Consultancy: Training to Build the Capacity of Project Staff on Village Savings and... Tender

Procurement Summary

Country : USA

Summary : Consultancy: Training to Build the Capacity of Project Staff on Village Savings and Loans Association Private Service Providers

Deadline : 25 Apr 2019

Other Information

Notice Type : Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 32379565

Document Ref. No. :

Competition : ICB

Financier : Other Funding Agencies

Purchaser Ownership : -

Tender Value : Refer Document

Purchaser's Detail

Purchaser : WORLD VISION
34834 Weyerhaeuser Way South Federal Way, WA 98001
USA
Email :somo_supplychain@wvi.org
URL :www.worldvision.org

Tender Details

Request for proposals are invited for Consultancy: Training to Build the Capacity of Project Staff on Village Savings and Loans Association Private Service Providers.

Terms of Reference

For

Training to build the capacity of project staff on Village Savings and Loans Association Private Service Providers

Compiled by
Somali Resilience Programme
Technical Unit
11 April, 2019
Table of Contents
1.0 Program Background. 3
1.1. The Private Service Provider Model Approach in VSLA.. 4
2.0 Objective of the Assignment. 5
2.1. Specific objectives of the study. 5
3.0 Scope of Work. 5
4.0 Methodology. 6
5.0 Management of the Consultancy and Reporting. 7
5.1 Authority and Responsibility. 7
5.1.1 SomReP. 7
5.1.2 Consultant (s). 7
5.2 Standards of Ethics and Child Protection. 8
5.3 Outputs/ Deliverables. 8
5.4 Logistics. 9
6.0 Limitation. 9
7.0 Proposal Content. 9
8.0 The desired profile of the Consultant. 9
List of Acronyms
CRS----------------Catholic Relief Services
CV-------------------Curriculum Vitae
EU--------------------European Union
FA--------------------Field Agent
HH--------------------Households
NGO----------------Non-Government Organization
MIS------------------Management Information System
MEAL---------------Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
PSP------------------Private Service Provider
PPT------------------Power Point
RPC------------------Regional Program Coordinator
SIDA-----------------Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
SILC-----------------Savings and Internal Lending Community
SomRep------------Somalia Resilience Programme
SG--------------------Savings Group
ToT------------------Training of Trainers
VSLA----------------Village Savings and Loans Associations

1.0 Program Background
Building resilience is a priority in Somalia. 2017-s drought had a massive negative impact on the country; while rainfall improved in 2018, flash floods and strong winds caused additional shocks in the north and south of the country. In order to contribute to the resilience of already vulnerable households and communities in Northern Somalia, the SomRep consortium members and local partner Shaqodoon propose a joint strategy to address the specific needs and constraints of pastoral, agro-pastoral and peri-urban communities through the EU-Restore and SIDA phase II projects. The specific objective of the EU-Restore and SIDA Phase II projects is to sustainably improve food security and livelihoods and build resilience of the targeted communities in Somaliland and Puntland. To achieve this, over the next three years SomRep will work towards the following 4 intermediary outcomes:

Enhanced risk management and disaster preparedness through community action and contingency planning in villages across Somaliland and Puntland

Enhanced food security and capacity to meet social needs through sustainable cash-based assistance mechanisms and improved access to social capital targeting HH in the targeted villages

Enhanced livelihood diversification for women, men, and youth in targeted villages through the restoration and protection of productive assets, value chains and the uptake and adoption of agricultural technology

Enhanced management and governance of natural resources, including soil and water systems to support sustainable pastoral livelihoods in target villages

Thus one of the key interventions under objective/outcome 2 is establishment of the VSLAs[1] in the communities to ensure that households accumulate savings in the convenience of their own communities that they can use to accumulate productive assets and smooth their consumption in the face of both idiosyncratic shocks and other less pervasive common covariate shocks[2]. VSLAs are an alternative, informal mechanism for savings and borrowing that do not require external capital or ongoing financial or administrative support from a founding organization[3]. The VSLAs allow the households to easily access small and flexible loans at a modest interest rates[4] and with the loans they are able to absorb the effects of shocks which would otherwise not be possible with their own income[5]. To maximize benefits from VSLAs, VSLA groups often time the pay-out of their funds to coincide with a period during which most members need money for one of these purposes. Positive Deviance study[6] showed that VSLA had tangible effects on household and community resilience in SomRep singling out behaviours such as livelihood diversification, entrepreneurialism and collective action, including hosting and helping the neediest as key behaviours observed among VLSA participants that contributed significantly to building resilience. The study however noted that VSLA interventions did not reach the most vulnerable in program targeted communities as only those households who could afford to save sought membership. Considering the multiplier effects that come with VSLAs in building resilience and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people in fragile context, SomRep through EU-RESTORE and SIDA projects would like to scale up this intervention in the project impact area using the private service provider (PSP) model approach.

1.1. The Private Service Provider Model Approach in VSLA
The provider service provider model approach is a brain child of Catholic Relief Service (CRS) which was borne out of need to find a VSLA sustainable delivery model. Just as has been the case in many projects, CRS noted that despite the VSLAs been high impact interventions and contributing significantly to economic empowerment and resilience building of the vulnerable households and communities, in most areas the interventions could not be sustained beyond the life span of the project. Word bank[7] indicates that VSLA that are formed and financially supported by projects tend to rely strongly on the supervision, monitoring, facilitation and technical assistance of the project officers whose services and supports is discontinued at the end of the project cycle. While some critics argue that organizations consistently support the VSLAs and do not want to wean their groups off dependency so that they can continue to access donor funding for their staff, others for example Murray and Rosenberg[8] argue that technical support is needed on a continuing basis, rather than just during the inception stages. Thus continuity of these groups become very much dependent on the support they get from the project.

To mitigate these challenges and ensure sustainability of VSLA interventions, CRS developed the Private Service Provider (PSP) model, which prepares agents to become independent service providers operating on a market-led basis. The PSP model relies on Field Agents (FAs) who are recruited from the community of the impact area and trained by the project to establish and support VSLAs. The PSP model is designed in such a way that FAs who later graduate to become PSPs[9] are paid by the project only for a limited period of time thereafter their pay comes from the VSLAs which they support. These PSPs establish and support new groups and train new PSPs at a fee. This is a low-cost way to improve services, replicate the model in new villages, and provide employment to young rural people who are well educated but jobless. It is also considered a sustainable model because it reduces VSLAs dependency on external support and does not tie sustainability of the VSLAs to project cycle. Thus according to CRS PSP implementation manual (page 4) the PSPs model promotes tenets of sustainability in three different ways:

· At the group level: Sustainability means that SILC groups continue functioning and offering their members savings and borrowing services, without the need for ongoing external support.

· At the agent level: Sustainability means that agents continue forming and supporting new SILC groups once they no longer receive financial support from the project. They do so by charging groups for their services.

· At the area level: Sustainability means that there enough agents operating to satisfy the local demand for SILC services. Agents in a given area are organized in a local peer network with an effective process to bring on apprentices to deepen the delivery capacity as needed, without project support.

In cognizance of the benefits that come with this model, SomRep through the EU-RESTORE and SIDA projects plans to recruit and train FAs in the project to facilitate the implementation of the PSP model. SomRep therefore seeks the services of the consultant(s) to facilitate the training of trainers for the project staff who will in turn facilitate training of the FAs under the supervision of the consultant and VSL Advisor. The project staff trained are expected to lead the implementation of the PSP model in their respective impact areas.

2.0 Objective of the Assignment
The main purpose of the assignment is to provide hands-on training to project and government staff on the PSP model. The training shall cover all phases of the PSP model which include preparatory phase, probation phase, Field Agent phase and PSP phases. It is expected that the trained staff and government officers will facilitate the implementation of PSP model in their respective project impact areas under the supervision of the consultant supported by the SomRep Peri Urban Technical Advisor.

2.1. Specific objectives of the assignment
To train project staff on how they can identify FAs in their impact area which is a key initial step in operationalization of the PSP model.

To train the project staff on FA induction training[10] and conduct hands on training on how project staff can facilitate FA induction training and follow up refresher trainings.

Train project staff on how they can determine the stipend value and deploy FAs to field

Train the project staff on how they can supervise and support the FAs to facilitate their transition to become PSPs.

To train project staff on how they can select suitable FAs, and certify the most deserving to become PSPs

3.0 Scope of Work
The PSP model will be implemented in all the project impact area. The consultants shall train the project staff in collaboration with Peri Urban Technical Advisor to ensure operationalization of the PSP model in the project. Thus the consultant is expected to train staff on the necessary topics and processes from preparatory phase to FA phase to PSP phase.

Preparation Phase

This is the initial stage in the PSP model and involves geographic mapping; community sensitization on the PSP model; and FA identification and recruitment. The preparatory phase last 2-3 months.

FA Phase

The FA phase is characterised by four stages: probation, FA deployment, FA experience and FA certification. At probation stage, the recruited FAs are subjected to induction training and pre-post training test to gauge their understanding. The successful FAs are then selected and assigned to communities.

At deployment stage, the FAs are deployed to the communities they are assigned to serve. This is an important stage where FA prepare their own market in the communities. This is the beginning of their job and it starts with FAs establishing VSLA groups and then supporting them.

The field experience is particularly important for the FAs to develop relationships and gain trust and confidence of not just the groups but the entire community at large. While conducting their work, FAs report on their experience and group performance. The project staff support the FAs with logistics (such mobility facilities) and supervision. In addition, FAs are subjected to refresher trainings and provided with stipend.

The last stage is FA certification. This is the point where the FAs performance in the field is evaluated and finally FAs are subjected to post-training test. Based on their aggregate score (i.e. reflecting their performance on post -test and field work), they are certified to become PSPs, a standby back-up, or completely dropped. The FA phase lasts between 7 and 9 months (depending on FA readiness to be certified)

PSP Phase

It is during this period that PSP networks are established, and the apprenticeship system is put in place. The PSPs provide the services to VSLAs in the communities including training new PSP at a fee.

The scope of work of the consultant shall not be limited to just training of the project staff but shall extend to supporting the trained project staff to implement the PSP model in their respective impact areas.

4.0 Methodology
The consultant is expected to develop a detailed training methodology and training approaches based on their understanding of the terms of reference. The final training methodology and training approaches shall be agreed upon between the consultant and the Consortium partners.

Key tasks

· Develop course outline and contents of the Training of Trainers (ToT) for PSP approach in line with the approved training modules;

· Prepare necessary handouts for the participants on the basis of the approved training manual/modules;

· Prepare a training delivery schedule with full itinerary of the events;

· Conduct the hands on training for the project staff identified

· Submit the final training documents (manual and power point slides, group work exercise etc.

· Prepare and submit the training reports with photographs of the participants

5.0 Management of the Consultancy and Reporting
The consultant(s) will report to SomRep Peri Urban Technical Advisor and the Regional Program Coordinator (RPC-North Somalia). The two shall be responsible for the overall management of the Training exercise in close collaboration with SomRep M & E and Program Manager.

5.1 Authority and Responsibility.
5.1.1 SomRep
· Ensure that the consultant(s) and the participants adhere to child protection policy

· Ensure quality assurance throughout the period of training

· Provide the selected consultant(s) with necessary documents to enable a clear reporting and understanding of the EU-Restore and SIDA projects

· Create linkages with field staff, Implementing partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective accomplishment of set tasks

· Identification staff to be trained

· Liaise with local implementing partners on behalf of the consultants to plan training

· Review and approve training methodology and training approaches.

· Approve/disapprove the final report upon the report meeting specified requirements

5.1.2 Consultant (s)
· Develop inception report before actual roll out of the training. The inception report shall detail the training approaches that will be used and proposed data collection tools that will be used.

· Work closely with SomReP Peri Urban Technical Advisor and the MEAL Manager on the training design and approaches, and pre- and post-test performance evaluations

· Prepare and submit course outline, course contents, PPT, Handouts, training delivery schedule for Training of Trainers (ToT);

· Incorporate feedback into training materials and reports which will be given from the team.

· Train project and government staff on the PSP approach

· Guide and supervise the project and government staff in operationalization of the PSP model (i.e. training of the FA, deployment, and certification).

· Conduct pre and post evaluation of each training;

· Submit output-based progress report for each training program and a final report of all training modules including the list of trainees with full contact details and profile photograph of individual participants.

5.2 Standards of Ethics and Child Protection
· The lead consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the ToTs are designed to mitigate child protection risks and protect participants- wellbeing by establishing and following credible ethical principles:

· The lead consultant and SomReP Peri Urban Technical Advisor shall ensure that all participants including FAs are oriented on child protection policy prior to commencement of data collection.

· The lead consultant shall ensure that every participant adheres to research ethics and child protection policies.

· The lead consultant shall ensure that every piece of information collected from participants during the training is treated with all the confidentiality that it deserves and consent is sought before publishing the information.

