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Request for proposals for Consultancy for Implementation of a Training and follow up of 300 beneficiaries of VSLA groups (20 groups of 15 members) in Jowhar Somalia Closing Date: 25 Aug 2026 Type: Consultancy About CEFA CEFA - European Committee for Training and Agriculture (Comitato Europeo per la Formazione e lAgricoltura) is an Italian NGO who has worked in Somalia since 1992 transiting through Humanitarian response interventions, livelihood support, Food Security, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, during the last 31 years. CEFA is currently working in the ARISE Project in Jowhar District. The project is implemented in collaboration with the local partner SHARDI. CEFAs mandate under the ARISE Project is: Enhancement of water access for irrigation and domestic use and strengthening of inclusive access to sanitation services in rural villages in Jowhar; Improvement of food security through trainings on climate-resilient agricultural practices, supporting farmers connection with the private sector, distribution of productive seeds and nutrition-sensitive agriculture trainings. Brief about the project: This project will contribute towards climate change adaptation and resilience, as well as for a sustainable economic development of displaced, host and integrated communities in Jowhar District, in Middle Shabelle. The initiative is designed following the needs of the displaced and host population, targeting the most vulnerable people, ensuring equitable access to resources and project activities. In order to improve access to credit, the project aims to expand savings and loan groups for rural communities, particularly for women, and to streamline income-generating activities within the target area. By investing in VSLAs capacity building, women agricultural producers will be more prepared to support one another in starting or expanding their own agribusinesses. This initiative is therefore important in strengthening the resilience of women in Jowhar District, Somalia. Objectives of the Consultancy Assignment: One of the project key performance indicators for the AICS-funded ARISE project is to support the establishment of 20 women-led VSLAs groups with the objective of empowering beneficiaries to enable them access credit while at the same time encouraging individual and group investment and establishment of entrepreneurial activities. The objective of the consultancy is to train beneficiaries on VSLAs methodology in order to enhance their capacity of saving and foster investments in business and income generating activities. This will help women access essential funds to purchase inputs and invest. VSLAs will also help bridge cash-flow issues. CEFA would like to engage a local consultant to conduct training for groups representatives on VSLAs methodology, following the below workflow: 20 groups will be identified by CEFA with 15 members each and the list will be submitted to the consultant; 300 members of the 20 groups will receive a 3-days direct training from the consultancy, divided into several groups. One member of CEFA team will participate as well to the training to ensure follow-up after the activity; The consultant will support through field visits, together with CEFA officers, to the VSLA groups the training implementation in the month following the direct training; CEFA officers will continue the monitoring of the VSLA groups, as per instructions received by the consultant. The aim of the training is to expose participants to the range of methodologies and techniques that can help turn the delivery of VSLAs training into a participatory, high-impact and memorable learning experience. Emphasis is on developing and applying active learning methodologies such as exercises and simulations to reinforce learning. The training will be highly participatory and practical, focusing on techniques, tools and tips of training management, with participants themselves designing, delivering and critiquing presentations. Participants will be required to apply lessons in developing and delivering training based on their own experience. Key responsibilities of the consultant Scope of Training The consultant shall conduct training on VSLA concept, principles, procedures and recording of transaction, data and provide in-depth business skills. The consultant shall develop modules, including financial literacy and personal and household finance management, and will delve into the VSLA methodology, including savings management practices, regular record-keeping and monitoring, access to credit, and the establishment of the social fund and self-management dynamics. The information on loan applications will comply with Sharia and other existing regulations. The consultant will share a training curriculum, training need assessment tool, business plan tool, business records template and comprehensive training report at the end of contract. Key tasks with list of key activities, under each responsibility. The VSLA training will have to be adapted to the Somalia context. A focus on managerial and leaderships of the groups will also be included in the training, with the preparation and practical guide (step by step) on the use of record keeping. (Register, savings, Loan, Passbook, Fine, etc). An introduction to Business Skill and business development will be done through support to the trainees to contextualize and develop simple tools for conducting small businesses; group/PoC training needs assessment, drafting business plans and recording business transactions. Methodology Preferably the consultant should use interactive adult learning methodologies with relevant examples to the Somalia operating context. The training to include practical session on recording with a community group, Practical field days to VSLA Groups and report field findings. The consultants tasks include, but not limited to, the following activities: To conduct a survey before and after the training and submit the analyzed data to CEFA, in order to inquire the percentage of women who perceive an increased access to resources and financial independence, as well as effectiveness of the training itself. To conduct a 3-days training for 20 VSLA groups selected by CEFA; 300 members (+1 CEFA staff) will receive the training on VSLA using field training methodology to these selected community groups. To supervise for one month after the initial training the implementation of the VSLA training and restitution training. To provide CEFA with the necessary materials or manual as point of reference for the trainings and for reproduction and distribution to participants. To produce a training report. Expected Deliverables and Timeline of the Consultancy Training Plan: Submit a training plan/proposal in coordination with CEFA team; Pre and post-training surveys data and report with data analysis; Training Reports: 1)Submit a comprehensive training report and .ppt for each session, within a period of 5 days after training, to be reviewed and approved by the contracting agency. 2) Submit the training report and ppt. presentation for the monitoring of VSLA training done to CEFA team. Management and Implementation Responsibilities The consultant will report directly to CEFA Field Coordinator and CEFA Project manager. Training is all inclusive. The consultant will be responsible for the organization of (and included in the budgeting): Guidance and technical support as required throughout the training; All training materials/stationary; projector; VSLAs kit for training etc. Meals, refreshment, transport refund and accommodation for participants; Ensure all participants are present; Training venue; Facilitator transport from office to training venue; Developing the training plan; Developing the training materials and tools; Conducting the training in a participatory and practical way; Sharing training report and training materials for reproduction; Facilitator transport to Jowhar and any living/accommodation expenses incurred. Qualifications of Consultant. Essential University degree in economics, business management, or a rural development related discipline including agricultural economics, agriculture, development studies, social work, community development, business administration, or equivalent from a reputable institution (must provide academic certificate); Profile of the individual consultant/consulting firm, a clear demonstration of at least 3 years experience in undertaking similar assignment Fluency in spoken and written English and Somali. Excellent community facilitation and communication skills. Excellent reporting and presentation skills. Good knowledge and understanding of gender equality issues, particularly in the context agricultural value chain. Desirable Preferred experience on Horticultural projects and credits and women groups. A degree in Agriculture, Economics, or related field. How to apply The full Request for Proposal(RFP) document is available on the following link: [**https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MoTVw6IKukxAuQBlv2sZnSXiIBp4jDgA/view?usp=sharing**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MoTVw6IKukxAuQBlv2sZnSXiIBp4jDgA/view?usp=sharing**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MoTVw6IKukxAuQBlv2sZnSXiIBp4jDgA/view?usp=sharing)) Submission of Proposals Interested individual consultants or firms are requested to submit: A summarized technical proposal, with a chronogram of the trainings, mentioning specifically the organization for: 3-days training to 300 VSLA members; Field follow-up. Please note that the field follow-up will be implemented within one month from the start of the first training. Duration of the consultancy: 2 months in total. A financial proposal, including and explicating costs sub-divided per: 3-days training to 300 VSLA members; Field follow-up. Each of the above phases will need to include Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4225298/consultancy-implementation-training-and-follow-300-beneficiaries-vsla-groups-20-groups-15-members-jowhar-somalia
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