Background of Oxfam in Uganda
Oxfam is a global movement for change that empowers people to create a secure future, just and free from poverty. We believe everyone has a right to safety, security, a livelihood, and a say in decisions that affect them.
We seek a world in which everyone can speak up to power, demand and claim their human rights, and build a better future for themselves. We recognize that we cannot achieve this on our own but as a collective power. Therefore, we work in partnership with local and grass-roots organizations, civil society, individuals, volunteers, the private sector, and the Government.
Our Vision is Uganda free of inequality and Injustice: A society where people, particularly women and young people, claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities and influence decisions that affect their lives. Our work is guided by the Country Strategic Framework (CSF) (2021-2030), which is organized around four themes: Governance and Accountability, Resilient Livelihoods, Humanitarian preparedness and response, and Gender Justice and Women’s Rights. All the themes work towards influencing policy and practice, youth and women empowerment, inclusive participation in decision-making at various levels, and capacity strengthening of national and local actors.
About the Project
Due to the continued influx of refugees in West Nile, Food and income remain the main challenges for refugees and host communities, income-generating activity to support their self-reliance is critical. Oxfam received funding from DANIDA and UNWOMEN to help 44 VSLA groups engage in saving as one way of building resilience, the groups are supported in training on VSLA methodology and they are in their cycle of saving and enhancing their record keeping, the safety of the money, access to financial services Oxfam intend to migrate their saving practices to digital through the provision of android phone/ tablet and train by consultant a services provide in VSLA Digitalization in West Nile and southwestern Uganda.
Purpose or overall objective/aim of the digitalization
• The objective of this project is to design, develop, and implement a digital platform to support VSLA operations, improve financial inclusion, and enhance the overall efficiency of VSLAs.
Scope of the work
• Conduct a needs assessment and feasibility study to identify the requirements for digitalizing VSLA operations.
• Design and develop a digital platform that meets the needs of VSLAs, including:
- Member registration and management
- Savings and loan management
- Transaction recording and reporting
- Financial Statement Generation
• Develop a comprehensive training program for VSLA members, leaders, and trainers on the use of the digital platform.
• Provide technical support and maintenance for the digital platform.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the digital platform in improving VSLA operations and financial inclusion
Deliverable
• A comprehensive needs assessment and feasibility study report.
• A designed and developed digital platform.
• A training program for VSLA members, leaders, and trainers.
• Technical support and maintenance for the digital platform.
• A monitoring and evaluation report on the effectiveness of the digital platform.
Locations
• Refugee settlement of Bidibidi, ( Yumbe District) Imvepi ( Terego), Rhino and Kyaka II ( Kyegegwa)
Expected Outcomes:
• Improved efficiency and transparency in VSLA operations.
• Enhanced financial inclusion and access to financial services for VSLA members.
• Increased accuracy and security in financial transactions and record-keeping.
• Improved decision-making and planning for VSLA leaders and members.
Assumptions and Dependencies
• Availability of platform and technical support.
• Cooperation and participation of VSLA members, leaders, and trainers.
• Availability of necessary infrastructure (e.g., smartphones, internet connectivity).
Evaluation Criteria
• Technical competence and experience in digitalizing VSLA operations.
• Understanding of VSLA operations and financial inclusion.
• Experience in training and capacity building for VSLA members and leaders.
• Ability to provide technical support and maintenance for the digital platform.
Proposed Activity Timeframe:
The activity should commence on 19th – 23rd May 2025
The VSLA digitalization will be done in the district project areas of Terego, Yumbe, and Terego
Responsibilities of the consultant
Undertake training of the VSLA groups and roll out Digitalization of the VSLA to the 44 Groups
1. Responsibilities Of Oxfam and Partners
Oxfam and partners will mobilize all the VSLA groups to participate in the training. Provide Meals, and Android phones and organize for training venue.
2. Eligibility Criteria
• The applicant should have at least 3 years of experience in VSLA digitalization in the refugee setting
• Technical competence and experience in digitalizing VSLA operations.
• Understanding of VSLA operations and financial inclusion.
• Experience in training and capacity building for VSLA members and leaders.
• Ability to provide technical support and maintenance for the digital platform.
Fees payment
The consultant will be paid by Oxfam's consulting policy, which stipulates 30% upon submission of the inception report and 70% upon successful completion and acceptance of the final products.
For interested applicants, please submit your technical and financial proposal breaking down the budget and other supporting documents to Ugandalogistics@oxfam.org with the email subject: 44 VSLA GROUPS DIGITALIZATION, no later than 9th May, 2025.
Only successful candidates will be notified.