Digital Financial Services Expert - Utilities

This opening expired 3 years ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNCDF - United Nations Capital Development Fund

Open positions at UNCDF
Logo of UNCDF

Application deadline 3 years ago: Thursday 19 Nov 2020 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

UNCDF is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF has been active in the area of financial inclusion over the past 25 years, through a market development approach combining support to governments and regulators, as well as to the private sector in order to develop scalable products and services for under-served and un-banked populations.

UNCDF mission 2030 is to accelerate the development of services leveraging digital finance & innovation by providing the right balance of technical expertise and financial support to government, private & non-profit sectors & academia. UNCDF 2024 goal is to empower millions of people to use services leveraging innovation and technology that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNCDF inclusive digital economy strategy

UNCDF strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ is based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion in support of the Sustainable Development Goals aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind.

https://www.uncdf.org/article/4931/global-strategy-leaving-no-one-behind-in-the-digital-era

UNCDF will focus on understanding the intersection of six categories of digital services entailing (i) agriculture, (ii) transport, (iii) energy, (iv) education, (v) health and (vi) finance across five categories of users: (i)women, (ii)youth, (iii)refugees, (iv) migrants and (v) MSMEs.

To implement this strategy UNCDF will continue to apply a market development approach at country level. The objective of such an approach is to continuously seek to understand and intervene in select market systems to address underlying market dysfunctions that lead to improved efficiencies, effectiveness and sustainability. The approach will seek to (1) leverage the roles and behaviors of current players in the marketplace, support them to continue doing what they do better or to change their behavior, and (2) strengthen the systems and relationships among the various market and sector actors (3) work with current players to de-risk new business models to make digital solutions more inclusive for key segments and reduce the digital divide.

UNCDF inclusive digital economy strategy in Zambia

Since 2015, UNCDF has been implementing projects that address the needs of the 40% population that has been financially excluded using a market development approach on digital finance in Zambia. The programme has the aim to develop an inclusive digital economy in Zambia by leveraging digital financial payments in the utility sector. UNCDF in Zambia will support resilient and inclusive economic growth through provision of digital financial services in the utility sector that are available, accessible and affordable to all Zambians. The programme will support FSPs and Fintechs to expand the reach to services such as financial services, energy, water & sanitation.

The expected target for this program at 2021 is to reach thirty thousand of Zambians through digital services in the utility (energy, water & sanitation) sector, of which at least 40% are women and 60% are youth (aged between 15-35 years). This will be implimented with a specific focus at empowering rural communities, women, youth, migrants, refugees and MSME’s - to lead productive and healthy lives, by expanding access and usage of digital services.

The main expected outcomes of this new initiative include:

  1. To improve access to affordable digital service and increase availability and affordability of digital payment services in the utility sector with a specific focus at women and youth
  2. To support resilience and inclusive economic digital growth, that can build financial and digital capabilities of customers
  3. To strengthen institution capacity of policy makers and regulators, thereby improving their capacity to develop, formulate and implement Digital Transformation framework

UNCDF needs a Digital Financial Services Expert – Utilities to provide technical expertise in Digital Financial Services and utility solutions (water, energy) to UNCDF ‘s programmes in Zambia as well as interventions with selected grantees to serve the needs of key customer segments (Youth, women, migrants, refugees, and micro-small and medium-sized enterprises) in Zambia.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide Technical assistance and training to companies and SMEs specially within the utility sector, on how to embed and build digital and financial literacy tools within their offerings. This will include;

  • Designing new business models and delivery channels for building financial and digital capabilities, and soft and hard skills of companies and customers
  • Developing partnerships through training education organizations and civil society organizations to address urgent issues relating to customers’ capabilities to access, use and control over digital innovations.
  • Provide TA to a Utility partner design and launch digital and financial literacy campaigns to users of payment services

Project outcome; New business models and delivery channels for building financial and digital capabilities, and soft and hard skills of companies and customers, are piloted and deployed at scale.

Expected level of effort: 40. days.

