Digital Payments Specialist - United Nations

United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the UN’s capital investment agency for the world’s least developed countries (LDCs). It creates new opportunities for poor people and their communities by increasing access to inclusive finance and investment capital. Established by the General Assembly in 1966 and with headquarters in New York, UNCDF is an autonomous UN organization affiliated with UNDP.

Based in UNCDF, the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) is a partnership of 70 governments, companies and international organizations that accelerates the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth by:

• Advocating for the transition from cash to digital payments in a way that advances financial inclusion and promotes responsible digital finance.
• Catalyzing the development of inclusive digital payments ecosystems in member countries to reduce costs, increase transparency, advance financial inclusion– particularly for women– and drive inclusive growth; and
• Conducting research and sharing the knowledge and experiences of our members to inform strategies for making the transition.

Billions of dollars in cash payments and transfers are made daily in emerging and developing economies, including payment of salaries, social welfare and relief, payments to suppliers, remittances, etc. The problems with these cash payments include a lack of transparency, accountability and security, as well as inefficiency. Individuals who receive cash payments are often part of the 1.7 billion excluded from the formal financial sector.? This means they are excluded from access to a range of appropriate and affordable financial services to help them save safely take advantage of economic opportunities and reduce their vulnerability to risk.

Shifting these payments from cash to digital has the potential to improve the lives of low-income people, particularly women, while giving governments, the development community and the private sector a more transparent, time and cost efficient, and often-safer means of disbursing payments.

The Better Than Cash Alliance Team’s Core Values are the following:?

• Achieving together
• Striving for excellence
• Service oriented
• Results oriented

For more information on BTCA, please visit the website: http://www.betterthancash.org/

Ministry of Finance

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is?determined to harness the benefits of the shift from cash to digital payments by?developing?an inclusive digital payments ecosystem where everyone can make and receive payments digitally.?To?achieve?its vision, the Government?is taking the?lead?by shifting government cash payments to digital, in?order to?bolster the effectiveness of fiscal operations,?improve?security of government transactions?and?eliminate leakages?through a stronger audit trail. To fully understand the state of digital payments in the country, and develop informed strategies to drive scale, the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the UN-based?Better Than Cash Alliance, recently launched?Ghana’s Digital Payments Diagnostic Study, conducted in 2017. The study?measured?the baseline state of the shift from cash to?digital?payments using the best available data and assessed the trajectory of the shift in a?way that helps?inform the?Government’s decisions and priorities?to bring financial inclusion to the unbanked. Based on the outcome of the diagnostic study, the MoF, with the support of the Better Than Cash Alliance developed a Ghana Cashlite Roadmap for its next phase of accelerating digital payments. The Ministry of Finance is now desirous of implementing the Cashlite Roadmap and has requested for the Alliance’s support in setting up a Digital Payments Coordination Unit that will coordinate the implementation of the Roadmap.

B. Project Description: Implementation of the Cashlite Roadmap.

The Ghana Cashlite Roadmap, developed by the government of Ghana with support from the Alliance, is getting into its implementation stage. The Roadmap identifies key initiatives with potential for high impact in digitizing payments and accelerating Ghana towards its cashlite goal. The success of the Roadmap is anchored on an effective coordination of all the activities, development of the right tracking tools, and employing a robust monitoring and evaluation system that provides timely, and relevant feedback. The Ministry of Finance, through the Financial Sector Development Directorate is mandated to coordinate the implementation of the roadmap, with the Vice President’s office as the champion providing the much-needed high-level political support. The Vice President’s office is currently championing a digital economy agenda, and digital finance and payments is considered as a huge catalyst in building a solid digital economy. ?Already Ghana has been experiencing tremendous growth in digital payments, thanks to the rapid growth of mobile money over the past three years. The Roadmap provides the next steps needed to sustain this momentum, while building a solid payments ecosystem that will support the overall digital economy growth. The Ministry of Finance, in liaison with the Vice President’s Office, have requested the Better Than Cash Alliance’s support in providing a resource to support the effective implementation of the first phase of the Roadmap.

