Consultant to Final Evaluation of Microfinance Support Programme Vietnam

1. Introduction and rational for evaluation
Under the National Cooperation Framework on Promoting Decent Work in Viet Nam signed by representative of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the International Labour Office, the Bureau of Social Protection of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is implementing the Microfinance Support Programme with the technical assistance of the ILO and the financial support of CORDAID.
The  Microfinance Support Programme aims at improving accessibility of about 150,000 low income households to diversified, sustainable and affordable financial services. This programme follows a sector development approach with its focuses on strengthening institutionalized capacity of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and training institutions, and promoting the diversification of microinsurance and savings products in Vietnam.
As the project comes to end in December 2011, a consultancy will be needed to evaluate the project performance in all key development aspects, such as relevance, validity, sustainability and impact.

2. Background on project and context
Overall objective: To improve low income household’s access to microfinance services, including savings facilities and microinsurance

Specific objectives:
- Improved outreach and impact of microfinance institutions through professionalized     governance, management and operations in accordance with Decrees 28 and 165;
- Improved access of low-income households to savings products;
- Improved access of low-income households to affordable insurance products.

3. Key evaluation questions
Based on development objectives, outputs and activities specified in the project document, the final evaluation will address the following issues: 

Relevance and strategic fit
Validity of design
Project progress and effectiveness
Adequacy and efficiency of resource use
Effectiveness of management arrangements
Impact orientation & sustainability

5. Output of Evaluation
Output of the evaluation will be a full-fledged final evaluation report in both Vietnamese and English languages.

6. Timing
The evaluation is expected to last for 14 working days between the period of 30 October – 30 November 2011.

7. Key Activities
The consultant is expected to conduct activities but not limited to the following:
Review relevant documents;
Meet with the project team and consult with relevant staff of ILO Viet Nam, related partners. 
Travel to project pilot sites, e.g Thanh Hoa, Phu Tho and Hai Phong and conduct interview/focus group discussions with stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Organize a stakeholder workshop to present the preliminary findings at the end of evaluation mission to all relevant and key project stakeholders. 
Draft evaluation report.

The evaluator will have access to all relevant materials.

8. Qualifications and Responsibilities of the consultant
Experience in design, management and evaluation of development projects, in particular with local development projects.
Relevant background in social and/or economic development.
Experience in the UN system and in the evaluations of the UN system or similar international development experience
Relevant regional experience preferably prior working experience in Viet Nam.
Experience in the area of microfinance and microfinance development in Vietnam
Fluency both English and Vietnamese, in both speaking and writing skills.
Sensitivity to diversity

Interested candidates (freelance consultants, consulting companies) are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals to the following address:
 Ms Tra at email  [email protected]
or to:
ILO Office
48-50 Nguyen Thai Hoc

Deadline of submission: 30 September 2011.