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Research and Insights Consultant at UNDP

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.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the United Nations’ flagship catalytic financing entity for the world’s 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). With its unique capital mandate and focus on the LDCs, UNCDF works to invest and catalyze capital to support these countries in achieving ?the sustainable growth and inclusiveness envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.

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UNCDF builds partnerships with other UN organizations, as well as private and public sector actors, to achieve greater impact in development; specifically, by unlocking additional resources and strengthening financing mechanisms and systems contributing to transformation pathways, focusing on such development themes as green economy, digitalization, urbanization, inclusive economies, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

A hybrid development finance institution and development agency, UNCDF uses a combination of capital instruments (deployment, financial & business advisory and catalyzation) and development instruments (technical assistance, capacity development, policy advice, advocacy, thought leadership, and market analysis and scoping) which are applied across five priority areas (inclusive digital economies, local transformative finance, women’s economic empowerment, climate, energy & biodiversity finance, and sustainable food systems finance).

Inclusive Digital Economies

UNCDF manages initiatives to develop inclusive digital finance ecosystems which offer a wide range of financial services especially for low-income vulnerable communities. Specifically, UNCDF provides a mix of policy, technical and financial support to a range of government and private sector actors in each country, as well as invests in research and other public goods to benefit all market actors. By supporting the development of digital finance ecosystems in these countries, UNCDF aims to increase the financial security of low income and rural households through access to appropriate, affordable and secure means to receive, manage and save money.

Recently, UNCDF has formulated its strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind. The vision of UNCDF is to empower millions of people by 2024 to use services daily that leverage innovation and technology and contribute to the SDGs. UNCDF will apply a market development approach and continuously seek to address underlying market dysfunctions. For more information, please see: https://www.uncdf.org/article/4567/uncdf-launches-digital-economy-strategy-leaving-no-one-behind-in-the-digital-era

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Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy

With support from the European Union’s Digital 4 Tanzania Program, and in line with the UNCDF strategy to ensure “no one is left behind in the digital era,” UNCDF is currently implementing the Tanzania Inclusive Digital Economy (TIDE) project. Launched in September 2022, TIDE is a four-year project that aims to increase access to and usage of digital payments and digital financial services in Tanzania, while enabling the innovation ecosystem to better support entrepreneurs and further drive digital innovation. The project contributes to the development of policies and regulations that enable innovation, supports small digital financial service providers’ digitization and integration to the national payment system (TIPS); and promotes inclusive and locally-driven innovation.

The TIDE project has a strong focus on research and knowledge dissemination woven throughout the activities. Over the course of the project UNCDF has committed to researching and publishing findings, insights, and lessons learned to relevant stakeholders in the financial sector and the fintech startup and innovation ecosystems. Publications/knowledge products include: 2 fintech mappings, state of the innovation ecosystem focusing on 4 fintech relevant issues, 2 publications on MFI digitalization, 2 publications on corporate/fintech partnerships, 2 publications on last mile distribution of financial products, 2 publications on effective use of data for public and private sector decision-making, 3 publications on catalyzing investment for startups and early-growth technology firms, 1 publication on effective support to hubs, 2 publications on facilitating access to markets for fintechs, 4 policy briefs for regulators. In addition to producing research and knowledge products, support is required to review and edit communications-related content (e.g., social media posts, newsletters), of which there are a minimum of 5 per month over the course of the project.

East and Southern Africa (ESA) Project Development

UNCDF’s Inclusive Digital Economy (IDE) practice has teams in six countries in East and Southern Africa (ESA): Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia). These teams vary in size and budget, all supporting their respective governments and public- and private-sector stakeholders to build inclusive digital economies that improve the quality of life for marginalized populations and decrease the digital divide.

