Consultancy for Implementation of a Training and follow up of 300 beneficiaries of VSLA groups (20 groups of 15 members) in Jowhar Somalia
Role Summary
Join CEFA in supporting women's economic empowerment through the training of VSLA groups in Jowhar, Somalia.
About the Organisation
CEFA is currently working in the ARISE Project in Jowhar District. The project is implemented in collaboration with the local partner SHARDI. CEFA’s mandate under the ARISE Project is:
This project will contribute towards climate change adaptation and resilience, as well as for a sustainable economic development of displaced, host and integrated communities in Jowhar District, in Middle Shabelle. The initiative is designed following the needs of the displaced and host population, targeting the most vulnerable people, ensuring equitable access to resources and project activities. In order to improve access to credit, the project aims to expand savings and loan groups for rural communities, particularly for women, and to streamline income-generating activities within the target area. By investing in VSLA's capacity building, women agricultural producers will be more prepared to support one another in starting or expanding their own agribusinesses. This initiative is therefore important in strengthening the resilience of women in Jowhar District, Somalia.
- *CEFA - European Committee for Training and Agriculture (Comitato Europeo per la Formazione e l’Agricoltura) is an Italian NGO who has worked in Somalia since 1992 transiting through Humanitarian response interventions, livelihood support, Food Security, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, during the last 31 years.
- Enhancement of water access for irrigation and domestic use and strengthening of inclusive access to sanitation services in rural villages in Jowhar;
- Improvement of food security through trainings on climate-resilient agricultural practices, supporting farmers connection with the private sector, distribution of productive seeds and nutrition-sensitive agriculture trainings.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will report directly to CEFA Field Coordinator and CEFA Project manager.
Training is all inclusive. The consultant will be responsible for the organization of (and included in the budgeting):
- To conduct a survey before and after the training and submit the analyzed data to CEFA, in order to inquire the percentage of women who perceive an increased access to resources and financial independence, as well as effectiveness of the training itself.
- To conduct a 3-days training for 20 VSLA groups selected by CEFA; 300 members (+1 CEFA staff) will receive the training on VSLA using field training methodology to these selected community groups.
- To supervise for one month after the initial training the implementation of the VSLA training and restitution training.
- To provide CEFA with the necessary materials or manual as point of reference for the trainings and for reproduction and distribution to participants.
- To produce a training report.
- Guidance and technical support as required throughout the training;
- All training materials/stationary; projector; VSLAs kit for training etc.
- Meals, refreshment, transport refund and accommodation for participants;
- Ensure all participants are present;
- Training venue;
- Facilitator transport from office to training venue;
- Developing the training plan;
- Developing the training materials and tools;
- Conducting the training in a participatory and practical way;
- Sharing training report and training materials for reproduction;
- Facilitator transport to Jowhar and any living/accommodation expenses incurred.
Minimum Requirements
- University degree in economics, business management, or a rural development related discipline including agricultural economics, agriculture, development studies, social work, community development, business administration, or equivalent from a reputable institution (must provide academic certificate);
- Profile of the individual consultant/consulting firm, a clear demonstration of at least 3 years’ experience in undertaking similar assignment
- Fluency in spoken and written English and Somali.
- Excellent community facilitation and communication skills.
- Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
- Good knowledge and understanding of gender equality issues, particularly in the context agricultural value chain.
- Preferred experience on Horticultural projects and credits and women groups.
- A degree in Agriculture, Economics, or related field.
Working Conditions
The consultant shall conduct training on VSLA concept, principles, procedures and recording of transaction, data and provide in-depth business skills. The consultant shall develop modules, including financial literacy and personal and household finance management, and will delve into the VSLA methodology, including savings management practices, regular record-keeping and monitoring, access to credit, and the establishment of the social fund and self-management dynamics. The information on loan applications will comply with Sharia and other existing regulations. The consultant will share a training curriculum, training need assessment tool, business plan tool, business records template and comprehensive training report at the end of contract. Key tasks with list of ‘key activities’, under each responsibility.
The VSLA training will have to be adapted to the Somalia context. A focus on managerial and leaderships of the groups will also be included in the training, with the preparation and practical guide (step by step) on the use of record keeping. (Register, savings, Loan, Passbook, Fine, etc).
An introduction to Business Skill and business development will be done through support to the trainees to contextualize and develop simple tools for conducting small businesses; group/PoC training needs assessment, drafting business plans and recording business transactions.
Eligibility Criteria
Opportunity to consult for training women's VSLA groups in Jowhar, Somalia, with no specific mention of eligibility for international applicants.
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