Background
About UNCDF
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments — through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance and structured project finance — can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 on eradicating poverty and Goal 17 on the means of implementation. UNCDF also contributes to other SDGs by identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access. To achieve these goals, UNCDF is providing financial support and technical expertise to the public and the private sector. It provides capital financing – in the form of grants, soft loans and credit enhancement products – and the technical expertise to unleash sustainable financing at the local level.
About SHIFT ASEAN and SAARC
UNCDF’s ‘Shaping Inclusive Financial Transformations’ (SHIFT) program aims to catalyze access to formal financial services to advance women’s economic empowerment and gendered financial inclusion for millions of women and small businesses in the ASEAN and SAARC markets. SHIFT leverages product and business model innovations, data analytics, technical training, and policy advocacy services at different levels to change the behavior of market players. Data and research crosscuts into all SHIFT’s activities as the shaping of inclusive financial transformations cannot be accomplished without the use of good data and research to inform and facilitate markets and address the gender research gap. SHIFT advocates evidence-based financial inclusion policies and practices that expand access and usage of financial services for women by facilitating, informing and incentivizing FSPs, regulators and governments and by stimulating collective dialogue between them.
The programs works through four interrelated outputs: The Data and Analysis Hub produces and disseminates knowledge on supply, demand and regulation in financial markets to strengthen the evidence base and investment decisions of providers, regulators and policy makers to advance women’s financial inclusion. This is closely integrated with the Learning and Skills Development facility that capacitates technical service providers to scale viable learning and training models for financial institutions. The Policy and Advocacy component stimulates dialogue among policy makers in FSPs and governments to enable financial market policies to be more responsive to the needs of women. Finally, the Innovation Facility offers various types of incentives to FSPs to pilot new prototypes and scale viable innovative (digital) finance business models to advance access to and usage of finance for women.
- SHIFT ASEAN has been established in 2014 with initial funding from the Australian Government and focuses on ASEAN’s frontier economies of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV).
- SHIFT SAARC has been established in mid-2016 with initial funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Union. SHIFT SAARC pilot in Bangladesh aims for Digital Finance Services to become widely recognized by regulators and providers as enabler of financial inclusion and thereby increasing its use among the adult population from 9% to 30% by 2019.
About other UNCDF projects
- UNCDF’s CleanStart works in close collaboration with SHIFT to catalyze digital energy finance (or Pay-Go energy systems) as a promising solution to reduce energy poverty for over 175.000 consumers, in particular women and poor people in rural areas. The programme is currently active in both Asia and Africa.
- UNCDF in Myanmar is currently implementing Expanding Financial Access (EFA), a country programme aimed at increasing formal inclusion in Myanmar from 30% to 40% by 2020. The programme will provide a full range of affordable, quality, effective and responsible financial services to MSME, small-scale farmers, women-led enterprises, youth, poor and low-income clients by encouraging stakeholders to work together in an integrated manner.
- UNCDF in the Pacific is helping more than two million low-income Pacific islanders gain access to formal financial services and financial education. It does so by funding innovative approaches in development of financial services, supporting policy and regulatory initiatives, and empowering consumers.
About Digital@UNCDF
UNCDF Financial Inclusion Practice Area is focusing on Digital Financial Services and how they can improve financial inclusion for the vulnerable groups. For this reason, all the ongoing projects will focus more and more on promoting DFS as the main tool to promote financial inclusion.
SHIFT SAARC/ASEAN and other UNCDF projects will supplement their core teams with up to three experts in Digital Financial Inclusion Monitoring and Evaluation & Sustainable Markets. The experts will work closely with the wider UNCDF and SHIFT SAARC/ASEAN and other UNCDF project teams and their partners, such as financial service providers, enterprises and government partners.
This solicitation is for a Framework agreement, also known in UNCDF as the Long-Term Agreement (LTA) for one year and renewable up to a maximum of three (3) years based on satisfactory performance of an individual consultant. An “LTA” refers to a mutual agreement whereby the Consultant will provide services as required, over a specific period. It specifics the unit price (daily rate) allowing for an LTA to be used when the Consultant’s services are needed.
Purpose of a Framework Agreement
UNCDF would like to enter into a non-exclusive Framework Agreement, also known as Long-Term Agreement (LTA), with one or more individuals that will perform the services described below on a need-basis. In UNCDF, an LTA is a framework agreement by and between UNCDF and a company or individual where the latter may, at any time within the duration of the LTA, be required to render the agreed services at the agreed and fixed unit prices for a minimum period of 12 months, with potential extension for up to two (2) additional years, depending on satisfactory performance of the company.
