Scope of Work for Conducting SACCO Client Survey

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2 Scope of Work for Conducting SACCO Client Survey MERCY CORPS OVERVIEW Background Mercy Corps works in Nepal to protect strengthen and expand resilience strategies and opportunities among the poor and disadvantaged through economic, financial and risk management programs. Mercy Corps began operations in Nepal in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of economic and food security; climate, natural resource and disaster risk management; youth engagement; with the inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups as important cross-cutting themes throughout each intervention area. THE PROJECT AND RATIONALE Mercy Corps has been implementing Protecting and Mainstreaming Informal Sector Safety Nets (PROMISE) project in Panchthar, Taplejung, Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Bhojupur in the Eastern Region and Doti, Bajhang and Baitadi in the Far-Western Region with the goal to increase capacity of workers in the informal economy to escape from poverty and better manage risks and shocks. The project is building the capacity of local and national financial institutions. The specific objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of underserved communities in 8 districts of Nepal to understand and access formal and informal social protection measures for informal sector workers. This is done by support of Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions (NEFSCUN) by merging informal safety nets under Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) to be formally registered as Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and provide with technical services, financial services and legal support. Mercy Corps - Nepal is supporting subsidy outreach model, by enabling a range of VSLAs to be trained and formalized during the project period, while laying the foundation for the formalization of additional VSLAs after the program has come to an end. The project is also working closely with their clients and providing financial literacy training to improve their money management skills, assists in market linkages for better livelihoods and increased incomes. In order to assess the project logframe indicators like percentage of the population below the national poverty line, reduction in informal sector loans, household decision-making, food sufficiency status, net additional income accrued and full-time jobs created due to project interventions, Mercy Corps is seeking consultants/firms to conduct client survey. OBJECTIVE The main objective of Client Survey is to assess the project logframe indicators like percentage of the population below the national poverty line, reduction in informal sector loans, household decision-making, food sufficiency status, net additional income accrued and full-time jobs created for the project participants due to project interventions.

3 SCOPE OF WORK /RESPONSIBILITIES The consultants/firms will be responsible for: Literature Review: review of key documents like project proposal, logframe, baseline tool, baseline survey report and draft client survey tool Finalize client survey tools and methodologies after discussion with the project team and MC DM&E Manager. Both qualitative and quantitative research should be conducted to access the progress in the indicators. Key Informants Interview and FGDs should be conducted to obtain qualitative information. Prepare field survey plan and discuss with the project team to agree on the plan. Train surveyors on the use of the survey tools Sample Design: The project districts of PROMISE include Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Tehrathum and Panchthar. However the survey is to be observed in the sampled districts which will be decided after the consultants are selected. The consultants are expected to advice and provide inputs on the most appropriate Sample Design and Estimation. Data Collection and Analysis: Field data collection will be a sole responsibility of the consultants with due support from MC project staffs. It is proposed that a suitable statistical package be used for data entry and analysis, the consultants can decide on the statistical tools to be used. A data mask should be developed for the purpose of data entry with necessary validation rules depending on the questionnaire. Survey Findings: The consultants will be responsible for writing and analyzing the report working closely with the MC project staffs. The consultants will submit the concise draft report along with the data tables to MC. MC will provide input/comments on the report if needed. The consultants will submit the final report incorporating the feedback from MC within the agreed time period. SCOPE OF WORK CONTENT The Consultants/firms should focus on, but not limited to, the following content and considerations while designing the survey tools and conducting survey: MC PROMISE baseline survey tool MC PROMISE client survey tool (draft) Project log-frame DELIVERABLES 1. Inception report should include initial work plan and proposal for Client Survey outlining the proposed methodology, survey tools, data collection and analysis process and a set of data-collection tools as per the indicators. 2. Draft report of the client survey for feedback and comments from MC. 3. Final report of the client survey incorporating feedback and comments from MC. PROPERTY RIGHTS All documents related to the assignment shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Mercy Corps Nepal. QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 1. Masters Degree in Social Science, Economics, Development Studies or Statistics. 2. A sound track record in developing and conducting social research especially in the field of micro finance. 3. At least 5 years proven experience in working in micro finance sector. 4. Proven record of using statistical analysis software

4 5. Experience in managing and coordinating evaluation evaluation/research exercises, delivering agreed outputs on time and budget. 6. Experience in data collection and analysis using participatory methodology. 7. Ability and flexibility to work respond to comments and questions in a timely, appropriate manner. 8. Strong command over English especially ability to write high quality, clear and concise reports. Application Process Mercy Corps Nepal invites individuals and companies to submit the following documents: 1. Expression of interest (EOI) outlining how the consultant(s) will meet the above criteria and their understanding of ToR and methodology 2. A proposed activities schedule/work plan with time frame along with financial proposal including consultant(s) itemized fees, data collection, administrative and logistics cost. 3. Copy of CV of consultant(s) who will undertake the survey 4. One recent example of similar survey report written by applicant, including the contact of client. 5. Copies of registration certificate and VAT/PAN registration. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT Mercy Corps Nepal is proposing the assignment period to be 30 days including the travel days and is expected to be effective from the date of signing the contract through submission of final report. SUPERVISOR AND REPORTING The Consultants will report to the Senior Program Manager of Mercy Corps Financial Services, but will work closely with MC DM&E Manager, M&E Officer and other staff assigned to the Project. RESOURCES Mercy Corps will further discuss and negotiate with the selected consultants/firms for an agreed upon fee for services and payment will be made as per the terms and conditions of the contract entered into with the consultants/firms. TERMS OF PAYMENT Mercy Corps will pay 40% of the contract amount at the time of signing agreement, 30% upon submission of draft report and the remaining 30% will be paid after the acceptance of the final report by MC.