2. Provide Technical Assistance to accelerate innovation in digital financial services and beyond, with new and improved solutions that propel low and moderate-income people to experience services that empower their daily lives. Key focus will be de-risking new models for utility companies in Zambia to leverage digital payment to increase access and usage of their services. This will include:

  • Conducting a scoping study of utility services in the areas of the pilot to understand expectations, needs and challenges of Zambians and assess opportunity to leverage digital innovations /solutions in the government and utility services.
  • Organizing a Request for Applications to select partners to come up with the best digital solutions to increase adoption and usage of utility services and payments.
  • Selecting at least 2 partners and extend a grant to de-risk new solutions for digital utility payments
  • At least 2 partners in Zambia are supported with TA & grant/s to pilot and/or scale digital utility payments

Project outcome; Inclusive Innovative business models and services are tested and deployed at scale in various sectors

Expected level of effort: 110 days.

3. Provide Technical Assistance on developing an open digital infrastructure & payment ecosystem as a key building block of a digital economy in Zambia, specifically the utility sector to benefit vulnerable segments such as women & youth. This will include;

  • Specialized technical assistance and exposure to best practices regarding the development of suitable financial products and services to respective partners.
  • Convening discussions/events to stimulate market/private sector investments to expand business models with a specific focus on women and youth

Project outcome; Available, accessible, affordable, reliable and appropriate digital payment services are piloted and deployed at scale.

Expected level of effort: 35 days.

4. (With support from the policy & DFS consultants) Provide Technical Assistance to further develop and expound an enabling policy and regulatory environment in Zambia to expand the digital economy (though the utility sector) and increased trust and confidence in digital financial services/payments. This will include;

  • Specialized technical assistance and advice to financial sector and relevant sectoral policy makers and regulators, for the development of inclusive policy and regulations for the digital transformation of utility sector of Zambia.
  • Provide capacity building/training and technical assistance to Bank of Zambia and other regulators and organize exposure visits for regulators to global best practices in Fintech and approaches from other markets
  • Promote Fintechs among market players, government in Zambia through dialogue, events and other disseminations approaches (e.g. forum to show-tell innovation)

Project outcome; Inclusive policies and regulations that enable access and usage of digital services are responsibly adopted and implemented in Zambia

Expected level of effort: 30 days.

The table below outlines the list of key deliverables.

Assignment Deliverables

Output #

Deliverable

Output # 1

  • A report on TA and training provided to companies and SMEs specially on how to embed and build digital and financial literacy tools within their offerings
  • At least 2 new developed business models and delivery channels - for building financial and digital capabilities, soft and hard skills of companies and customers

  • At least 2 partnerships developed with education organizations and civil society organizations to address urgent issues relating to customers’ capabilities to access, use and control over digital innovations.

  • Utility partner is supported to design and launch digital and financial literacy campaigns to users of payment services

Output # 2

  • A detailed report on TA provided to accelerate innovation in digital financial services and beyond, with new and improved solutions that propel low and moderate-income people to experience services that empower their daily lives.
  • A detailed scoping study report on utility services in the areas of the pilot, accompanied with recommendations and intervention to accelerate digital payments within the utility sector, yet increasing services to targeted segments.
  • RFP document and actions to select partners with the best digital solutions to increase adoption and usage of utility services and payments.
  • At least 2 partners are selected to receive and extend a grant to de-risk new solutions for digital utility payments
  • A focus note on the state of industry report for digital payments in the Utility sector of Zambia

Output # 3

  • A detailed report on TA provided on developing an open digital infrastructure & payment ecosystem as a key building block of a digital economy in Zambia, specifically for digital payments in the utility sector
  • A detailed report on Specialized TA and exposure provided on best practices regarding the development of suitable financial products and services to respective partners.
  • A detailed report on discussions/events to stimulate market/private sector investments to expand business models with a specific focus on women and youth

Output # 4

  • A detailed report on Specialized TA provided to financial sector and relevant sectoral policy makers and regulators, for the development of inclusive policy and regulations for the digital transformation of utility sector of Zambia.
  • A detailed report on TA & capacity building provided to Bank of Zambia and other regulators on global best practices in Fintech and approaches from other markets, specifically on digital payments in the utility sector
  • An exposure visit organized for regulators to learn global best practices in Fintech and approaches from other markets
  • A detailed report on initiatives made & dialogue provided to promote Fintechs among market players and government in Zambia