Duties and Responsibilities

C. Scope of Work

The Better Than Cash Alliance is looking to engage the services of a Digital Payments Specialist to lead the Digital Payments Coordination Unit (DPCU) entity, to be hosted at the Vice President’s office. The consultant will work closely with the VP’s Digital Roadmap team, the Financial Sector Division of the Ministry of Finance and with the Bank of Ghana (collectively referenced as ‘key stakeholders’) to effectively support the implementation of the Cashlite Roadmap.

As the Head of the Digital Payments Coordination Unit the consultant will be expected to perform the following roles:

1. Support the FSD, with guidance from the VPs office, to constitute a Digital Payments Coordination Unit by developing the job description and specifications of the members, in liaison with the Payment Systems Council and the Financial Inclusion Council.
   • In liaison with the FSD, coordinate the establishment of the DPCU, including development of job description/specifications for the DPCU as per the Cashlite Roadmap guidelines.
   • Ensure the job descriptions/specifications for DPCU are reviewed by key stakeholders including the VPs office and BOG.
   • Participate in the identification of relevant members of the DPCU, ensuring there is full participation of main stakeholders.

Deliverables

• Creation and approval of the Digital Payments Coordination Unit structure, staff requirements and job descriptions
• Completed recruitment of relevant resources for the DPCU
• Digital Payments Coordination Unit inaugurated and operational

2. Working in close collaboration with the FSD, the VPs’ Digital Economy team, BOG and other key stakeholders, lead the DPCU in the coordination of the overall implementation process for the Roadmap, with an initial focus on delivering phase 1 of the Cashlite Roadmap

• Develop a clear implementation framework with more refined timelines in coordination with key institutions like the Payment System Council, VP’s Digital Economy team and the Financial Inclusion Team.
• Develop tools to monitor and track the overall implementation of the Roadmap, in consultation with the VP’s office, the FSD directorate and the BOG with input from the Alliance.
• Identify and harmonise key initiatives for successful implementation of phase 1 of the Roadmap.
• Coordinate and support key stakeholders to drive the successful implementation of phase 1.
• Track progress of implementation of phase 1 activities
  • Develop a tracking system to monitor progress on all key activities
  • Hold regular review workshops on specific activities, to assess progress, identifying challenges and mitigants
  • Working with the FSD, develop a private sector engagement strategy as well as coordinate its implementation, identifying catalytic companies and organisations that will champion digital payments in the country.
  • Develop reports on status of implementation for dissemination at regular and agreed periods to FSD, BOG and the VP’s office, indicating remedial measures where necessary

Deliverables:

• Overall Implementation Framework for the Roadmap signed off by key stakeholders.
• Monitoring and tracking tools agreed by key stakeholders.
• Tracking, Monitoring and Evaluation tool for phase 1 signed off by key stakeholders
• Private sector engagement strategy document approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead
• Quarterly reports on the latest progress and updates to be submitted for a review and approval by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead.

3. Based on the approved implementation framework, in consultation with the VP’s office, FSD, BOG, and with support from the Alliance, raise funds to support the implementation of the Roadmap

• Develop a high-level budget for implementation of the Cashlite Roadmap.
• Convene a donor roundtable to garner funding/support for implementation of different initiatives of the Roadmap.

Deliverables:

• Prepare and deliver a Donor roundtable on key Roadmap initiatives that require support.
• Funding plan for implementation of key initiatives of the Roadmap signed off by key stakeholders.

4. Working with the FSD senior management, lead the DPCU in identifying knowledge gaps and coordinating possible capacity building initiatives to address the gaps

• Conduct digital payments knowledge gap assessment of the FSD and other coordinating bodies
• Liaise with development partners on support for specific knowledge building initiatives
• Where necessary, organise and facilitate knowledge sessions on digital payments workshops.

Deliverables

• Digital payments knowledge gap assessment report duly approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead.
• At least 3 Knowledge Workshops conducted within one year, including detailed report with findings and recommendations derived from each.
• Critical staff from the DPCU & FSD enrolled in digital payments courses or knowledge workshops (certificate of completion to be submitted) .

