, support is required to review and edit communications-related content (e.g., social media posts, newsletters), of which there are a minimum of 5 per month over the course of the project.

 

East and Southern Africa (ESA) Project Development

UNCDF’s Inclusive Digital Economy (IDE) practice has teams in six countries in East and Southern Africa (ESA): Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia). These teams vary in size and budget, all supporting their respective governments and public- and private-sector stakeholders to build inclusive digital economies that improve the quality of life for marginalized populations and decrease the digital divide.

In order to realize UNCDF’s mission and vision for the region, all country operations need to grow. This involves growth in country-specific and multi-country programming into our focal sectors (i.e. fintech and financial health, MSME digitalization and financing, ag-tech and rural economies, digital transformation policy, digital skills, climate & green-tech), expanding the development finance tools we use to support ecosystems (i.e. convening, advocacy, grants, technical assistance, concessional loans, guarantees), and expanding to segments of importance (low skilled, women, MSMEs, technology start-ups, forcibly displaced people, small holder farmers).

The region has several concepts and ideas for this programming growth but needs support refining and editing existing concept notes and pitching them to relevant internal and external stakeholders, including donors and potential partners.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Scope of Work

UNCDF seeks to engage a consultant to develop and implement a research and knowledge management strategy and generates insights to:

  • Increase international visibility of Tanzania’s fintech and innovation ecosystems, and UNCDF’s role in growing an inclusive digital economy;
  • Support UNCDF to better-understand and share lessons learned about the effectiveness of TIDE activities;
  • Increase UNCDF partners’ capacity to leverage data for financial and digital inclusion in Tanzania;
  • Position UNCDF as a technical thought leader in the digital economy space;
  • Develop new and refine existing concept notes for new IDE programming in the ESA region.

Specifically, the scope of work can thus be understood as falling in four categories:

  1. Design and implementation of a research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project
    1. Deepen technical knowledge of and overall familiarity with TIDE project activities, including their objectives, contribution to the project theory of change, data, and key partners/stakeholders
    2. Collaborate with project managers to conceptualize value-added research and knowledge management products; lead writing and manage production of publications in a diverse range of formats, e.g., research papers, technical notes, learning briefs, and blogs that leverage primary and secondary data
    3. Work with results measurement (RM) colleagues to ensure research insights are captured in donor and HQ reporting; co-lead reflection sessions to ensure project managers apply lessons learned to refine project implementation and create a culture of continuous learning
    4. Engage with local, regional, and global partners and colleagues to promote and disseminate results and learnings in various formats, e.g. stakeholder dialogues, webinars, and/or workshops 
  2. Communications support
    1. Consolidate, review, and finalize donor reports for the TIDE project and UNCDF’s activities under the UN Kigoma Joint Program.
  3. Project management
    1. Manage ongoing activities for the project “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania.” This includes managing the RFA and RFP processes and overseeing implementation to ensure deliverables are completed on-time and in-line with the project workbook (PWB), grant agreements, etc.
    2. Work with partners and other relevant colleagues to document and share lessons learned, in line with the research and knowledge management agenda
  4. Concept note development
    1. Provide ad-hoc support to UNCDF IDE Tanzania on the design and development of concept notes and program proposals, leveraging research insights to support fundraising efforts as opportunities present themselves
    2. Support ESA Regional Manager and relevant regional colleagues to draft new and refine existing concept notes
    3. Attend meetings, as needed to inform concept notes, with relevant stakeholders including potential partners and donors   

The consultant will mainstream gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (GE-WEE) throughout his/her work. The consultant will have experience in the design and implementation of research projects focused on financial and digital inclusion and GE-WEE in Tanzania and East Africa.

  1. Key Deliverables and Payment Terms:

Scope of Work Category

Deliverables to be delivered

Target Due Date

Acceptance/ Condition for Payment Disbursement

% of Contract Price to be Paid

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. final Research and KM Agenda Year 2

 

 

Nov 2023

Approved final agenda by IDE Tz.

 

       4%

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Draft publication 1 – State of innovation Policy

 

Country Lead

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz.

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 1 – MSME digitalization 1

 

Country Lead

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz.

