About Accion:
Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a pioneering legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the three billion people who are left out of — or poorly served by — the financial sector. For nearly 60 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through our work with more than 160 partners in 55 countries. More at http://www.accion.org.
Project Summary
The GLAS team is launching a project of digital empowerment in Central Asia, aiming to empower 400,000 micro and small enterprises (MSEs)[1] across Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to adopt and use digital, business and financial solutions to increase their business returns and financial health. In the past decade, MSEs in Central Asia have been able to take advantage of new opportunities as economic reforms have progressed. But the growth of MSEs has been constrained by low levels of both digitalization and financial inclusion. The project aims to accelerate the digitalization and financial inclusion of MSEs in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These two countries are important markets in Central Asia and will provide relevant lessons learned for other countries in the region.
Accion is looking for a consultant to conduct market mapping and landscape analysis to identify and prioritize digital business and financial solutions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that will improve MSEs’ efficiency, productivity and growth. Results from the mapping and analysis will inform the design of a digital platform and selection of potential business and financial solutions for the platform to help MSEs in these two markets to adopt and engage with digital tools.
Scope of Work
- Work with the GLAS team to clearly define the scope of the mapping and analysis—what types of actors should be included, and which excluded? What is the key information to collect about each actor? How to classify them by relevant characteristics?
- Conduct targeted research to map existing digital business and financial solutions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and collect relevant information as defined. Research methods may include brainstorming a list of organizations with key industry stakeholders, reviewing online of databases and existing literature, and interviewing peers and other field stakeholders. The following actors may be relevant: digital business solutions providers, business apps, capacity building programs, tech providers, e-learning providers, content developers and other organizations working with MSEs.
- Synthesize and draw out implications: synthesize researched information to provide a clear landscape. Work with the GLAS team to prioritize the actors for the project next-step work plan.
Deliverables
- The consultant will be required to develop a database with relevant contact information of all digital business and financial solutions which have been mapped, prepare a landscape analysis report in English, effectively communicate main findings and implications with the GLAS team, and adjust the analysis report based on feedback provided. The report should include a shortlist of at least 5 digital business solutions which respond to the main needs and aspirations of MSEs.
- The consultant will be required to have a regular check-in meeting to provide updates on the research progress with the project team.
The consultant needs to demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Solid knowledge of MSE development and its challenges in the two target markets, the digital business solutions landscape, as well as financial inclusion and e-commerce landscape in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
- Strong connections with key actors in the financial inclusion, e-commerce, and MSE capacity building in these two countries.
- Demonstrated expertise and skills in market mapping and landscape analysis.
- Ability and willingness to collaborate with a global team working across multiple time zones on a multifaceted project.
- Ability to work proactively, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Experience and skills in providing reports and presentations in English. Full confidence to speak and write in English.
- Currently being based in Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan would be an advantage.
- Previous experience in applying a gender lens in research studies is a plus.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of Accion’s GLAS team leader. The GLAS team will share the project background information with the consultant as appropriate and will also support mapping and research.
For questions, please contact dwang-ext@accion.org or bkuwik@accion.org
Consulting Duration: July - September, 2022.