In order to realize UNCDF’s mission and vision for the region, all country operations need to grow. This involves growth in country-specific and multi-country programming into our focal sectors (i.e. fintech and financial health, MSME digitalization and financing, ag-tech and rural economies, digital transformation policy, digital skills, climate & green-tech), expanding the development finance tools we use to support ecosystems (i.e. convening, advocacy, grants, technical assistance, concessional loans, guarantees), and expanding to segments of importance (low skilled, women, MSMEs, technology start-ups, forcibly displaced people, small holder farmers).

The region has several concepts and ideas for this programming growth but needs support refining and editing existing concept notes and pitching them to relevant internal and external stakeholders, including donors and potential partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

UNCDF seeks to engage a consultant to develop and implement a research and knowledge management strategy and generates insights to:

Increase international visibility of Tanzania’s fintech and innovation ecosystems, and UNCDF’s role in growing an inclusive digital economy;
Support UNCDF to better-understand and share lessons learned about the effectiveness of TIDE activities;
Increase UNCDF partners’ capacity to leverage data for financial and digital inclusion in Tanzania;
Position UNCDF as a technical thought leader in the digital economy space;
Develop new and refine existing concept notes for new IDE programming in the ESA region.
Specifically, the scope of work can thus be understood as falling in four categories:

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Design and implementation of a research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project
Deepen technical knowledge of and overall familiarity with TIDE project activities, including their objectives, contribution to the project theory of change, data, and key partners/stakeholders
Collaborate with project managers to conceptualize value-added research and knowledge management products; lead writing and manage production of publications in a diverse range of formats, e.g., research papers, technical notes, learning briefs, and blogs that leverage primary and secondary data
Work with results measurement (RM) colleagues to ensure research insights are captured in donor and HQ reporting; co-lead reflection sessions to ensure project managers apply lessons learned to refine project implementation and create a culture of continuous learning
Engage with local, regional, and global partners and colleagues to promote and disseminate results and learnings in various formats, e.g. stakeholder dialogues, webinars, and/or workshops
Communications support
Consolidate, review, and finalize donor reports for the TIDE project and UNCDF’s activities under the UN Kigoma Joint Program.
Project management
Manage ongoing activities for the project “Data Driven and Gender-Smart Product Design to Increase Access to Finance and Digital Inclusion for Women in Tanzania.” This includes managing the RFA and RFP processes and overseeing implementation to ensure deliverables are completed on-time and in-line with the project workbook (PWB), grant agreements, etc.
Work with partners and other relevant colleagues to document and share lessons learned, in line with the research and knowledge management agenda
Concept note development
Provide ad-hoc support to UNCDF IDE Tanzania on the design and development of concept notes and program proposals, leveraging research insights to support fundraising efforts as opportunities present themselves
Support ESA Regional Manager and relevant regional colleagues to draft new and refine existing concept notes
Attend meetings, as needed to inform concept notes, with relevant stakeholders including potential partners and donors
The consultant will mainstream gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (GE-WEE) throughout his/her work. The consultant will have experience in the design and implementation of research projects focused on financial and digital inclusion and GE-WEE in Tanzania and East Africa.

Key Deliverables and Payment Terms:
Scope of Work Category

Deliverables to be delivered

Target Due Date

Acceptance/ Condition for Payment Disbursement

% of Contract Price to be Paid

Design and implementation of the research and knowledge management agenda for the TIDE project

final Research and KM Agenda Year 2

Nov 2023

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Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Draft publication 14 – Case study on the achievement of the fintech regulatory sandbox
Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

IDES for Zanzibar 2
IDES for Znz 2 reviewed and approved by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

Tanzania final concept note 10 – WEE
Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Draft publication 15 – Case study on the achievement of the fintech regulatory sandbox
Jul 2025

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Draft publication 16 -agtech 2
Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

Tanzania draft concept note 11 MSME Digitalization
Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Final publication 16 – agtech 2
Aug 2025

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

Tanzania final concept note 11 – MSME Digitalization
Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

ESA draft concept note 10 – regional upskilling for ITC
Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Draft publication 17 – Fintech startup mapping
Sep 2025

Approved draft of publication by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