The table below outlines the list of key deliverables, due date and level of effort foreseen:

#

Deliverables

Est****. days

Unit

Total

Est. delivery date

Est. payment terms in %

1) Provide Technical assistance and training to companies and SMEs specially within the utility sector, on how to embed and build digital and financial literacy tools within their offerings.

a

A detailed report on Technical Assistance and training provided to companies and SMEs specially on how to embed and build digital and financial literacy tools within their offerings

15

1

15

Month 5

8%

b

At least 2 new developed business models and delivery channels - for building financial and digital capabilities, soft and hard skills of companies and customers

15

1

15

Month 6

8%

c

At least 2 partnerships agreements developed with education organizations and civil society organizations to address urgent issues relating to customers’ capabilities to access, use and control over digital innovations.

10

1

10

Month 8

5%

2) Provide Technical Assistance to accelerate innovation in digital financial services and beyond, with new and improved solutions that propel low and moderate-income people to experience services that empower their daily lives. Key focus will be de-risking new models for utility companies in Zambia to leverage digital payment to increase access and usage of their services.

d

A detailed report on TA provided to accelerate innovation in digital financial services and beyond, with new and improved solutions that propel low and moderate-income people to experience services that empower their daily lives.

15

1

15

Month 1 to 5

8%

e

A detailed scoping study report on utility services in the areas of the pilot, accompanied with recommendations and intervention to accelerate digital payments within the utility sector, yet increasing services to targeted segments.

20

1

20

Month 4

10%

f

RFP document and actions to select partners with the best digital solutions to increase adoption and usage of utility services and payments.

5

1

5

Month 3

3%

g

At least 2 partners supported with TA & grant to de-risk new solutions for digital utility payments

50

1

50

Month 5-11

25%

h

A focus note on the state of industry report for digital payments in the Utility sector of Zambia

5

1

5

Month 6

3%

3) Provide Technical Assistance on developing an open digital infrastructure & payment ecosystem as a key building block of a digital economy in Zambia, specifically the utility sector to benefit vulnerable segments such as women & youth.

i

A detailed report on TA provided on developing an open digital infrastructure & payment ecosystem as a key building block of a digital economy in Zambia, specifically for digital payments in the utility sector

15

1

15

Month 2

8%

j

A detailed report on Specialized TA and exposure provided on best practices regarding the development of suitable financial products and services to respective partners.

15

1

15

Month 5

8%

k

A detailed report on discussions/events to stimulate market/private sector investments to expand business models with a specific focus on women and youth

5

1

5

Month 3

3%

4) (With support from the policy & DFS consultants) Provide Technical Assistance to further develop and expound an enabling policy and regulatory environment in Zambia to expand the digital economy (though the utility sector) and increased trust and confidence in digital financial services/payments.

L

A detailed report on Specialized TA provided to financial sector and relevant sectoral policy makers and regulators, for the development of inclusive policy and regulations for the digital transformation of utility sector of Zambia.

10

1

10

Month 3-11

5%

M

A detailed report on TA & capacity building provided to Bank of Zambia and other regulators on global best practices in Fintech and approaches from other markets, specifically on digital payments in the utility sector

10

1

10

Month 8

5%

N

An exposure visit organized for regulators to learn global best practices in Fintech and approaches from other markets

5

1

5

Month 9

3%

o

A detailed report on initiatives made & dialogue provided to promote Fintechs among market players and government in Zambia

5

1

5

Month 11

3%

Total

200

200

100%

The Consultant will be based in Lusaka, Zambia, and will work under the supervision of the Country Lead in Zambia.

  • The Consultant will be supervised by the Country Lead
  • Reporting will be done through weekly meetings with the Country Lead
  • All deliverables will be approved by the Country Lead
  • UNCDF will provide an office.
  • Payments will be made upon receipt and acceptance by UNCDF of the contractor’s Certificate of Payment form specifying the outputs delivered as per agreed workplan and deliverable timeline.

