ToR - VSLA training and learning

The purpose of the consultancy is to:

Deliver Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) training to 180 leaders: 3 leaders shall be selected from each of the 60 groups i.e. Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary, 52 mentors will also participate in the training as well as 12 project staff from Adjumani and Buyende districts. The training will be conducted separately in Adjumani and Buyende. The trained mentors supported by project staff and group leaders will cascade the VSLA training to the AGYW groups and ABYM groups reaching out to over 1800 youths.

The successful consultant should demonstrate knowledge in delivering the 7 basic modules in VSLA methodology evidenced by way of reference to previous work with similar populations.

Additionally, the consultant is expected to develop a clear roadmap for training of project participants using the approach outlined below, provide ongoing support to RTP through monitoring of VSLA groups, and conduct lessons learned exercise to capture insights and best practices.

• The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive needs assessment by reviewing group activity reports, visiting selected youth groups, and interviewing project staff to identify specific training gaps and understand existing group dynamics, challenges, and gaps related to economic empowerment and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Based on the assessment findings, the consultant will develop tailored training materials, including session plans, presentations, handouts, and practical exercises. The training will be delivered to VSLA leaders, mentors, and project staff using experiential, participatory, and interactive methodologies. The consultant will also provide clear guidelines and manuals to enable these trained individuals to cascade VSLA training to community groups.
• A key responsibility will include developing and implementing monitoring tools to track fund distribution, group functionality, and financial performance. The consultant will provide quarterly supportive supervision and learning visits to approximately 15 selected VSLA groups, collecting lessons learned and best practices through qualitative methods to inform future improvements and ensure sustainability.
• Reporting deliverables include a comprehensive needs assessment report, developed training materials, and a final consultancy report. The consultant will also create a monitoring and learning framework with mobile data collection tools, submit monthly monitoring reports with data summaries and actionable recommendations, and facilitate quarterly learning reviews with the RTP team to produce short briefs. A final lessons learned report will consolidate best practices, include case studies, and provide recommendations for the sustainability and future integration of VSLAs in RTP projects.

• The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in delivering VSLA training and developing comprehensive training materials, with a strong understanding of VSLA methodologies and principles. They should have experience with participatory monitoring approaches and familiarity with mobile data collection tools such as KoBo Toolbox or ODK.
• The candidate must demonstrate a proven track record in adaptive programming and course correction, along with excellent facilitation, communication, and report writing skills. They should be capable of effectively consolidating insights into clear briefs and summaries. Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) specifically for VSLA groups is essential.
• The candidate must be able to work effectively with diverse groups of people and possess good knowledge of the socio-cultural issues that may affect VSLA operations in Adjumani and Buyende districts. Relevant academic qualifications, such as a degree in economics, social sciences, or a related field, are required.