Background

In July 2014, MM4P secured a partnership with the MasterCard Foundation (MCF) for the roll out MM4P activities in three additional countries in sub-Saharan Africa for a period of five years (2014 to 2019), including Francophone (Benin, Senegal) and Anglophone (Zambia) Africa.  The MCF agreement supposes a significant increase of workload for MM4P especially on the Learning Agenda (see attached).  The learning agenda includes four areas relevant to digital finance, namely: customer adoptions; agents; high volume payments; and partnerships for products or delivery.  In addition, UNCDF is conducting an impact study in 2017 and 2019.

The focus of the Learning Agenda in 2015 and 2016 was to conduct market research on customer adoption, agents and payments while UNCDF got established in each of the new countries as well as several of MM4P’s other countries, particularly Uganda and Nepal.  This year, UNCDF will focus its research efforts on qualitative “deep dives” into the same key area in direct support of some of the partners that it supports.

At the same time UNCDF would like to document some of its initial lessons learned using a combination its own research, external sources and its on-going project portfolio.  It has identified questions for each of the four areas that it would like to seek to explore and answer in the next 24 months.

The set of questions to be linked to this ToR are related to high volume payments as a driver of DFS and are the following:

1. What are the market-level drivers for the digitization of high volume payments?
2. Who are the various actors in the digitization effort and what role do they play?

Based on its experience in the market, the P2P model is not gaining traction in small population countries or in non-urban areas.  As a result, MM4P has a hypothesis that working with high volume payment flows (either “many to one” or “one to many”) can help drive uptake and usage.  It has conducted payment flow diagnosis in four countries and has one more planned.  It is also working on several high volume projects.

The role of the consultant is to be the primary researcher into these questions, combining UNCDF and external resources. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The following steps should be completed for each question:

1. Identify, review and synthesize external research related the key learning questions

To place UNCDF’s work into global context, the consultant should conduct a thorough review of all publicly available research related to the topic. The consultant should review and synthesize the research to present to UNCDF.  The consultant will also be provided a known list of experts with whom s/he should organize a call to discuss their ideas or beliefs on the questions as well as an initial research report on the thematic area of HV payments. 

Deliverables (this research must be done for each question separately, although some research and projects may overlap):

• Brief (4-page long) summarizing the key lessons learned for each of the questions;
• Brief (4-page long) summary of industry / global / major donors’ initiatives / guidelines on bulk payments;
• one- hour webinar on the key findings to UNCDF team;
• Meeting notes from webinar;
• List of resources with full citations;
• List of key reference data, quotes that will be useful in the final deliverable (see below).

Expected Level of Effort:  3 days.

2. Review UNCDF research and project data related to the key learning questions

UNCDF has done its own research related to the questions, including a mixture of market research (including data sets) and research done as part of specific projects with partners. We have also identified a list of past and current projects in our portfolio that are relevant to one or more of the questions.  The consultant will have access to the project descriptions, project reports and meeting minutes of the relevant projects. S/he should also organize calls with the UNCDF team responsible for the projects. This is UNCDF’s “value add” to the body of research on this topic and will be the primary source for the deliverables.

Deliverables (this research must be done for each question separately, although some research and projects may overlap):

• Brief (4-6 page) summary of UNCDF market research on the question (if any);
• Brief (4 page) summary of each project by UNCDF related to the key questions, summarizing key and identifying areas for further recommendation;
• Interview template for internal and external stakeholders on key questions;
• Minutes of calls with UNCDF Teams and Partners and contact details;
• Identifiable quotes from interviews.

Expected Level of Effort:  9 days (2-3 days per question).

3. Develop, present, test and refine hypothesis

Based on the investigation, the consultant should work with the Technical Specialist to develop the clear hypothesis and initial findings.  They should also determine:  a) the extent to which UNCDF can provide meaningful answers to each question; b) if additional on-site visits are needed/recommended and c) what is the best way to present this research (e.g. full report, one or more case studies, video, blog, etc.).   This will be presented internally to UNCDF for testing. 

