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.