Under an LTA, UNCDF does not guarantee that any specific quantity of services shall be purchased during the term of this agreement. The LTA does not form a financial obligation or commitment from UNDP at the time the LTA contract is signed and that such an agreement is non-exclusive.
Where a request for service arises, UNCDF can engage the individual on LTA through a “call-off” of the LTA. Every call-off shall have specific tasks, scope of services and outputs to be delivered within a specific period. For this work, the call-off shall be formalized through the issuance of a Purchase Order, attaching thereto the TOR, and any other document relevant to the call-off. Financial commitments will only be established each time a Purchase Order for the specific services/TOR for Individual Contractor is committed.
The LTA shall have a cumulative ceiling amount that may accrue to the individual contractor during the life of the LTA, but said amount shall remain as an upper limit, and must not and cannot be interpreted nor understood as neither a financial commitment nor guarantee of business volume.
The overall objective of the assignment is for the consultants to effectively support UNCDF SHIFT SAARC, ASEAN and other projects teams by providing effective and tailored based technical expertise in areas of monitoring, evaluation, research and programme formulation. The objectives of this consultancy are as follows:
- provide mentoring and technical support to programmatic activities;
- support programmes to effectively monitor progress, results and frame M&E systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
Considering the objectives, the consultants will focus on the following Scope of Work (SOW):
1. Designing and assuring quality of monitoring systems across the projects .
2. Providing technical support to project partners applying results-based management approaches.
3. Providing mentoring and training to projects and bringing knowledge and international best practices in research & monitoring of digital financial services, and financial inclusion projects.
4. Providing support in identifying and selecting local implementation partners such as financial services providers, FinTechs, providing pre-investment technical assistance to develop high quality business and investment plans.
5. Providing technical knowledge and expertise in M&E data gathering, evaluation research design, research methodology and analysis for research activities of the projects.
6. Supporting knowledge management, publications productions and strategies, approaches and learnings towards market system measurement.
7. Based on the results achieved by the projects, support the formulation of funding proposals.
KEY SOW | Details | Final Products | Estimated # of days per year |
| UNCDF programmes have to establish robust results frameworks (RRF) and monitoring systems to meet both UNCDF and UNCDF’ donor standards. UNCDF needs to produce regular reports to its donors, as well as to ensure that project partners provide regular quarterly narrative and financial reports. Key areas of work will include:
| Assessment reports Monitoring dash boards Results analysis and monitoring Tools (manuals and the like) Action plans (AWP, RRF and the like) Mission reports Donor reports | 36 days |
2: Providing technical support to project partners applying results-based management approaches.
| UNCDF programmes work in partnership with local institutions including financial service providers, FinTechs, research institutions, social enterprises, research think – tanks and the like. These partnerships are outlined in UNCDF’s Performance Based Agreements. Project partners need to apply results-based project implementation and need to, on quarterly basis, report on results. Key areas of work will include:
| Assessment reports Mission reports | 36 days |
3: Providing mentoring and training to projects and bringing knowledge and international best practices in research & monitoring of digital financial services, and financial inclusion projects | UNCDF programmes work to increase knowledge and capacity of local organizations and governments aiming to improve national capacity around technical areas as well as for project implementation. Many of UNCDF project also offer capacity development activities to various market actors. These need to be monitored and evaluated to ensure that UNCDF’s objectives are met. Key areas of work will include:
| Capacity assessment reports Training evaluation matrices Pre and Post knowledge tests Mission reports Training manuals Training reports Monitoring guidance notes | 36 days |
4. Providing support in identifying and selecting local implementation partners such as financial services providers, FinTechs, providing pre-investment technical assistance to develop high quality business and investment plans to promote a systemic change in the market. | UNCDF programmes undertake a competitive selection process of project partners through Challenge Funds. UNCDF programmes make recommendations to UNCDF investment committee that makes final investment decisions. Key areas of work will include:
| Challenge Fund documentation and presentations Due diligence reports. Training reports. Business advisory notes. Mission reports. | 36 days |
5: Providing technical knowledge and expertise in M&E data gathering, evaluation research design, research methodology and analysis for research activities of the projects. | UNDCDF programmes undertake various research activities with local research organizations. The outputs of the research activities are used to inform policy makers, and other actors about specific issues, emerging trends affecting populations, or specific cohorts. Such as retail micro-merchants, women entrepreneurs, ready-made-garment workers, DFS agents to name a few. These research outputs need to have a high – degree of research credibility and strong validity. Key areas of work will include:
|
Research Instruments Research advisory notes. Mission reports. | 24 days |
6: Supporting knowledge management, publications productions and strategies, approaches and learnings towards market system measurement. | UNCDF programmes regularly document projects’ learnings and best practices. UNCDF also looks to share high quality publications with global audiences to inform practitioners, funders, government and others about results achieved. UNCDF also regularly issues publications for local and global audiences. Key areas of work will include:
| Knowledge products (policy briefs, reports, executive summaries) Mission reports | 36 days |
7: Based on the results achieved by the projects, support the formulation of funding proposals | UNCDF regularly examines way digital financial services and financial inclusion enhance livelihoods of low-income people, women and small businesses, alleviate poverty and aid inclusive and green growth. This includes identifying new opportunities as well as developing full funding proposals for an array of funding partners. Key areas of work will include:
| Scoping reports Mission reports Funding proposals Concept notes Country strategies | 36 days |
Total number of days per year |
| 240
| |
Final Products
|
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for International Civil Servants.
- Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UN Capital Development Fund.
- Displays cultural, gender, region, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
- Demonstrates results-oriented and “can-do” attitude.
Functional Competencies
- Innovation: adopts ideas to context; creates independent, collaborates & integrates consistently, and conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources; willing to step out of core skill set or discipline to find the appropriate solution to a challenge;
- Result Orientation: results driven, problem-solver with structuring and analytical capabilities, anticipates constraints in the delivery of services & identifies solutions & alternatives; demonstrates openness to change & ability to manage complexities and resolve problems; focus on impact and results; approaches work with energy and positive attitude, responds positively to constructive feedback;
- Strategic Thinker: strong ability to think and act strategically, even in situation of ambiguity to develop both short-terms and long-term strategies;
- Communication: Strong verbal and oral communicator serving multiple functions and audiences as needed, strong analytical and writing skills and ability to communicate effectively to different audiences;
- Interpersonal skills: strong ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and with diverse stakeholders (governments, donors, financial services providers) with sensitivity to diversity of opinions;
- Team Player: inspires others, influences, and builds trust; committed to team work & working with internal and external stakeholders;
- Technical Skills: possess skills and technical competencies in digital financial services and financial inclusion, understand what technology can do for people, keeps up-to date with market trends and international best practices.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Ph.D. and/or Masters Degree in economics, international development, business, economic development or similar fields.
Experience
- At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in working in multi-country complex international development programmes with a focus on employment, inclusive finance, digital financial services in low – income and developing markets, particularly providing technical and programmatic support in areas listed under SOW;
- Exceptional technical knowledge about financial inclusion and digital financial services with proven track-record in working in these areas (such as DFS regulation, FinTech, mobile financial services and the like), with strong technical knowledge in pro-poor private sector development, market systems development and making markets work for the poor approaches, gender and development. Experience in working in women focused programming is considered a plus;
- Exceptional track – record of monitoring international development projects and developing systems for monitoring of complex, multi-donor funded projects;
- Relevant work experience in one or more than one programme country in where SHIFT or other UNCDF programme works;
- Proven track record of conceptualizing and winning funding proposals from multilaterals/bilateral and philanthropic foundations;
- Proven track record of conceptualizing research (especially in areas of financial inclusion, digital financial services, gender, specific cohorts), strong understanding of research methods, undertaking socio- economic analyses, writing concept notes and policy briefs. Track record of publications will be considered a plus;
- Experience (5 years at leastminimum) in developing systems and procedures for challenge funds, partner monitoring, due diligence, environmental and sustainability standards;
- Experience (10 years at leastminimum) in financial inclusion and digital financial services programming (knowledge of business models and institutional types will be a plus);
- Strong familiarity with the UN agencies, previous experience with the UNCDF and UNDP will be considered a plus;
- Excellent English writing skills with ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
Language
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
Duration of Assignment, Duty Station and Expected Places of Travel
Contract duration: The assignment, under this Framework Agreement (On Call basis), is expected to have a maximum duration of 3 years. The initial contract would be for one year with an option for renewal in subsequent years upon project needs, availability of funds and satisfactory performance of the consultants.
Number of working days: 240 per year
Duty station: The individual contractor is expected to be home-based with travel to countries where SHIFT and other UNCDF programmes operate: Bangladesh, Cambodia, DRC, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam among others. The schedule of travel will be negotiated with the consultant according to the requirements of each programme.
Travel: Travel costs associated to the assignment will be paid as reimbursable basis and following the UNDP/UNCDF rules and regulations which states that consultants shall only be paid the most direct and most economical ticket, as will be quoted by the official UN travel agency. Any amount in excess of the said quotation, such as class and airline preference of the consultant, shall be borne by the consultant and the daily living allowance will be paid as per UN Rate.
Monitoring and Progress Control
The consultant will work under direct supervision of SHIFT ASEAN/SAARC and any other project Programme Manager and/or his designate and in close collaboration with in-country teams. The consultant is responsible for providing his/her own laptop.