Deliverables (this must be done for each of the question):

• Brief (4-page long) hypothesis and findings, as well as proposal for further research and deliverables;
• A one hour webinar and present hypothesis and findings to UNCDF and solicit feedback;
• Minutes of webinar discussions, feedback and contact details;
• Survey monkey to rate audience satisfaction and quality of output;
• Joint blog on research findings and hypothesis.

 Expected Level of Effort:  6 days.

4. Conduct Partner Visits (up to 2 countries)

As determined above, the consultant will conduct up to two country visits with the technical specialist.  The purpose of the visit is to interview project implementation team (partner, consultant) and project steering committee (UNCDF, partner) as well as other relevant actors including, but not limited to:  clients, government, and other key stakeholders.  The consultant will conduct a debriefing call on the project visits to UNCDF.  

Deliverables (this may be done for each of the questions, but may combine more than one questions as agreed):

• A mission report consisting of meeting minutes for all meetings as full list of contacts;
• Quotes and data with full citation necessary for deliverables;
• Brief (4-6 page-long) case study and /or report for each project visited.

Expected Level of Effort:  15 days.

5. Present initial findings to external experts

Prior to finalizing its deliverables the consultant will support UNCDF in presenting the hypothesis and findings to a small group of identified experts.  This will be done either through webinar and/or on-site presentation and webinar to be organized by UNCDF.   Based on feedback, UNCDF and the consultant may decide to conduct further interviews and or review additional research to strengthen its work. 

Deliverables (this must be done for each of the questions):

• an one hour webinar and/or presentation to outside experts;
• Meeting notes from webinar;
• List of 2-3 global events to target for speaking engagements on the thematic.

Expected Level of Effort:   3 days (1 per question).

6.. Draft deliverables and finalize

As noted the deliverables for each question will vary based on the initial desk research.  The deliverables could range from an internal case study to full research report.  The specific deliverables and their form for this step will be defined and included as an addendum to this TOR.

Deliverables:

• Draft Publication in a format to be determined (PPT or word);
• Final deliverables based on UNCDF feedback;
• One public webinar per question to launch publication;
• Joint blog on MM4P High Volume Payment journey for each question.

Expected Level of Effort:  5 days.

7. Participate in Learning Agenda calls and launch

The consultant will also be asked to participate in bi-weekly debriefing calls with technical specialist and KM manager regular learning agenda calls as well as bi-monthly learning agenda calls, as required.  The consultant may also be asked to participate in any launch event for the final research. 

Competencies

Professional:

• Takes on innovation and new approaches and fosters innovation in others;
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;
• Conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources.

Management/Client Orientation:

• Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives;
• Proactively identifies, develops and discusses solutions for internal and external clients, and persuades management to undertake new projects or services;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities, and resolve problems;
• Focus on impact and results for clients and stakeholders;
• Builds trust in interactions with others, facilitates partnerships;
• Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and responds positively to feedback;
• Committed to team work, working with other stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A Masters’ degree in finance, economics, international development, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline or the equivalent experience.
• Preferably an advanced degree that included international development research.

Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of experience in projects with financial inclusion as a focus or part is mandatory;
• Experience in directly implementing research projects, preferably with a focus on financial inclusion is mandatory;
• Experience publishing articles, blogs or other materials is mandatory;
• Experience in donor projects, developing proposals, corresponding budgets, and monitoring and evaluation plans;
• Excellent technical writing skills and presentation skills is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of concepts in digital financial inclusion and preferably knowledge and exposure to branchless banking, mobile phone banking, or other efforts using technology to reach rural and poor populations is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience working with UNCDF or a similar type organization is desired. 

Language:

• Fluency in English.
• Fluency in French is a plus.

