BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
DanChurch Aid Kenya (DCA) has been implementing Financial Inclusion interventions in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, targeting the marginalized groups in the host and refugee community. The main aim of the interventions is to support and empower the local communities economically by creating opportunities to access affordable financial services and products. This is achieved through financial education and promotion of community-based saving groups commonly known as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) which are effective in reaching the unbanked populations.
The DCA learning lab in response to trends in digital learning, developed an on-demand VSLA simulation game app based on the “Field Officer Training Guide” by VSL Associates. The Android-based app contains simulated VSLA modules targeted to build the capacity of VSLA facilitators replacing the physical guide for training. The training app simulates common VSLA meetings and activities and it’s used by the VSLA facilitators for training thus increasing the outreach and accessibility of the VSLA methodology for Field Officers, Village Agents and Community Based Trainers.
The implementation of the project adopted a comparison group (control) of 5 VSLA facilitators that have been using the physical manual for training and the other 7 experimental group facilitators (treatment) that have been using the digital app. The experimental group used the VSLA simulation game App while the comparison group used a manual VSLA training guide.
It is against this background that DCA Kenya is looking for a consultant to support in evaluation of the VSLA simulation gaming app project to assess if there has been difference in the performance of the VSLAs (improved VSLA facilitation skills for the facilitators and improved performance in savings, loans, repayments, and membership of VSLA groups) using the app and those using the manual VSLA training guide. This will be used to determine the effectiveness of the VSLA simulation app in training VSLAs and document its proven impact in building capacity of VSLA facilitators.
PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The main purpose of this consultancy is to evaluate the impact of the VSLA simulation gaming app on the performance of VSLA facilitators and the groups they support.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
Sample and collect data from the control and treatment groups to assess the project as follows
Effectiveness **
· To what extent has, the VSLA app improved the facilitation skills of facilitators?
· To what extent has, the use of VSLAs app contributed to the improved VSLAs performance on savings, loans uptake, repayments etc.?
· Did better facilitation skills contribute to improving learning outcomes for group members?
Relevance
- How relevant was the VSLA app to the training of the facilitators?
- Has the VSLA app addressed the challenges related to affordability and accessibility of VSLA training?
- What are the perceptions of VSLA facilitators on the use of VSLA Gaming app for training?
Impact
· What changes were realized as a result of using the VSLA app for training? (These could be planned or unplanned, positive or negative).**
Sustainability
· To what extent are the benefits of the VSLA app likely to be sustained after completion of the project?
· What are the key areas that will require attention to guarantee successful replication of the VSLA app in a different context?
· Provide recommendations for continued use of VSLA gaming app and its adoption as an alternative to VSLA physical training manual.
· Document the key challenges and lessons learnt on use of this digital approach to training of VSLAs both in the camp and host community.
DELIVERABLES **
Inception report for the assignment.
Data collection tools – The consultant will develop data collection tools to be approved by DCA before the commencement of the assignment.
Detailed work plan for the execution of the activities
Evaluation report – The consultant will be expected to prepare a draft report which will be reviewed by DCA and incorporate the feedback in the final report.
LENGTH OF THE ASSIGNMNET
The consultancy will take seven (7) working days inclusive of preparation of data collection tools, actual data collection, analysis and reporting. The actual date of the assignment shall be agreed between the consultant and DCA. We expect the assignment to take place in the month of November 2021.
Required competecies and qualifications
· Education: University degree in a relevant discipline in Social Sciences Monitoring and Evaluation, Research or any other related field. Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
· Experience: At least 5 years’ experience in research work or monitoring and evaluation in the humanitarian and/or development sector.
Desired Qualifications
· Previous experience in monitoring, evaluation, research in a humanitarian context preferably with refugees in Kenya.**
· Experience in using different research methodologies **
· Experience in data analysis **
· Clear understanding of savings groups methodology **
Consultants code of conduct
For this assignment, consultants are expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the DCA Code of conduct for contractors (ethical principles & standards). The consultant will also be expected to familiarize and observe the COVID-19 protocols in the Camp as set by the government and UNHCR. Please refer any questions or emerging issues to the DCA Head of Program: patrick.kenya@dca.dk
Payments and costs
· Professional fee: The consultant(s) will be paid daily professional fees in accordance with this TOR and within DCA’s approved rates.
· DCA will cover ALL the consultants’ costs related to carrying out this assignment, as it will be defined in the final signed contract.
· Withholding income tax payable to the Government of Kenya (GoK) shall be deducted from the consultants’ fees during payment.
· The consultant will sign a contract prior to commencement of this consultancy, which will detail any additional terms and conditions of service.
1. Submission Guidelines
All expressions of interest should include:
· Technical Proposal highlighting among any other necessary information: brief profile of the consultant, understanding of the TOR, proposed methodology, work plan and any previous experience in this kind of assignment.
· Financial Proposal: The financial proposal should provide cost estimates for carrying out the assignment.
How to apply:
Contact persons: **
For any clarifications kindly reach out to: Patrick Kibuku – Head of Programmes: Email – patrick.kenya@dca.dk
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Applications
All applications to be sent by email to: procurementkenya@dca.dk (clearly marked: Impact Evaluation Consultancy not later than 22nd November 2021.
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