Tanzania draft concept note 12 – fintech regulatory sandbox
Approved draft concept note by IDE Tz. Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE ESA

ESA final concept 10 – regional upskilling for ITC
Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Tanzania draft concept note 3 – impact investment for early stage technology firms

Final publication 17 – Fintech startup mapping
Oct 2025

Approved final publication by IDE TZ Country Lead

Consolidation, review and editing of donor reports for the TIDE project and Kigoma Joint Project (UN RCO)

EU Donor Annual Report 3
Approved final EU donor report by IDE Tz Country Lead

Project/business development and program design support for IDE Tanzania

Tanzania final concept note 12 – fintech regulatory sandbox
Approved final concept note by IDE Tz Country Lead

Payment shall be disbursed only if all outputs due for the timeline indicated are completed/accepted

Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will work under the supervision of the IDE Country Lead for Tanzania for TIDE-related projects and the ESA Regional Manager for concept note development and fundraising-related work. The consultant will have weekly calls with the IDE Country Lead for Tanzania to provide progress updates and exchange feedback on draft reports and other deliverables.

Duration of the Work

The assignment is expected to commence 13 November 2023, with engagement ongoing for approximately 24 months.

Duty Station

The assignment is home-based. The assignment could require travel to Tanzania and/or other countries in the ESA region for the purpose of gathering primary data for research and meeting project partners in-person.

Payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging, and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel. The UNCDF travel policies relevant to individual consultant shall apply.

UNCDF cannot guarantee residence permits or visas for consultants. Consultants are responsible for securing work documentation.

Qualifications of the Individual Consultant
Academic Qualifications

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Master’s degree in public administration/public policy, economics, social sciences, or related discipline
Experience

At least 5 years of experience working in international development, either with the UN, NGOs, or private sector organizations with a focus on financial inclusion, digital/innovation, and/or women’s economic empowerment
At least 2 years of experience working in the private sector – financial services industry
At least 3 years of experience designing and implementing different types of research on financial inclusion in Tanzania
At least 1 article published by the UN

Competencies

Technical Competencies

Understanding of key issues relating to inclusive digital economies in Tanzania and LDCs relevant to donor community or the development field
Proven skills in the production of knowledge products in a variety of formats; demonstrated ability to translate complex technical ideas to a non-technical audience verbally and in writing
Strong research, analytical, and writing skills; proven skills in the production of evidence-based recommendations
Excellent presentation and representation skills in multicultural contexts;
Functional Competencies

Proven ability to manage and effectively lead a global research agenda and research team, including conceptualization of research approaches, research design, and implementation
Ability to articulate ideas clearly and coherently and ability to translate technical terms for non-technical audiences
Anticipates constraints in the delivery of services and identifies solutions or alternatives
Makes effective use of UNCDF resources and comparative advantage to strengthen knowledge partnerships
Strong ability to communicate and function effectively in local/international/multicultural environment; well-developed interpersonal skills
Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
High level planning, organizational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines
Analytical and problem-solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advice
Pro-active, constructive attitude, open to feedback
Creates networks and promotes knowledge exchange initiatives between member organizations

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications of the Individual Consultant

Academic Qualifications

Master’s degree in public administration/public policy, economics, social sciences, or related discipline
Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience working in international development, either with the UN, NGOs, or private sector organizations with a focus on financial inclusion, digital/innovation, and/or women’s economic empowerment
Minimum 2 years of experience working in the private sector – financial services industry
Minimum 3 years of experience designing and implementing different types of research on financial inclusion in Tanzania
Minimum1 article published by the UN
Language

Fluent in English with excellent writing and communication skills
Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Offerors interested in this assignment must submit an all-inclusive financlal proposal using the standard template for financial proposal. The contract price shall be fixed for the duration of the contract regardless of changes in the cost components over time.

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Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. A methodology is recommended for intellectual services, but may be omitted for support services [Note: this is optional for support services];
Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. 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 UNDP 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 UNDP.

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