USAID-Funded
Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program
Scope of Work
Development of a Microfinance Operating System
Description of the Program:
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes.
Problem Statement:
Microfinance in Tanzania is a critical tool to finance underserved communities, empower women, alleviate poverty, and improve living standards. The sector, characterized by a robust network of microfinance institutions (MFIs), has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, catering to the diverse needs of Tanzanians across the country. However, many remote regions in Tanzania remain underserved and many MFIs, especially smaller ones, face capacity constraints that limit their ability to serve more people and offer a wider range of services. The microfinance sector in Tanzania still faces several challenges, many of which can be addressed with the help of technology. Poor microfinance operating systems and information systems impact the growth of microfinance institutions in Tanzania. Many MFIs lack a proper microfinance system that automates operations, evaluates customers, enables branchless and mobile banking, and diversifies its business model. Embracing technological advancements can revolutionize how MFIs serve their clients, expand their reach, and make a profit.
The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program has partnered with a local NGO that empowers youth in Zanzibar. The NGO works with start-ups and businesses to offer incubation services, financing and business acceleration support, and they have a microfinance unit with at least 3 employees who support about 700 young people. The organization gives out loans through the microfinance unit to youth businesses and entrepreneurs that have been incubated by the NGO. They also facilitate trainings, market connections and a mentorship program co-designed with various partners and experts.
The NGO needs professional support to review their structural, financial, and operational processes and recommend proper systems for automating their MFI operations with technology. Thus, the F2F A2F Program is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident experienced volunteer expert in microfinance operations and systems to help set-up proper tech systems for the organization’s microfinance operations.
Objective of the Assignment:
1. Assessment of the organization operations as a whole (NGO).
2. Set-up a new or improved microfinance operation system.
3. Train the host on the use of the new microfinance operations system.
Deliverables:
1. Assessment report with recommendations
2. Training materials
3. Field trip report with a minimum of four and maximum of six recommendations
4. PowerPoint presentation
Schedule for Assignment:
Day |
Activity |
Location |
Estimated days |
Pre-departure |
|
Home country |
1 |
Day 1 |
|
USA-Tanzania |
1 |
Day 2 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 3 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 4 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 5 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 6 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 7-8 |
|
Zanzibar |
2 |
Day 9 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 10 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 11-12 |
|
Zanzibar |
2 |
Day 13 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 14 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 15 |
|
Zanzibar |
1 |
Day 16 |
|
USA |
1 |
Total |
|
|
16 days (13 days in country) |
Additional Travel Information:
Zanzibar it’s an archipelago located a short 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. Otherwise known as Spice Island, Zanzibar is famous for its unique exotic beaches. The climate is typically insular, tropical, and humid, with an average annual rainfall of 60 to 80 inches (1,500 to 2,000 mm). Rainfall is reliable and well-distributed in comparison with most of eastern Africa. Northeast trade winds blow from December to March and southeast trade winds from May to October. The “long rains” occur between March and May and the “short rains” between October and December.
Before you visit Zanzibar, make sure to keep your travels respectful. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania that is predominately Muslim, so it’s important to show your respect for the culture when traveling in Zanzibar. Try not to wear short shorts or bikinis outside of resorts and beaches and don’t plan on eating much bacon.
1. Volunteer experts are expected to bring their own laptop for use on assignment
2. Flights, ground transportation and hotels will be booked and paid for directly by IESC
3. Volunteer experts will be provided with a Samsung smartphone with a local sim card and airtime for use during the assignment
4. F2F A2F assignments are very engaging and a full-time commitment while in-country. Any tourism or other personal activities in-country must be conducted after the assignment is completed.
5. Travel and lodging conditions may vary depending on the location of the assignment. Volunteer assignments may require extended travel via taxi to remote locations or stays in rural areas with fewer amenities. IESC can provide more information about travel and lodging during the volunteer onboarding process.
Volunteer Outreach:
USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US:
Write an entry for the IESC website.
Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff.
Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template)
Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed).
Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc.
Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues.
Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert:
University degree in banking, finance, economics, engineering, computing or related field;
A minimum of 10 years’ experience as a consultant or equivalent with experience in business banking, Micro-Finance operations support, implementation of business process reengineering, performance improvement and measurement, restructuring.
In-depth knowledge of microfinance principles and financial products.
Experience of the lending market in either microfinance or retail or corporate environments, preferably having functional knowledge in areas such as interest calculations, repayment schedules, sanctioned limits, etc;
Knowledge of banking/microfinance systems and lending practices, financial analysis, accounting rules and credit products will be considered an asset.
Experience working in Tanzania and/or the region is a plus.
Strong leadership and communication skills and capacity to plan strategically and flexibly.
Desire to improve the start-up businesses.
Ability to work with rural communities, small-scale producers and women’s groups.
Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance.
Writing Skills: reporting requires good computer skills including, but not limited to, working, and generating reports with MS Word. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable.
Good writing and analytical skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills (adult education skills).