TA Consultant — Process Evaluation of the PEI Pilot Phase

Country: The Republic of the Gambia

Project Name: The Gambia Infrastructure

Project Number: P179233

Reference No.: GM-CPCU - MOFEA-503937-CS-CDS

Assignment Tittle: Request for Expressions of Interest on the Consultancy for Productive Economic Inclusion (Pei) Program Pilot Phase Process Evaluation in The Gambia

• Project Background

The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires necessary foundational skills. Especially for the youth, technical and vocational education, and training (TVET) must be of higher quality and relevance to meet labor market demands, a challenge recognized and prioritized by the Government of The Gambia. For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.

Project Components

The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project is divided into four main components as follows:

Component 1. Improve foundational learning outcomes

Component 2. Increase access to labor-market-relevant TVET programs

Component 3. Expand and enhance social safety nets

Component 4. Support project management and capacity building

• Context and Objectives

The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an economy primarily reliant on agriculture and tourism and a large proportion of youth facing limited employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. More than 80 percent of rural households depend on agriculture, and many remain highly vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity, and climate shocks such as floods and droughts. Despite relatively low unemployment rates, underemployment is widespread, especially among rural youth and women, with limited access to wage jobs or productive self-employment. These challenges underscore the need for integrated interventions that strengthen household resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Component 3 of RISE, "Expand and Enhance Social Safety Nets", includes Sub-component 3.1 dedicated to Productive Economic Inclusion (PEI). This sub-component supports poor and vulnerable households in transitioning from consumption support to sustainable livelihoods. It builds upon and complements the Nafa Program, which provides regular cash transfers and Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) to poor households identified through the Gambia Social Registry (GamSR). Nafa aims to reduce poverty and promote human capital development, particularly among women-headed households and those exposed to shocks.

METHODOLOGY

• Desk review of key documents.

• Field visits will be conducted in the three selected districts: Foni Bintang Karanai, Wulli West and Nianija. In each district, two communities will be randomly selected.

• In each selected community, four (4) focus group discussions with PEI participants will be conducted: i) mixed groups, ii) only women; iii) only youths; iv) non-Nafa participants

• Key Informant Interviews will be conducted with customary leaders, traders, and relevant actors both at community and district level, v) disable person if available

• FGD and KII will be carried out during both field visits (early implementation and towards the end)

• Interviews and FGDs with DCD staff, MDFTs, coaches, and trainers, and participants.

• Interviews with World Bank staff, Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU), and other implementing partners such as NaNA and the NSPA.

• Observation of ongoing activities and triangulation of findings across data sources.

• The consultant(s), as part of the inception report, will define the field visits methodology, including the list of key informants and technical staff to be interviewed, develop tools, and provide a detailed timeframe.

The following reports must be submitted by the contracted party and received to the satisfaction of DCD, its technical partners (NaNA, NSPA) and CPCU. All reports must be written in English and submitted to the DCD in an editable soft copy. The report must include a cover page, the main document, and all annexes.

• Contract Duration and Management\Reporting:

The duration for the execution of both the first and second phases shall be forty-five (45) days each, commencing from the date of signing the consultancy contract The consultants will report to the DCD and work closely with relevant technical teams (WB team, NaNA and NSPA).

• Consultant Profile -MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 10 years relevant experience conducting process evaluations and economic inclusion programs.

• Post graduate/master’s degree in social sciences, international development studies, Economics, Public policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics or related fields relevant for research and evaluation.

• Demonstrated evidence of strong qualitative research and facilitation skills.

• Strong technical background in the thematic areas of Productive Economic Inclusion (PEI) and Cash Transfer too demonstrated experiences in conducting research studies in the sector with special emphasis on rural development and social protection programs

• The consultant shall provide CV that demonstrate a mix of thematic experiences in line to the PEI or social development themes.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in survey design, implementation of surveys and statistical data analysis is required.

• Experience in the use of participatory appraisal techniques in data collection and analysis.

• Provide at least 3 references or evidence of having conducted similar assignments

• Fluency in at least two local languages (Fula, Mandinka, Wolof etc) will be added advantage

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Equity Project, now invites eligible individual consultants to express their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 revised sixth edition February, 2025(“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection Method (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information and the full TOR can be obtained from the email addresses below during office hours from 08:30 to 16:00 GMT Mondays to Thursdays and from 0830 to 12:30 GMT on Fridays.

Expressions of interest should be delivered by electronic mail on or before 18th September 2025 at 12h30 GMT

Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Equity Project, RISE

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia

Email: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

Important to note

It should be noted that all the consultations at regional levels and the administration of FGD will be conducted in the local languages best understood by the people. If the consultant is not fluent in these languages, the DCD will ensure the availability of qualified local translators or facilitators to support effective communication.