Issue date: January 13, 2012

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2012

Summary

Women’s World Banking (WWB) seeks a consultant to conduct a feasibility study into the implementation of a National Social Communications Project in Kenya to spread social messages around savings and money management. 

About Women’s World Banking

WWB is an international microfinance support organization and network of 39 microfinance institutions in 27 countries. The mission of WWB is to expand the economic assets, participation and power of low-income women and their households by helping them access financial services, knowledge and markets.

About the Project

Women’s World Banking is conducting a feasibility study as a first step in implementing its innovative approach to social communications in Kenya, with an ultimate goal to launch a product that positively impacts savings and money management behavior among a low-income target population. WWB has piloted a similar initiative in the Dominican Republic, through its affiliate Banco ADOPEM, in the format of a social soap opera titled Contracorriente. The social communications project approach consists of four-components: the media program (radio or television, depending on country context) with embedded financial messages; a national campaign to promote and disseminate key messages; financial education training using clips from the series; and project impact evaluation. With knowledge and experience gained in the Dominican Republic, WWB is well-positioned to explore the implementation of a similar initiative in Kenya using radio or TV serialized drama in partnership with a local microfinance organization. 

Objectives & Activities

The consultant hired for the feasibility study will be responsible for fulfilling the following objectives:

·         Review and analyze the experience and success of past and present social communications projects in Kenya

·         Benchmark a select number of campaigns from Uganda, South Africa, India and Central America to identify best practice

·         Propose a cost-effective model for a Kenyan nationwide Social Communications project delivery.

·         Prepare a high-level business plan for project implementation.

Main activities will include:

·         Review of secondary data sources

·         Telephone interviews with key informants including those with experience in Social Communications campaigns in Uganda, South Africa, India and Central America

·         In person interviews in Kenya with experts in social communications and/or elements thereof as well as key stakeholders in the microfinance and health industries

·         Design and costing of key project components

·         Delivery of the business plan to WWB

Project Team

The partner will work with a small team from WWB.

Duration & Location of Consultancy

The partner will be procured for the time period necessary to conduct the secondary and primary research and complete the written business plan. Work detail includes a trip to Kenya in February 2012 followed by completion of the report by the middle of March. The partner may be locally based or based remotely while applying previous knowledge and/or current experience in Kenya. 

Preferred Qualifications

·         Extensive experience in the area of media/social communications, economic development and/or microfinance in Africa

·         Extensive research experience in one of the above fields

·         Strong research, writing, analytical and interpersonal skills required

·         Ability to manage expenses on a reimbursable basis

·         Ability to travel to Kenya

·         Individuals or companies are encouraged to apply

To Apply

Please submit a brief proposal with fee requirements,  details of experience / resume(s), and references to submit@swwb.org, by January 31, 2012. Please reference the job title in the subject line.

Women’s World Banking is an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.