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

  1. EU Donor annual report 1

Country Lead

Approved EU annual donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Final publication 1 – State of Innovation Policy

 

Dec 2023

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

      4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 1 –MSME digitalization 1

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 1 – MSME digitalization for MCF

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Notes from gender-data project kick-off meeting

Notes reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1.  Draft publication 2 – MFI digitalization

 

 

Jan 2024

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

       5%

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1.   Draft publication 3 - Assessing Tanzania cross-border remittance policy and regulatory framework

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

  1. KJP donor report 1

Approved KJP annual donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 2 – agtech acceleration

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 1 - MSME digitalization for MCF

 

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Final publication 2 – MFI digitalization

Feb 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

      4%

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Final publication 3 - Assessing Tanzania cross-border remittance policy and regulatory framework

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 2 – agtech acceleration

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 2 Agtech for Ethiopia/Uganda

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Approved inception report for gender-data project

Inception report reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Draft publication 4 – Agtech

Mar 2024

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     4%

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

  1. Draft publication 5 – Case study on Tanzania adoption and approach to suptech initiatives

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 2 – Agtech for Ethiopia & Uganda

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 4 – Agtech

Apr 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

    4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 5 – Case study on Tanzania adoption and approach to suptech initiatives

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 3 - impact investment for early stage technology firms

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 3 – Zambia WEE

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Approved report on data diagnostic for gender-data project

Data diagnostic report reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 6 – Angel acceleration

May 2024

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     5%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 4 -Znz digital economy 1

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

 

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 3 Zambia WEE

 

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

 

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 6 – Angel acceleration

 

Jun 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     5%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 4 – Znz digital economy 1

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. IDES for Zanzibar 1

IDES for Znz reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 4 – SIDA Climate Uganda

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 7 – Fintech regulatory sandbox approach

Jul 2024

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

      4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 8 - corporate fintech partnerships

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Approved final report on data diagnostic for gender-data project

Final report on data diagnostics reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 5 -Znz digital economy 2

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 4 - SIDA Climate Uganda

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 7– Fintech regulatory sandbox approach

Aug 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 8 – Corporate fintech partnerships

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Approved final report describing results of TA implementation for gender-data project

Final report on TA implementation reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 5 - Znz digital economy 2

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 5 – Regional WEE

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 9 – Facilitating access to markets

Sep 2024

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     5%

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Approved report/roadmap for further scaling data-driven and gender-smart product development

Roadmap for scale-up reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 6 EAC interoperable payments

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 5 Regional WEE

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 9 – Facilitating access to market

Oct 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Webinar/learning session for gender-data project

Webinar presented on gender data project, reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 6 EAC interoperable payments

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

  1. EU donor annual report 2

Approved EU annual donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 6 Zambia fintech

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Research and KM Agenda 2

Nov 2024

 

 

Approved final research agenda 2 by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 10 - catalyzing investments for fintechs

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 11 – MFI digitalization

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project management for “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania” (“gender-data project”)

  1. Blog on lessons learned for gender data project

Blog reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 7 – Fin’l education

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 6 Zambia fintech

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 10 - catalyzing investments for fintechs

Dec 2024

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 11 – MFI digitalization

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 7 Fin’l education

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 7 regional fintech acceleration

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 12 - Gender-smart product design and achievement in women financial inclusion

Jan 2025

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 8 – data for digitalization

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

 

  1. KJP donor report 2

Approved KJP annual donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 7 – regional fintech acceleration

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 12 - Gender-smart product design and achievement in women financial inclusion

Feb 2025

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

    4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 8 – data for digitalization

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 8 – EAC regional retail payments

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 13 – Capacity building for innovation hubs

Mar 2025

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 9 ITC upskilling

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 8 – EAC regional retail payments

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 13 – Capacity building for innovation hubs

Apr 2025

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 9 ITC upskilling

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 9 – Regional impact fund for early growth tech firms

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 14 State of Innovation Capital

May 2025

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

    4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 10 – WEE

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept note 9 – Regional impact fund for early growth tech firms

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 14 State of Innovation Capital

Jun 2025

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

    4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 14 - Case study on the achievement of the fintech regulatory sandbox

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. IDES for Zanzibar 2

IDES for Znz 2 reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 10 - WEE

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 15 - Case study on the achievement of the fintech regulatory sandbox

