Invitation of Engagement of Consultant for Conducting Rims Impact and Programme Indicators Baseline Survey, Abuja

The Rural Finance institution Building Programme (RUF1N) is a Loan Agreement of US$27.2 Million between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). The goal of RUFIN is to alleviate poverty with a particular focus on the rural poor, and especially women, youth and the physically challenged. The central objective of the programme is to develop and strengthen member-based Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and enhance the access of the rural population to the services of these institutions in order to expand and improve agricultural productivity and Micro-Small Rural Enterprises, The programme is being implemented along with four participating institutions namely: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Bank of Agriculture (BOA)-formerly known as NACRDB and Federal Department of Cooperatives (FDC).
 

Invitation of Engagement of Consultant for Conducting Rims Impact and Programme Indicators Baseline Survey

The programmer’s participating institutions including CBN, National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA) will finance US$4.8 Million or 12% of the total cost. The Federal Government is financing the equivalent of US$6.2 Million or 15.4% of the total cost in local currency. The beneficiaries (State Governments) are expected to contribute US$985,100 or 2.5% of the total cost. The programme effort is expected to attract financing estimated to reach over US$100 Million from other financial institutions including Commercial Banks and Bank of Agriculture during the 7-year programme period.
 

Objectives of the Assignment
The overall objective of this study is to support the RUFIN programme in establishing
baselines for selected RIMS and RUFIN Programme specific indicators as reflected in the project log-frame and results chain(s) as well as four 1FAD Impact indicators which will provide benchmark for measuring programme impact and progress in enhancing access of the poor to rural finance services as well as the development and strengthening of the microfinance sub- sector of the Nigerian economy.
Though the mid -term Review has come and gone , It is still necessary to have this done as it will provide benchmark to measure impact even after programme life.
 

Basic responsibilities of the consultant
Develop ready-to-use survey instruments capturing RIMS and RUF1N Programme specific indicators: The RIMS and RUFIN Programme specific indicators are defined. As a part of developing ready-to-use instruments, the consultant (s)/Firm is expected to translate, field test, and finalize those instruments.

• Run a quick pro-test and make necessary adjustments in the survey instruments (if required).
• Undertake required number of Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, surveys and other tools to collect reliable information
• Establish Household baselines for selected indicators at output, outcomes, and impact level covering (but not limiting to): demographic conditions, assets, food (in) security, nutrition, general agriculture conditions etc
• Establish baselines on relevant indicators, Village savings and Credit groups/financial cooperative, MFBs, and NGO MFls level 4.

Scope of Work
The RIMS Impact/programme baseline Survey is to be carried out by a firms/Individual consultant that has the necessary competencies to successfully undertake the following tasks:

• Attempt the possibility of retrieving the old instrument used for the earlier study and determine the adequacy, if found to be adequate, analyze all the IFAD RIMS and programme indicators with a view to establishing the baseline data on these indicator.
• If the original instrument is found to be inadequate and did not address appropriately IFAD RIMS and programme indicators, obtain all the relevant indicators at age level Households (HHs) living in the project area.
• Study the previous surveys and studies conducted by programme a associate programmes to take input support from these studies.
• Design an appropriate sampling frame; calculate the necessary sample size select the sample for the survey;
• Carry out enumerator training which should include field testing of guests The sample design will provide adequate representation to household (HHs) that are Women headed, Small and Marginal farmers, poorest of the poor rural women and families.
• Include “context assessment,’ an analysis of temporary or permanent external influences that influence the survey results:
• Clean, enter and analyze the data from the questionnaires using SPSS software;
• Prepare a draft baseline survey report, present this to the CPMU and other key stakeholders and solicit feedback:
• The inception report, Draft report and final report will be reviewed by a committee consisting of Programme Monitoring & Evaluation committee, component heads, other invited M&E experts and the firm/individual consultants.

Skills/Qualification/Experience

• A Master Degree in Agricultural Economics, economics , or any other related field with minimum of 8 years cognate experience in carrying out baseline study including 5 years’ experience working with the microfinance sub-sector within the Nigerian Economy;
• Experience in managing UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys or a Demographic and Health Survey is a requirement.
• Proven ability to nurture a smooth working relationship with various stakeholders (MFIs, banks, technical assistance providers, international donors, research agencies etc)
• Strong communication skill,
• Sound knowledge of microfinance products and delivery mechanisms
• Possess the ability to produce accurate and precise reports to RUFIN
• Have the appropriate language skills for the country of delivery i.e. good English language skills for liaising with project partners will be an advantage

Closing date: 26th February, 2014
 

Submission
RUFIN calls on interested qualified Firms/individual consultants, to submit six (6) copies of detailed CV’S to the undersigned before the closing date of this advertisement.

Note:
This should be submitted before the closing date.