Duration of the Work

  • Maximum number of working days required for the assignment is 200 days spread in one year. The assignment might be renewed for other 200 days depending on the need and availability of budget.
  • The target starting date is 1st January 2021.

Location of the Work

Travel to the field be required and will be compensated according to UN polices.

Please note that consultants already residing at the duty station will not be compensated for living expenses.

Competencies

  • Thorough knowledge of administrative, financial and management principles and practices.
  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills complemented by sound interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment
  • Ability to work closely in harmony with government and international officials at all levels.
  • Proficient in MS Office Software applications, data analysis and technical presentations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • A degree in economics, international development, public health, education or related field is mandatory

Experience:

  • 6 years of experience in managing digital payments program delivery schemes for the most marginalized populations, particularly in low/middle income countries is mandatory.
  • At least two years of experience in implementing digital solutions in the social cash transfers, energy education or health, especially - in rural and underserved areas in in low/middle income countries is mandatory.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish strong working relationships with water, energy, education or health sector institutions and administrators; media, civil society, and private sector leaders; international donors; and other stakeholders if preferred.
  • Relevant working experience in South East Africa is preferred.

Language requirements:

  • Outstanding writing and oral skills in English are mandatory.

Application process

Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications: (NOTE: THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW MULTIPLE UPLOADS OF DOCUMENTS THEREFORE APPLICANTS MUST MAKE SURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ONE FILE). Proposers who shall not submit below mentioned documents may not be considered for further evaluation.

All applications must contain the following information:

  • A cover letter responding to competency criteria indicating why the candidate considers himself/herself suitable for the required consultancy as well as stating earliest availability. Please paste this letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the electronic application.
  • CV or P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email, telephone, skype) of the Candidate with at least three (3) professional references. Link to P11: http://sas.undp.org/documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc
  • Earliest availability and proposed schedule for consultancy.
  • Confirmation of interest and Financial proposal: Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP. The Financial Proposal shall indicate the all-inclusive daily fee, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.

When applying for this consultancy position, please apply with your official name as shown in the government issued identification document (e.g. passport and/or driver license). Contract award is subject to this verification.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

In general, UNCDF shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

UNDP/UNCDF’s Individual Consultant’s General Terms and Conditions are provided here: https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/procurement/business/how-we-buy.html

Both individual consultants and individual employed by a company or institution are welcome to apply. Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly). Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.

  • Technical Evaluation Weight - 70% x [(Desk review 100 Points X 20%) +(Written Test 100 points X 40%) +( Interview: 100 Points*40%) = 100 Points]
  • Financial Evaluation Weight 30% X 100 points

The Technical Evaluation will entail three key steps:

Step 1: Longlisting.

UNCDF will produce a longlist of candidates. Applications will be screened and only applicants having the below requirements will be considered for Desk Review:

  • Degree in economics, international development, business administration, finance, or related field
  • 6 years of experience in in managing large-scale, high-impact digital payments programme delivery schemes for the most marginalized populations, particularly in in low/middle income countries.

Step 2: Shortlisting

Shortlisting criteria (Maximum 100 points X 20%) are as follows

  • 6 years of experience in in managing large-scale, high-impact educational or health programme delivery schemes for improving quality education or health for the most marginalized populations, particularly in low/middle income countries. - max 50 points
  • At least two years of experience in implementing digital solutions in the utility sector, education or health, especially for improving quality education or community-based health system in rural and underserved areas in low/middle income countries- max 30 points
  • Working knowledge of concepts in digital financial inclusion and deep knowledge and exposure to branchless banking, mobile money, or other efforts using fintech to reach rural and poor populations – max 20 points
  • Relevant working experience in South East Africa is preferred.

Step 3: Written Test

Written test (up to 100 points X 40%): A written test will be administered to all candidates that obtained 80% or more in Step 2. The test will be scored with pass/fail, and the minimum required score to pass is 70%.

Step 4 interview:

(Maximum 100 points X 40%) Only the top 3 shortlisted candidates will be invited.

Financial Evaluation

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal: Lowest priced proposal/price of the proposal being evaluated x 30%.

Award of the contract

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%).

Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNCDF for the assignment.

/ma

Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org