Jul 2025

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     4%

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 16 -agtech 2

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 11 MSME Digitalization

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 16 – agtech 2

Aug 2025

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 11 – MSME Digitalization

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA draft concept note 10 – regional upskilling for ITC

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Draft publication 17 – Fintech startup mapping

Sep 2025

 

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

     4%

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania draft concept note 12 – fintech regulatory sandbox

Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

  1. ESA final concept 10 – regional upskilling for ITC

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

  1. Final publication 17 – Fintech startup mapping

Oct 2025

 

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

     4%

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

 

  1. EU Donor Annual Report 3

Approved final EU donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

  1. Tanzania final concept note 12 – fintech regulatory sandbox

Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Payment shall be disbursed only if all outputs due for the timeline indicated are completed/accepted

Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will work under the supervision of the IDE Country Lead for Tanzania for TIDE-related projects and the ESA Regional Manager for concept note development and fundraising-related work. The consultant will have weekly calls with the IDE Country Lead for Tanzania to provide progress updates and exchange feedback on draft reports and other deliverables.

Duration of the Work

The assignment is expected to commence 13 November 2023, with engagement ongoing for approximately 24 months.  

Duty Station

The assignment is home-based. The assignment could require travel to Tanzania and/or other countries in the ESA region for the purpose of gathering primary data for research and meeting project partners in-person.

Payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging, and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel.  The UNCDF travel policies relevant to individual consultant shall apply.

UNCDF cannot guarantee residence permits or visas for consultants. Consultants are responsible for securing work documentation.

  1. Qualifications of the Individual Consultant

Academic Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in public administration/public policy, economics, social sciences, or related discipline

Experience

  • At least 5 years of experience working in international development, either with the UN, NGOs, or private sector organizations with a focus on financial inclusion, digital/innovation, and/or women’s economic empowerment
  • At least 2 years of experience working in the private sector – financial services industry
  • At least 3 years of experience designing and implementing different types of research on financial inclusion in Tanzania
  • At least 1 article published by the UN

Competencias

Technical Competencies

  • Understanding of key issues relating to inclusive digital economies in Tanzania and LDCs relevant to donor community or the development field
  • Proven skills in the production of knowledge products in a variety of formats; demonstrated ability to translate complex technical ideas to a non-technical audience verbally and in writing
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing skills; proven skills in the production of evidence-based recommendations
  • Excellent presentation and representation skills in multicultural contexts;

Functional Competencies

  • Proven ability to manage and effectively lead a global research agenda and research team, including conceptualization of research approaches, research design, and implementation
  • Ability to articulate ideas clearly and coherently and ability to translate technical terms for non-technical audiences
  • Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives
  • Makes effective use of UNCDF resources and comparative advantage to strengthen knowledge partnerships
  • Strong ability to communicate and function effectively in local/international/multicultural environment; well-developed interpersonal skills
  • 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
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advice
  • Pro-active, constructive attitude, open to feedback
  • Creates networks and promotes knowledge exchange initiatives between member organizations

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Qualifications of the Individual Consultant

Academic Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in public administration/public policy, economics, social sciences, or related discipline

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience working in international development, either with the UN, NGOs, or private sector organizations with a focus on financial inclusion, digital/innovation, and/or women’s economic empowerment
  • Minimum 2 years of experience working in the private sector – financial services industry
  • Minimum 3 years of experience designing and implementing different types of research on financial inclusion in Tanzania
  • Minimum1 article published by the UN

Language

  • Fluent in English with excellent writing and communication skills

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Offerors interested in this assignment must submit an all-inclusive financlal proposal using the standard template for financial proposal.  The contract price shall be fixed for the duration of the contract regardless of changes in the cost components over time. 

Recommended Presentation of Offer

Offerors interested in this assignment must submit the following documents:

  1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
  2. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
  3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. A methodology is recommended for intellectual services, but may be omitted for support services [Note: this is optional for support services];  
  4. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.  If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

The selection of the best offer shall be done through a Combined Scoring method where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Annexes to the TOR

Pease see UNCDF Tanzania IDE section of the following website for additional background information: https://www.uncdf.org/tanzania