Short-term Consultancy Opportunity
Assessment of Technology in the Afghan Microfinance Sector
About MISFA
The Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA) is an apex development finance promoting agency in Afghanistan. MISFA was set up in 2003 with a mission to facilitate the development of a viable and inclusive microfinance sector that provides high quality financial services to low income people. MISFA supports the sustainability of the microfinance sector through funding and technical assistance to microfinance institutions and acts as a catalyst for innovation.
About the Consultancy
Usinggrant funds received from the World Bank – International Development Association, MISFA plans to undertake an assessment to establish the current state of technology in the microfinance sector in Afghanistan, review studies on information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for access to finance in Afghanistan and literature on the global best practice in the application of ICT solutions in microfinance, and analyze the possible use of ICT solutions for expanding microfinance services taking into account the challenges, issues, and opportunities in Afghanistan. The objective is to determine feasible and appropriate technology options/models for the Afghan microfinance market based on the global technology best practices that MISFA may consider for piloting or scaling-up. The assessment will focus on both back-end technologies that enable microfinance institutions (MFIs) to perform daily core operations, such as loan portfolio management, accounting functions, managerial and financial reporting, and front-end technologies that allow MFIs to provide clients with faster services and convenience.
Duties and Responsibilities
This assignment will be accomplished through desk review of relevant documents and materials; survey of microfinance institutions, MFI clients and non-clients; and in-depth interviews and consultation with various stakeholders, including but not limited to mobile network operators (MNOs), private sector providers of various ICT solutions, relevant government ministries and institutions, donors, Afghanistan Microfinance Association (AMA), and Afghanistan Banks Association.MFI clients and non-clients to be interviewed will be selected using convenience sampling method.
The principal duty of the Consultant will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current technologies adopted in the microfinance sector in Afghanistan, identify gaps and constraints inhibiting the use of technology, recommend feasible and appropriate technology options for the Afghan microfinance market, as well options for further adoption and advancement of technology based on the global best practices for the microfinance industry. The Consultant will be expected to employ sound analytical and acceptable methodology and work plan in carrying out this assignment. Thekey tasks of the Consultant will include the following:
1.Conduct a desk review of relevant national strategies, policies, programs, researches and reports related to information and communication technology in Afghanistan.
2.Carry out a literature review of global application of ICT solutions in microfinance to establish best practices that may be applicable in the Afghan market.
3.Develop a questionnaire for collecting data to fill information gaps or supplement the information obtained through the desk review.
4.Conducta survey to assess the technology adopted by microfinance institutions in Afghanistan, identify barriers and constraints they are facing in using technology and investing in technological advances that may improve the way they do business. Up to seven MFIs, including non-MISFA partners will be surveyed.
5.Organize focus group interviews with microfinance clients and non-clients to gather information on their attitudes, preferences, and priorities as they relate to use of technology to access financial services and interact with financial service providers.
6.Organize meetings and conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the microfinance sector and the information and communications technology industry to obtain further information about the current state of technology advancement in Afghanistan, difficulties and obstacles for faster adoption and advancement of technology in the country. Groups interviewed will include key informants from relevant ministries of Communications & Information Technology, Commerce & Industries, Afghanistan Investment Support Agency, Da Afghanistan Bank (Central Bank), mobile network operators, private sector institutions offering ICT solutions, MFI clients, and other stakeholders on specific issues arising from the desk review.
7.Draft an assessment report which will present the findings covering the areas mentioned above.
8.Present the findings and recommendations to MISFA, MFIs and other relevant actors and stakeholders.
Period of Performance
Upon execution of the contract, the assignment should be completed within two months.
Place of Performance
This Consultancy assignment will primarily be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan. However, desk review may be performed outside the country.
Qualifications and Competencies
The selected Consultant to undertake the assignment must fulfill the following requirements:
- Extensive knowledge of global information and communication technology products and services, particularly ICT solutions for microfinance, banking and financial services.
- Proven expertise and experience in conducting sector assessments, field research or similar studies in least developed countries (list of performed field research should be included in the resume). Technology-related research would be a plus.
- Proven expertise and experience in conducting in-depth individual and focus group interviews.
- Strong written and oral skills in English.
Application Submission Guidelines
The application should include a CV and a cover letter stating your interest and suitability for the consultancy.
Interested candidates should submit their application package only by e-mail to by November 5, 2015 quoting “Consultant – Assessment of Technology in the Afghan Microfinance Sector”on the subject line of your e-mail application.