Consultant for the Establishment and Implementation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Benue State at Nigerian Women's Trust Fund (WF)

CALL FOR CONSULTANCY

Consultant for the Establishment and Implementation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Benue State

Background

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), under the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development (D-RAPID), is implementing targeted interventions to strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State.

As part of this effort, NWTF seeks to establish Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across selected communities to promote financial inclusion, improve livelihoods, and enhance social protection mechanisms, particularly for persons with disabilities, women, and youth.

The VSLA model will be used to strengthen savings culture, improve access to small loans, and introduce social fund mechanisms to support members during emergencies and promote community cohesion.

NWTF therefore, seeks to engage a qualified consultant to lead the design, facilitation, and implementation of VSLA activities in Benue State.



Objective of the Consultancy

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support NWTF in the establishment, training, and operationalization of functional, inclusive, and sustainable VSLAs in selected communities in Benue State.

Specifically, the consultancy aims to:


Facilitate the formation of inclusive VSLAs with strong participation of persons with disabilities, women, and youth
Build the capacity of VSLA members on financial literacy, savings, credit management, and group governance
Strengthen community-based financial systems that promote inclusion and resilience
Ensure sustainability of VSLA structures through mentoring and institutional support


Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

a. Community Sensitisation and Mobilisation


Conduct sensitisation sessions in target communities on the importance and benefits of VSLAs
Engage key stakeholders, including OPDs, community leaders, women and youth groups
Promote inclusive participation, particularly of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.


Formation of VSLA Groups


Facilitate the establishment of 36 VSLA groups (two per community)
Ensure each group has a maximum of 30 members
Ensure gender balance and inclusion of persons with disabilities


Capacity Building and Training


Design and deliver a 3 - day VSLA training programme using standard VSLA modules
Cover key topics including:

Group leadership and governance
Development of group constitution
Share purchase and savings mechanisms
Credit and loan management
Social fund policies and management
Financial literacy
VSLA operational cycle




Group Structuring and Governance


Guide groups in developing their constitutions and operational guidelines
Facilitate transparent election of VSLA executive members
Ensure leadership structures are inclusive and free from undue external influence


Mentorship and Technical Support


Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to VSLA groups
Support record keeping, financial management, and group cohesion
Assign and supervise community facilitators to support group activities


Start-up Support and Monitoring


Support distribution and utilisation of VSLA start-up kits (savings boxes, registers, passbooks, etc.)
Monitor group activities and provide periodic feedback to NWTF
Ensure compliance with agreed VSLA methodologies and standards


Key Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver:


Inception report with detailed implementation plan
Community sensitisation report
Training materials and reports for all VSLA groups
Documentation of all 36 VSLA groups established
Copies of VSLA constitutions developed
Progress reports on mentorship and group performance
Final consultancy report including lessons learned and recommendations


Duration of Assignment

The consultancy is expected to run for a period of 1 month, May 1st to 31st, commencing from the date of contract signing.

Location of Assignment

The assignment will be carried out in selected communities across Benue State, Nigeria.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess:


A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field (Master's degree is an advantage)
At least 5 years' experience in implementing VSLA or similar financial inclusion programmes
Demonstrated experience working with persons with disabilities, women, and vulnerable groups
Strong facilitation, training, and community mobilisation skills
Experience in developing training materials and conducting participatory trainings
Knowledge of the local context in Benue State is an added advantage
Strong reporting and documentation skills.


Required Competencies


Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work in diverse and community-based settings
High level of integrity and professionalism
Understanding of gender and disability inclusion principles
Ability to deliver results within agreed timelines


Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the NWTF Programme Team and work closely with relevant project stakeholders.