Expression of Interest For Consultant WomenS Financial And Economic Empowerment Project, Rwanda

Expression of Interest for Consultant Womens Financial and Economic Empowerment Project, Rwanda 3. Objectives The project consists of two components to be implemented in the three countries. Component 1 is a planning phase and component 2 is the implementation phase. This EoI relates to component 1 for Rwanda. In addition to a consultancy role, the applicant should also act as a country coordinator/administrative organiser as part of their role. Based on the success of the work, there is a possibility the consultant may be retained after conclusion of Component 1 for the delivery of Component 2, including in an overall project coordination capacity. Two studies will be commissioned in Rwanda, to be completed by January 2026. The two studies will focus on: Assessment of Rwandas financial environment, SaCCO regulatory landscape and the institutional capacities of AMIR and district level SaCCOs, specifically in terms of supporting womens access to finance [macro/meso level assessment]; Assessment of specific barriers and opportunities to womens access to finance through SaCCOs within the rural dairy value chains, with a particular focus on product tailoring needs [micro level assessment]. These two studies will be complemented by findings already collected through the ILCUF field mission, alongside additional studies conducted through RDDP-II (the IFAD anchor project). Based on further scoping in the coming weeks, there may be scope to combine these into one study to further expedite the Component. After the studies are completed in January 2026, the detailed workplan for Component 2 will be finalised by February, and Component 2 delivery will begin in March. Broadly, Component 2 will focus on gender responsive capacity building and product development for AMIR, selected SaCCOs and stakeholders. With Rwandas rapid growth in formal financial inclusion (from 21% in 2008 to 92% in 2024), the planned consolidation of Umurenge SaCCOs into district-level entities and the establishment of the Cooperative Bank, Component 2 will prioritise designing gender-responsive financial products and developing gender-supportive financial cooperative sector capacities in support to t RDDP IIs dairy sector goals. Component 2 activities for Rwanda will be informed by the study findings and approved by a country-level steering group. 4. Skills and Expertise Competency and qualification requirements Proven experience in utilising sound research methodologies, tools, and conducting field-level data collection. Familiarity with gender issues and womens economic empowerment initiatives, particularly in relation to financial product development for women A good understanding of the microfinance sector, particularly of the SaCCO sector, financial inclusion strategies, and womens economic empowerment policies and initiatives in general. Knowledge about the Rwandan country context. Proven experience in socio-economic research. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports in English and present findings clearly. Demonstrated experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and community organizations. Experience in developing actionable recommendations and work plans. 9. Experience working in various regions of Rwanda, with understanding of local contexts. Preferable if able to communicate in Kinyarwanda. Willingness to travel to the selected regions in Rwanda. 5. Scope of Work/Methodologies The objectives of the assignment will be realised through a number of different methodologies: - Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) - Focus Group Discussions including Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) - Desk Research - Project Coordination and Logistics. The consultant will be required to produce study reports as well as an implementation plan to address the major findings and recommendations identified through the studies. The consultant must comply with IFADs and ILCUFs monitoring & evaluation and other programme requirements. 6. Timeframe and Activities The consultant will need to be available to work from November 2025 to February 2026. The work will be full time at certain points during this period, and it will be a part time arrangement at other points during this time period. It is expected that there will be a project break over the Christmas / New Year period. As mentioned above, although this EoI relates to component 1, there may be an ongoing role in component 2 in an advisory/capacity building/overall project coordination capacity. Location: Kigali Deadline: Friday, 24/10/2025 23:59 [Disclaimer: The above text is machine translated. For accurate information kindly refer the original document.] Tender Link : https://www.jobinrwanda.com/job/expression-interest-consultant-womens-financial-and-economic-empowerment-project-rwanda