Terms of Reference (ToRs)-Consultancy for Linking VSL, Women, Youth, People with Disabilities, and Other Marginalized Groups with Green Financial Services and Financial Institutions

Background

The Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), through funding from a consortium composed of Trōcaire, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) UK, is implementing the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Program in Ngororero District. The CJC Program aims to foster sustainable development and climate justice by empowering vulnerable communities and enhancing their access to resources and services that promote environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change.

To support the program’s goals, RCCDN seeks to hire a consultant to conduct a study for linking existing Voluntary Savings and Loan (VSL) groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups with support programs in the districts of CJC operation (Ngororero, Karongi and Gisagara districts). The objective is to facilitate their access to green financial services and to establish connections with financial institutions within their communities.

Objective of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive study that will:

• Identify and assess the existing VSL groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the sectors of CJC operation in Gisagara, Karongi and Ngororero districts.
• Evaluate the current access and barriers to green financial services for these groups.
• Establish linkages between these groups and support programs to facilitate their access to green financial services.
• Connect these groups with financial institutions within the community to promote financial inclusion and sustainable development.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Stakeholder Analysis:

• Identify and map existing VSL groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the target sectors of the above-mentioned districts.
• Assess the needs, challenges, and opportunities for these groups in accessing green financial services.

Assessment of Green Financial Services:

• Evaluate the availability and accessibility of green financial services within the community.
• Identify existing support programs and financial institutions that provide green financial services.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception report detailing the methodology and work plan.
2. Stakeholder analysis report.
3. Assessment report on green financial services.
4. Final comprehensive report with findings, recommendations, and a roadmap for future actions.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to last for a period of one month, starting from the date of contract signing.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in finance, economics, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting studies and assessments related to financial services and marginalized groups.
• Knowledge of green financial services and sustainable development.
• Experience in working with VSL groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.

Application Process

Interested consultants who meet the required criteria shall submit their sealed technical and financial bids addressed to the Coordinator of RCCDN and submitted to the organization Secretariat offices, located in Muyange cell, Kagarama sector in Kicukiro district not later than August 30^th, 2024 not later than 15:00 local time. For any inquiries, please contact telephone number 0788303172

• A cover letter expressing interest and suitability for the assignment.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• A technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the study.
• A financial proposal including a detailed budget breakdown.

Evaluation Criteria

• Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Relevant qualifications and experience.
• Understanding of the assignment and proposed methodology.
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal.
• Proven track record of similar assignments.
• For further information, please contact RCCDN at the email provided above.

Safeguarding Programme Participants: PWD, Children & Adults

RCCDN respects the intrinsic dignity of every person, celebrates differences and aims to create relationships of mutual respect wherein the rights and dignity of every person are respected. The Network is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment and the code of conduct, which outlines the expected behaviors and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organizational representatives.