Payment to an Individual Contractor will be made based on the actual number of days agreed with UNCDF as reflected in the call off (PO) and upon certification of satisfactory performance, and acceptance of the output by the SHIFT ASEAN/SAARC and any other project Programme Manager and/or his designate.
The following supporting documents will serve as conditions for disbursement: (i) submission of an invoice and Certificate of Payment (COP); (ii) review, approval and written acceptance of each deliverable by the SHIFT ASEAN/SAARC and any other project Programme Manager and/or his designate; (iii) submission of a time-sheet and expenses with relevant supporting documentation; and (iv) an authorization of payment disbursement from a direct supervisor.
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 DOCUMENTS THEREFORE APPLICANTS MUST MAKE SURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ONE FILE).
Proposers who shall not submit below mentioned documents will not be considered for further evaluation.
- When applying for this consultancy position, please apply with your official name as shown in the government issued identification document (e.g. passport and/or driver license). Contract award is subject to this verification.
- CV or P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email, telephone, skype) of the Candidate with at least three (3) professional references. Link to P11: http://sas.undp.org/documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc
- A cover letter responding to competency criteria indicating why the candidate considers himself/herself suitable for the required consultancy as well as stating earliest availability. Please paste this letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the electronic application.
- Confirmation of interest and Financial proposal. Link
- Approach to work.
- One (1) sample or detailed summary of similar works – that you consider to be the best and most relevant example to this ToR.
Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when traveling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org.
Both individual consultants and individuals employed by a company or institution are welcome to apply. 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).
Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. UNCDF 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’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
Evaluation Process
Applications will be rated on both technical and financial submissions. The following selection method will be used: Highest rated proposal using the combined scoring method, which assigns the weight distribution between the technical and financial proposals. The overall combined score will be 100 points, where weight distribution shall be 70% technical and 30% financial.
Step I: Screening
Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:
Education:
- Ph.D. and/or Masters Degree in economics, international development, business, economic development or similar fields.
Experience:
- At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in working in multi-country complex international development programmes with a focus on employment, inclusive finance, digital financial services in low – income and developing markets.
- Proven track record in providing technical and programmatic support in areas listed under SOW.
- Relevant work experience in one or more than one programme country in where SHIFT works.
- Experience (10 years at least) in financial inclusion and digital financial services programming.
Step II: Shortlisting by Desk Review: (100 Points)
UNCDF will conduct a desk review to produce a shortlist of candidates and technically evaluate candidates as follows: up to 4 applicants scoring the highest in the desk review and achieving minimum 70 points shall be invited for an interview.
Criteria | Maximum Points Attainable |
At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in working in multi-country complex international development programmes with a focus on employment, inclusive finance, digital financial services in low – income and developing markets, particularly providing technical and programmatic support in areas listed under SOW. | 20 |
Exceptional technical knowledge about financial inclusion and digital financial services with proven track-record in working in these areas (such as DFS regulation, FinTech, mobile financial services and the like), with strong technical knowledge in pro-poor private sector development, market systems development and making markets work for the poor approaches, gender and development. Experience in working in women focused programming is considered a plus. | 10 |
Exceptional track – record of monitoring international development projects and developing systems for monitoring of complex, multi-donor funded projects. | 25 |
Relevant work experience in one or more than one programme country in where SHIFT works. | 5 |
Proven track record of conceptualizing and winning funding proposals from multilaterals/bilateral and philanthropic foundations. Track record of winning proposals over US$ 5 million will be considered a plus. | 15 |
Proven track record of conceptualizing research (especially in areas of financial inclusion, digital financial services, gender, specific cohorts), strong understanding of research methods, undertaking socio- economic analyses, writing concept notes and policy briefs. Track record of publications will be considered a plus. | 5 |
Experiences (5 years at least) in developing systems and procedures for challenge funds, partner monitoring, due diligence, environmental and sustainability standards. | 10 |
Strong familiarity with the UN agencies, previous experience with the UNCDF and UNDP will be considered a plus. | 5 |
Excellent English writing skills with ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely | 5 |
TOTAL | 100 |
As applicable, only the first top three ranked applicants achieving 70% of the points at this stage shall be invited for a skype interview.
Step III: Interview
A competency-based interview shall be conducted with the top three shortlisted candidates.
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% on the total of Steps II. Desk Review(20 points) + Step III. Interview (80 points) will be considered as technically qualified and will be reviewed further for financial evaluation
- Sector Knowledge;
- Communication Skills;
- Demonstrated ability to use data to drive financial inclusion practice and policies.
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%.
Step VI: Contract Award
The top three candidates that achieved the highest cumulative score will be recommended for a contract award.
UNCDF reserves the right to increase or decrease this number depending on the quality of the applications that will be received.