Timeline, duration of assignment, duty station and expected places of travel:

• Timeline: 01 March – 30 November 2017
• Locations: Primarily off-site with some work on-site to be decided (Uganda, India or Nepal) and participation in the MM4P team meeting (Brussels or other site to be determined), as necessary.
• Total Number of Working Days for Assignment: 41 working days.

Travel:

• Consultants will not quote travel in the financial proposal;
• Travel will be required during this assignment and payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be compensated according to UN polices.

Provision of Monitoring, Progress Controls & Payments:

Monitoring of progress shall be measured both according to the activities of the consultant and final deliverables. In addition, 

• The consultant will organize bi-weekly debriefing calls on progress made.
• The consultant must secure approval from UNCDF´s in-country digital financial services expert prior to deployment of staff and trips. 
• The consultant will provide brief minutes of all meetings and a list of persons met (or copy of business cards), including:  date, name, organization, title, e-mail address.
• The consultant will conduct briefings to the MM4P team and a brief TOR prior to departure of on-site missions upon request of UNCDF. 
• The consultant will organize a progress calls with MM4P and the partner at the end of the mission.

The primary contact for reporting for this TOR shall be the MM4P shall be Knowledge Manager. The Regional Technical Specialist and the Global Team Leader will be working with the consultant as the technical partner with the consultant.  

• Payment will be made on periodical basis in accordance with number of days worked and upon satisfactorily achieved deliverables. All payments are subject to the clearance and approval of the direct supervisor.
• Final payment shall require a signed performance evaluation of the consultant.

Application:

Applications will be rated on both technical and financial submissions.  The best proposal that will be awarded the contract shall be selected through the following method:

Highest rated proposal using the combined scoring method, which assigns the weight distribution between the technical and financial proposals as set out in the RFP.  The weight distribution shall be 70% technical and 30% financial.

All applications must contain the following information:

• Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies in relation to the TOR;
• Earliest availability and proposed schedule for consultancy;
• Technical proposal with methodology and timeline;
• 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);
• Signed financial proposal for the full months assignment outlining: Total professional fee and other professional expenses (such as insurance, taxes, etc.);

The financial proposal form is available at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=29916)

Evaluation:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

• Preliminary Evaluation - Step I: Screening
• Technical Evaluation Weight - 70% x (Step II: Shortlisting (20 points), Step III: Desk Review (80 points) = 100 Points)
• Financial Evaluation Weight - 30% = Step IV.

Step I: Screening:

Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the following minimum criteria (listed under education and experience) will progress to the pool for shortlisting.

Step II: Shortlisting by Desk Review:

UNCDF will conduct a desk review to produce a shortlist of candidates and technically evaluate them.

As applicable, only the first top 4 ranked applicants achieving 70% of the points at this stage shall be considered for a desk review.

Step III: Desk Review:

A competency-based desk review shall be conducted for the candidates. The maximum score for the desk review is 80 points.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% on the total of Step II (20 points) + Step III (80 points) will be considered as technically qualified and will be reviewed further for financial evaluation.

Step IV: Financial Evaluation:

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

Lowest priced proposal/price of the proposal being evaluated x 30%.

Award Criteria:

The contact shall be awarded to the best applicant whose offer have been evaluated and determined as: responsive/compliant/acceptable and having received the highest combined weight (technical proposal & Desk Review) 70% + financial 30%= 100%.

Please note that UNCDF cannot guarantee residence permits or visa´s for consultants. Consultants are responsible for securing their work documentation. In the case of national consultants, applicants that are not nationals of the duty station requested will have to prove their residence status. 

Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly). Please not that in such case the company institution will be asked to issue an RLA: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/vietnam/docs/Legalframework/Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement.doc.  

Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

(Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA): A legal instrument between UNCDF and a Company/institution, according to which, the latter makes available the services of an individual delivering time-bound and quantifiable outputs that are directly linked to payments. An RLA is governed by the provisions of this policy.)

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.