5. Working with the Alliance, FSD, the VPs’ office, BOG and together with the wider DPCU team, support the launch of the Cashlite Roadmap.

• Support the Alliance, working with the FSD and VP’s office in the socialization of the Roadmap with other industry stakeholders, by mapping out these stakeholders, and reaching out to them in preparation for the launch.
• Coordinate activities and communication between the VPs office and FSD on finalising the logistics, and speaker arrangements
• Working with the Alliance, identify the right events organisers for the event, and coordinate with the FSD, VPs office and BOG.
• Prepare presentations on the Implementation Framework to be shared with participants
• Document any feedback from stakeholders during the event, if any and incorporate them in the Cashlite Roadmap implementation plan.

Deliverables:

• Stakeholder Map and minutes from the socialisation engagements approved by the Alliance, VP’s office and FSD.

• Power point presentation on the Implementation Framework delivered during the launch
• Final report, endorsed by the focal points, on the successful launch of the Cashlite Roadmap
• Updated Implementation Framework incorporating input from stakeholders duly approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

D. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

1. Target Completion        Q4 2019

Deliverables

• Digital Payments Coordination Unit Operational document detailing the unit’s mandate, organisational structure, staff requirements and job descriptions/specifications.
• Digital Payments Coordination Unit inaugurated and work on implementation of the Cashlite Roadmap kicked off.

Payment terms in % of total contract price                       20%

Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment  – Approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

2. Target Completion        Q4 2019

Deliverables

·Stakeholder map and minutes from the socialisation engagements

·High-level powerpoint presentation on the Implementation of the Cashlite Roadmap to be presented during the launch

·Successful launch of the Cashlite Roadmap

Payment terms in % of total contract price                       20%

Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment – Approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

3. Target Completion        Q1 2020

Deliverables

• Overall Implementation Framework for the Roadmap, including monitoring and tracking tools documented in an agreed format.
• Private sector engagement strategy report.
• Quarterly implementation reports signed off by the Alliance;s Africa Regional Lead in coordination with the FSD/VP’s office

Payment terms in % of total contract price                       20%

Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment – Approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

4. Target Completion        Q1 – Q2 2020

Deliverables

• Digital payments knowledge gap assessment report in pdf,
• At least 3 Knowledge Workshops conducted 
• Enrolment of critical staff in digital payments courses or knowledge workshops.

Payment terms in % of total contract price                       20%

Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment – Approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

5. Target Completion        Q2 – Q4 2020

Deliverables

• PDF Report on donor engagements, documenting deliberations from meetings and roundtables on key Roadmap initiatives that require support.
• Funding plan for implementation of key initiatives of the Roadmap

Payment terms in % of total contract price                       20%

Review & approvals Required Prior to authorization of payment  – Approved by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead

E. Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will be hired by UNCDF Better Than Cash Alliance and will be based in the Vice President’s office, working closely with the Finance Sector Division of Ministry of Finance and Bank of Ghana. The consultant will be supervised by the Alliance’s Africa Regional Lead in close consultation with the Vice President’s office,

A project steering Committee will convene regularly (monthly or more if needed) to review project progress, address any issues, and provide feedback and clearance on deliverables or when necessary. The project steering committee will be constituted of members from the Vice President’s Office, Finance Sector Division of Ministry of Finance and the Better Than Cash Alliance.

F.  Duration of the Work

The assignment has a duration of one year, however, the performance control/ monitoring mechanism will be applied from the start date.

G. Duty Station

a) The duty station/location for the consultant within the contract duration is Accra in Ghana.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrates political acumen and calculated risk taking;
• Demonstrated excellent writing, editing and communications skills to an international standard including correspondence, reports, talking points and briefing material; essential
• Builds own competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
• Creates and promotes open communication;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Conducts fair and transparent decision making;
• Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
• Shows strong corporate commitment.

