Deadline 28 October 2017 at midnight EAT

Purpose of the RFA

The proliferation of savings groups has been a key driver of financial inclusion in Tanzania, particularly for youth, contributing to a reduction of Tanzanian young people financially excluded from 48.1% to 33% between 2013 and 2017.

By February 2015, the cumulative number of savings group members in the country was expected to reach 1.2 million. Because the poorest people and those in the most remote areas are not always served by formal service providers, savings groups provide a convenient, trustworthy and affordable way to smooth irregular incomes, save for a goal, and access small loans. The potential exists for savings groups to have the same impact for refugee populations. The refugees in Nyarugusu, both Congolese and Burundian, are largely displaced low-income rural populations with similar socio-economic profiles to their host community. Although not all refugees have (or believe they have) the means to save, many segments of the population have demonstrated that they can, regardless of perceived capacity.

he purpose of this exploratory request for applications (RFA) is to support UNCDF and its partners to engage in the creation and strengthening of new and existing savings groups in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Kigoma, Tanzania. This RFA is intentionally brief and applicants will be evaluated based on a few key components.

The expected result is that UNCDF will partner with one or more of the shortlisted organizations to (i) form 60 new savings groups, targeting a mix of populations within the camps (youth, women, economically active), (ii) strengthen existing groups in the camp, collaborating with UNCDF on the development of financial education tools and modules and (iii) collect baseline data on these savings groups at an individual and group level.

UNCDF is interested in working in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp for this initial pilot, with the potential to eventually expand programming into Mtendeli and Nduta Camps.

Timing

• Applications should be returned to the UNCDF by e-mail no later than midnight on October 28, 2017 East Africa Time (EAT). It is anticipated that shortlisting will be completed within 1 week of application submission. The time needed for submission of revised proposals, if needed, will depend on the complexity and thoroughness of the initial proposals but should take no more than three weeks. UNCDF would like to conclude all agreements no later than November 24, 2017.
• The overall duration of the work is expected to take up to 5 months; the expected date of full completion is no later than 30 April 2018.The applicant should propose their own timeline for the completion of the different stages of the work.
• Applications and any consultation about this RFA should be submitted via email to alix.de.loustal@uncdf.org.
• All queries and submitted applications will be acknowledged.

Minimum qualification criteria

• Any type of organization (commercial for-profit firms, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, Universities) is eligible to compete.
• Successfully conducted similar assignments at a country or regional level with proven excellent results, including financial services and other development issues.
• Demonstrated experience and capability of proposed staff members in saving group facilitation, training and community outreach.
• Ability to work in the language of the country (English required, Swahili, Kirundi, and Kiha an asset).
• Have confirmed human resources to cover all planned/required activities. Track record in establishing savings groups in Tanzanian refugee camps.
• Experience working with different populations in Tanzania (Burundian, Congolese, host community)Current presence in Kigoma.
• Existing partnership with UNHCR in Tanzania Submit a complete application.

Other requirements and qualifications

• Experience working with local and regional level government, NGOs, private sector, international organisations and understanding of the challenges of working with them.

• Commitment and ability to provide on-site resources (e.g. staff, consultants) as needed Livelihood development experience.

• Production of high quality outputs Follows internationally recognized methodology for savings group formation, structure, and facilitation.

Structure of the Application

• The application includes a suggested template for submissions in Annex 1: Submission Format. Section 1 must be followed as in Annex 1. Applications may choose a format for sections 2, 3 and 4 provided all the necessary information is included.
• Additional documents or links to documents may be included at the applicant’s discretion.

Submission of the Application

• Applications and any consultation about this RFA should be submitted via email to alix.de.loustal@uncdf.org.
• The subject line of the email should be: RFA: Enhancing Livelihoods through Savings Groups.
• The deadline to submit the applications is 28 October 2017 at midnight EAT.