Evaluation of the Impact of Microfinance in Sudan — National Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF-N)

Request for Expressions of Interest EOI For the Provision of Consultancy Services 1. The Government of Sudan has received a grant from the National Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF-N), administered by the World Bank, to finance the Sudanese Microfinance Development Facility SMDF, project objective,the SMDF is intended that part ofthe proceeds of this grant be applied to eligible payments under contracts for the provision of consultant services described below.

• The Sudanese Microfinance development Facility SMDF now invites eligible firms to express their interest in providing Microfinance sector impact Evaluation Consultancy services.The consultant will have overall responsibility for the preparation of Technical and Financial Proposals including all expenses. He should be familiar with internationally financed project procedures.

Scope of Work The evaluation of the impact of microfinance in Sudan during the period of 2007-2012 will cover, but not limited to, the following areas: The effectiveness of the institutional and regulatory framework for microfinance through assessing the role of policies and stakeholders, including the SMDF, the Supreme Council for Microfinance, Microfinance Units at the CBOS branches, banks, MFIs, mediators, microfinance planning units in Ministries, etc. The outcomes of the CBOS microfinance policies on overall outcomes (poverty alleviation, employment, income, etc.).

The evaluation should include: An analysis of the microfinance sector (number of institutions, products offered, volume of loans/savings, client profiles, etc). An analysis of microfinance policies and practices in Sudan as compared to international best practices for microfinance An analysis of stakeholder capacity Impact of microfinance and poverty reduction, employment, income, etc. Methodology The consulting firm should use both quantitative and qualitative methodologies including surveys, focus group sessions, case studies, individual interviews, etc.

A quasi-experimental design should be used comparing clients and a non-client comparison group. The level of impact assessment will be measured at the client level. Within this level the following units of the assessment will be taken into account: the individual, family /household, enterprise.

The consulting firms will present the most appropriate methodology for this assessment. 3. Interested Consultants must provide a letter expressing their interest and information indicating their professional capability to carry out the services requested.

Such information mayinclude brochures, descriptions of similar assignments, experience insimilar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. 4. The SMDF will prepare shortlist of firms to whom the Request for Proposals will later be distributed.

Only shortlisted Consultants will be contacted. Consultants will be selected in accordance with procedures set out by the Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, (Current Edition). 5.

Interested eligible firms may obtain further information at the address given below during office hours 09.00; 1600 before the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest. 6. Complete Expressions of Interest documents with the firm contact name and address clearly indicated should be sent to the address below, no later than Tuesday 29Nov.2012 at 15.00 PM Address: New Extension Street 39 Cemetery Road Sudanese Microfinance Development Facility SMDF Procurement officer El faith Mohamed Ali Email ali_elfatih@yahoo.co.uk Cell phone 0911441910