Association of Microfinance institutions of Zambia (AMIZ).

Terms of Reference for a Consultancy to Conduct a Study on Establishing A Refinancing Facility for Microfinance Institutions in Zambia.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

1. The Association of Microfinance Institutions of Zambia (AMIZ) is an association of microfinance institutions (MFIs) involved in the provision of pro-poor financial services to micro, small and medium enterprises as well as underserved or financially excluded populations and households.

2. The vision of AMIZ is to develop a microfinance industry that is viable and sustainable and able to contribute to economic development and poverty reduction in Zambia.

3. The mission of AMIZ is to facilitate, support and strengthen the activities undertaken by member MFIs and represent them in the best way possible by utilizing microfinance industry best practices.

4. In its strategic plan for the period 2020 – 2022 member MFIs have expressed the need for a fund to provide funds for on-lending to their clients as a way of addressing the challenge of access to funds for MFIs in Zambia, which has been made difficult by a weakening domestic economy leading to volatility in foreign exchange markets with resulting exposure to forex risk.
Therefore, AMIZ intends to engage an individual locally based consultant to engage MFIs on the development and establishment of a local refinancing facility. This study is being commissioned to collate information on existing facilities in the market (local and global), justification for a facility designed specifically for MFIs, preferred structure to ensure transparency, equity and avoidance of conflicted interests. This could mark the start of a process leading to such a fund ultimately, and should therefore dwell on available information on facilities/institutions and/or models that are working and can provide lessons for further study. How these facilities/institutions or models are working in an environment in which there could be undue influence from stakeholders such as MFIs, the associations e.g. AMIZ, on their governance and management.
Interested consultants must provide information indicating their suitability for the assignment (CV, and demonstration of experience and appropriate skills).

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Master’s degree in finance, economics, business development. MBA preferred.
2. At least 10 years’ experience in business consulting particularly in the financial sector
3. Previous experience providing financing solutions to microfinance institutions.
4. Previous experience in development finance would be advantageous.
5. Only those meeting the above criteria will be invited to submit financial proposals.

Submission Procedure

6. Expressions of interest should be submitted to the address below by 10th May 2021 at 17:00 hrs. in a sealed envelope marked:

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO ESTABLISH A REFINANCING FACILITY FOR MICROFINACE INSTITUTIONS IN ZAMBIA.

7. Interested consultants are advised to obtain detailed terms of reference from the Executive Director at the email address provided below.

8. Proposals should be delivered to Association of Microfinance Institutions of Zambia [AMIZ] Unit 204, 2nd floor, Kenneth Kaunda Building, Foxdale Court, Zambezi Road, Roma, Lusaka.

9. For any clarifications or queries please contact the Executive Director on
+260 978 727 000/+260 760 749 293 or Email: webster.mate@amiz.co.zm