5 Scope of Work for Conducting SAFAL Baseline Survey MERCY CORPS OVERVIEW Background Mercy Corps works in Nepal to protect strengthen and expand resilience strategies and opportunities among the poor and disadvantaged through economic, financial and risk management programs. Mercy Corps began operations in Nepal in 2005, and since then has implemented projects in the sectors of economic and food security; climate, natural resource and disaster risk management; youth engagement; with the inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups as important cross-cutting themes throughout each intervention area. THE PROJECT AND RATIONALE Mercy Corps has been implementing Sustainable Access to Finance and Livelihoods (SAFAL) project funded by UKaid in Panchthar, Taplejung, Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Bhojupur in the Eastern Region; Banke, Kalikot, Rukum and Jumla in the Mid-Western Region; and Doti, Bajhang, Kanchanpur and Baitadi in the Far-Western Region with the goal to reduce poverty in Nepal s remote and rural areas, particularly hill and mountain communities through sustainable access to finance, appropriate livelihood opportunities and institution strengthening. Mercy Corps is partnering with Nirdhan Utthan Bank Limited, Laxmi laghu Bitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited, Laxmi Bank, District Credit Unions and SACCOs for the implementation of this project. The project is also working closely with members of the financial institutions providing financial literacy training to improve their money management skills, assists in market linkages for better livelihoods and increased incomes. In order to assess the project logframe indicators before and during the project interventions to obtain baseline and current status, Mercy Corps is seeking consultants/firms to conduct client survey. OBJECTIVE The main objective of baseline survey is to assess the project logframe indicators like percentage of the population below the national poverty line, average increase in additional income per target client, reduction in informal sector loans, household decision-making, food sufficiency status, jobs created for the project participants due to project interventions. SCOPE OF WORK /RESPONSIBILITIES The consultants/firms will be responsible for: Literature Review: review of key documents like project proposal, logframe, MC PROMISE baseline tool, and draft client survey tool Finalize baseline survey tools using pre-post questions and methodologies after discussion with the project team and MC DM&E Manager. Both qualitative and quantitative research should be conducted to access the progress in the indicators. Key Informants Interview and FGDs should be conducted to obtain qualitative information.

6 Prepare field survey plan and discuss with the project team to agree on the plan. Train surveyors on the use of the survey tools Sample Design: The project districts of SAFAL include Kanchanpur, Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Tehrathum, Panchthar, Banke, Rukum, Kalikot and Jumla. However the survey is to be observed in the sampled districts which will be decided after the consultants are selected. The consultants are expected to advice and provide inputs on the most appropriate Sample Design and Estimation. Data Collection and Analysis: Field data collection will be a sole responsibility of the consultants with due support from MC project staffs. It is proposed that a suitable statistical package be used for data entry and analysis, the consultants can decide on the statistical tools to be used. A data mask should be developed for the purpose of data entry with necessary validation rules depending on the questionnaire. Survey Findings: The consultants will be responsible for writing and analyzing the report working closely with the MC project staffs. The consultants will submit the concise draft report along with the data tables to MC. MC will provide input/comments on the report if needed. The consultants will submit the final report incorporating the feedback from MC within the agreed time period. SCOPE OF WORK CONTENT The Consultants/firms should focus on, but not limited to, the following content and considerations while designing the survey tools and conducting survey: MC PROMISE baseline survey tool MC PROMISE client survey tool (draft) Project log-frame DELIVERABLES 1. Inception report should include initial work plan and proposal for baseline survey outlining the proposed methodology, survey tools, data collection and analysis process and a set of data-collection tools as per the indicators. 2. Draft report of the baseline survey for feedback and comments from MC. 3. Final report of the baseline survey incorporating feedback and comments from MC. PROPERTY RIGHTS All documents related to the assignment shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Mercy Corps Nepal. QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 1. Masters Degree in Social Science, Economics, Development Studies or Statistics. 2. A sound track record in developing and conducting social research especially in the field of micro finance. 3. At least 5 years proven experience in working in micro finance sector. 4. Proven record of using statistical analysis software 5. Experience in managing and coordinating evaluation evaluation/research exercises, delivering agreed outputs on time and budget. 6. Experience in data collection and analysis using participatory methodology. 7. Ability and flexibility to work respond to comments and questions in a timely, appropriate manner. 8. Strong command over English especially ability to write high quality, clear and concise reports.

7 Application Process Mercy Corps Nepal invites individuals or firms to submit the following documents: 1. Expression of interest (EOI) outlining how the consultant(s) will meet the above criteria and their understanding of ToR and methodology 2. A proposed activities schedule/work plan with time frame along with financial proposal including consultant(s) itemized fees, data collection, administrative and logistics cost. 3. Copy of CV of consultant(s) who will undertake the survey 4. One recent example of similar survey report written by applicant, including the contact of client. 5. Copies of registration certificate and VAT/PAN registration. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT Mercy Corps Nepal is proposing the assignment period to be 30 days including the travel days and is expected to be effective from the date of signing the contract through submission of final report. SUPERVISOR AND REPORTING The Consultants will report to the Senior Program Manager of Mercy Corps Financial Services, but will work closely with MC DM&E Manager, M&E Officer and other staff assigned to the Project. RESOURCES Mercy Corps will further discuss and negotiate with the selected consultants/firms for an agreed upon fee for services and payment will be made as per the terms and conditions of the contract entered into with the consultants/firms. TERMS OF PAYMENT Mercy Corps will pay 40% of the contract amount at the time of signing agreement, 30% upon submission of draft report and the remaining 30% will be paid after the acceptance of the final report by MC.