5.3 Outputs/ Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected from the consultant:

· Inception Report. The consultant shall submit an inception report 3 days after signing of the agreement. The inception report shall explicitly provide details on the training methods/approaches, training materials to be used, proposed data collection tools to be used in the field and a work plan. The outline of the inception report shall be as follows:

ü Introduction (brief concept),

ü Assignment objectives,

ü Methodology

ü Work plan including schedule for field work

· Prepare and submit course outline, course contents, PPT, Handouts, training delivery schedule for Training of Trainers (ToT);

· Conduct pre and post evaluation of each training;

· Submit output-based progress report for each training program and a final report of all training modules including the list of trainees with full contact details and profile photograph of individual participants

All the reports are expected to be written in simple English language and must be comprehensive. The consultant shall provide all the data and training materials associated with the training including PowerPoint presentations, pre-and post-test assessments, training notes and manuals, photographs and ethical approval etc. The final report should be well edited and should incorporate all comments and corrections if any.

5.4 Logistics
SomReP will facilitate any travel logistics including, access to operational area, flights and accommodation. The lead consultant is expected to be available to spend approximately xx days in project impact area for ToT and operationalization of the PSP model.

The evaluation budget will cover the costs of travel visas, transit to and from their designated home point to the project locations, and accommodation, for the duration of the training period. However, such costs will form part of the overall cost consideration for selecting the consultant.

The consultant will be responsible for his or her own insurances, vaccinations, health, and security preparedness. The Security situation in the project impact area has remained relatively calm even though occasionally some places have experienced pockets of attacks. There have not been any record of any major armed conflict incidents, over the past months though.

6.0 Limitation
· Time and security are considered to be one of the major limitations to assessment processes as the fragile and versatile context in Somalia makes it often challenging to keep up strictly with a set agenda.

7.0 Proposal Content
Proposals from Consultants should include the following information (at a minimum)

· Technical Proposal with clear training approach, data collection methods, and data analysis plan to be used.

· Up-to-date CV of key consultant(s) attached to the technical proposal

· Proposed budget

· Proposed assessment schedule

· A sample of report of similar work done recently attached as an annex

[1] VSLA is an organised group of ten to 30 members who pool their own savings in regular meetings, use their own savings as credit and collaborate to sustain systems that enforce transparency and repayment (Pors, 2011)

[2] Forcier (2016). Improving Resilience through Village Savings and Loans Associations. CARE Switzerland, Khartoum Office.

[3] Conner, Damien. (2012) Evaluation of the Impact of Village Savings and Loan Associations Using a Novel Survey Instrument. Evaluation, Wesleyan: Wesleyan University.

[4] Allen H. (2006) Village savings and Loan Associations: Sustainable and cost effective rural finance. Small Enterprise Development.

[5] Gash, M. (2013). Pathways to Change: The impact of group participation. In C. Nelson (Ed.) Savings groups at the Frontier (pp 101-125). Rugby, UK: Practical action Publishing.

[6]SomReP. (2018). Positive Deviance in Somalia: Why are some households more resilient than others? World Vision Somalia. Nairobi. September 2018.

[7] World Bank (2007). Community-based Financial Organizations: A solution to Access in Remote Rural Areas? Washing, DC 20433.

[8] Murray, Jessica and Richard Rosenberg. (2006). Community-Managed Loan Funds: Which Ones Work? CGAP, Washington, DC

[9] After 9 months of operation, agents undergo an examination process to assess the quality of their work and readiness to work independently from the project as PSPs.

[10] The content of the FA must include the following: project overview, VSLA principle, VSLA methodology, VSLA equipment, group composition, and other governance issues such as general assembly meetings, leadership, constitution etc.

How to apply:
The desired profile of the Consultant
A technical expert with sufficient knowledge and experience VSLA and the PSP model is recommended for this assignment. He/she should have:

· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of VSLAs, gender, resilience building, and livelihoods in arid and semi-arid areas.

· A minimum of 5- years proven experience and capacity to develop inter-personal skills, life skills and train people on PSP model

· Proven capacity to develop practical training guidelines and programme; experience in documentation, reporting and evaluation of training programs.

· First-hand knowledge of socio-cultural, economic, political situation in Somalia or in a similar conflict-ridden country with high vulnerability to droughts is advantage.

· Advanced degree in microfinance, economics, development studies or a related field.

Applications from qualified firms/individuals should be submitted by 25th April, 2019 to somo_supplychain@wvi.org.

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