Terms of Reference for an Individual Documentation Consultant for Savings Group Methodologies in Rwanda
1. Background
The savings groups’ methodology, internally referred to as Internal Savings and Lending Groups (ISLG) at CHF, is one of the approaches CHF International uses to build assets and increase resilience among low income and vulnerable populations. The ISLG model has been used by CHF International in Rwanda, Southern Sudan with a variation of the model, referred to as Asset Building Groups (ABG), in Ethiopia. Promotion of savings groups have become a cornerstone of CHF economic assistance programs, particularly targeting low income and vulnerable households, and as a basis for building their assets to prepare them for higher level integration into economic activities.
CHF initiated ISLG’s in Rwanda under its Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Program (CHAMP) in 2008 and has made it a key component of both the USAID/Higa Ubeho program, which started in November 2009 and the more recent award- USAID Ejo Heza Rural Integrated Improved Livelihoods Program which started in August 2011. CHF and its partners have created almost 3,000 groups in Rwanda throughout 23 Districts.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
With close to 3,000 ISLGs supported by both USAID/Higa Ubeho and USAID Ejo Heza, CHF International wishes to hire the services of a consultant to document the methodology and implementation of ISLG’s within CHF International Rwanda and by our local implementing partners and produces our Operations manual.
This work will include the following:
1. Conduct a desk top review of existing materials (both internal and external) to guide and support the implementation and monitoring of savings groups.
2. Document CHF Rwanda’s ISLG methodology using concise and simple text in English, using visuals, graphics and diagrams to explain and illustrate the sequence of interventions, and all tools for each intervention.
3. The final result will be the delivery of I.) a Field Operations Guide, II.) a Field Officer Guide and III.) a Community Volunteer Guide according to the approved creative brief supplied by CHF Rwanda.
4. Incorporation of the MIS data collection and reporting requirements into the operations guides.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant is expected to complete the following tasks/deliverables over a 45 day period:
• Task 1: Review existing materials (both internal to CHF and externally) which support the implementation, management, and monitoring of savings groups, within Rwanda and globally.
Deliverables: Brief report (max 5 pages) including an outline for the guides and types of key savings groups implementation tools, with recommendations for adaptation/adoption within CHF Rwanda ISLGs. Incl. Electronic copies of all savings groups tools.
Time frame: 3 days
• Task 2: Visit CHF Rwanda ISLGs in the field; Interview and consult key staff—CHF Management, Team Leaders, Field Officers and Rwanda Partner Organizations (RPOs) field staff and volunteers to track and document all operations in the field.
Deliverables: Document all processes and procedures for the creation, management and monitoring of CHF savings groups.
Time frame: 4 days
• Task 3: Complete drafts of all three Operations guides on the CHF ISLG approach.
Deliverables: Draft Field Operations Guides (Volumes: I, II, III)
Time frame: 4 days
• Task 4: Present draft Operations guides to key staff during a one day validation meeting.
Deliverables: PowerPoint Presentation, Report of consultative meeting
Time frame: 1 day
• Task 5: Finalize the Operation’s Guides
Deliverables: Finalize proposed graphics and illustrations for the guides. Finalize Field Operations Manual and Field Officer Guides (Vol. I, II, & III) incorporating all of the feedback from the validation meeting
Time frame: 4 days
Total: 16 billable days
4. Profile of Consultant
• Relevant degree in education, social science, economics or international development with a minimum 5 years of work experience in adult education, savings and/or microfinance.
• Demonstrated communications experience in documenting and writing guides, manuals and publications for field implementation.
• Knowledge of global trends in the microfinance, savings and financial education, sector with a particular focus on the East African region.
• Practical experience in managing savings groups will be an advantage.
• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking English; French and/or Kinyarwanda is a plus.
• Experience working with international organizations.
1. 5. How to Apply
Interested candidates, who meet the criteria for this position, may send their application including cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, cost proposal and three current referees of similar assignments conducted to the following email address ejoheza@rw.chfinternational.org clearly quoting in the Subject line: Savings Group Documentation Consultant
Applications should be in by the 14th September 2012. ONLY selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