Functional Competencies:

Professional

• Project management lifecycle
• Ensures the full implementation of a project to obtain results;
• Conceptualizes more effective approaches to programme development and implementation and to mobilizing and using resources;
• Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives;
• Makes effective use of UNCDF’s and other Better Than Cash Alliance member resources and comparative advantage to strengthen partnerships;
• Creates networks and promotes initiatives with partner organizations;
• Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;

Technical:

• Solid skills in strategy development, digital transformation, stakeholder engagement and management.
• Understanding of key issues and international good practice relating to financial inclusion and digital payments
• Excellent presentation and representation skills in multicultural contexts
• Ability to translate complex technical ideas to a non-technical audience in both verbally and in writing

Required Skills and Experience

H. Qualifications of the Successful Individual Expert

Education:

• A Master’s degree in economics, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline or the equivalent experience.
• Additional training related to digital financial services is highly desirable

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (10) years dedicated experience in digital finance, payment systems or electronic payments is required;
• A minimum of four (4) years working experience in the Ghana payments ecosystem sector.
•  Experience in the formulation and implementation of strategies in the area of digital payments at public or private sector level;
• Working knowledge of current developments including innovative payment methods (e.g., mobile financial services, pre-paid cards, etc.) essential;
• Detailed knowledge on the Ghana payments landscape, including topical issues and digital payments regulatory environment.
•  In depth understanding of issues related to financial inclusion, project coordination and management

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.

Application process

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. (Note: the system does not allow multiple uploads of documents. Applicants must make sure to upload all documents in one PDF file).

All applications must contain the following information:

The following documents are requested:

• Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies in relation to the Terms of Reference (TOR), specifically focusing on the extent of compliance with the qualification requirements;
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of at least three (3) professional references;
• Earliest availability and proposed schedule for consultancy;
• Signed Financial proposal for the assignment outlining: All-inclusive fee (including professional fees and?other professional expenses, such as housing, insurance, taxes, etc.). Available at?http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=29916).

If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNCDF under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNCDF.?

Due to limitations in the portal for the submission of offers, which does not allow uploading of multiple documents in the system, all of the above documents must be submitted as a single .pdf file.? Failure to submit complete set of documents may result in rejection of the application.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be rated on both technical and financial submissions. The following selection method will be used: Highest rated proposal using the combined scoring method, which assigns the weight distribution between the technical and financial proposals. The overall combined score will be 100 points, where weight distribution shall be 70% technical (30% desk review + 40% interview) and 30% financial.

Step I: Screening / Longlisting Criteria

Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the following minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting:

• A Master’s degree in economics, public/business administration, social sciences, or related discipline or the equivalent experience.
• A minimum of seven (10) years dedicated experience in digital finance, payment systems or electronic payments is required;

Step II: Shortlisting by Desk Review (100 points)

The Better Than Cash Alliance will conduct a review of a profile (technical evaluation) that matches applicants experience and expertise to the key tasks outlined in the consultancy. These are detailed under each of the following Key work areas noted above:

A minimum of four (4) years working experience in the Ghana payments ecosystem sector.

• Experience in the formulation and implementation of strategies in the area of digital payments at public or private sector level (30 Points);
• Working knowledge of current developments including innovative payment methods (e.g., mobile financial services, pre-paid cards, etc.) essential (30 Points);
•  Detailed knowledge on the Ghana payments landscape, including topical issues and digital payments regulatory environment (20 Points);
•  In depth understanding of issues related to financial inclusion, project coordination and management (20 Points);

Only the top candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points in the review of profile will be considered for Technical Interviews. ?Technical interviews will explore the same key work areas, in greater depth, with the same weighting.

Step III: Interview

A competency-based Interview shall be conducted with the to top candidates who score the highest in Step II (minimum of 70 points). Ccandidates will be tested on the following:

• Relevant experience
• Sector Knowledge?
• Communication Skills

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% on the total of Step II + Step III will be considered as technically qualified and will be reviewed further for financial evaluation.

Step IV: Financial Evaluation:

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

Lowest priced proposal/price of the proposal being evaluated x 30%.

Award Criteria

The contract shall be awarded to the applicant whose offer has been evaluated and determined

1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
2. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Both individual consultants and individuals employed by a company or institution are welcome to apply.?

Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly). Women candidates or women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence