Position Title: Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) Training Consultant
Duty Station: Montserrado and Margibi Counties
Position Status/Duration: Short-term Consultancy – 20 days
Reports to: medica Liberia’s Program Coordinator
Background:
medica Liberia (mL), formerly known as medica mondiale Liberia, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights and addressing issues related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). mL has been operating in Liberia since 2006, focusing on the South-eastern regions. Recently, mL has expanded its activities to Montserrado and Margibi Counties, thanks to funding from the German Government and other donors.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) encompasses a wide spectrum of violations rooted in gender and sex, perpetuating unjust power dynamics and discriminatory practices. While physical violence and sexual assault are visibly associated with SGBV, Denial of Economic Resources is a less visible form of SGBV which also has linkages to sexual exploitation and abuse. International trauma research and experience underscore the pivotal role of existential and financial security in psychosocial stabilization. Initiatives aimed at generating income bolster self-esteem, which often dwindles following experiences of violence, particularly sexualized violence. Furthermore, such endeavors empower women to attain financial independence, enabling them to extricate themselves from relationships characterized by the threat of physical and psychological harm.
An integral facet of medica Liberia’s comprehensive strategy to combat SGBV involves the application of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) approach. This innovative, community-rooted model has been embraced across Liberian communities to provide supplementary financial support, specifically tailored for women. These savings groups serve as a resource for emergency funds, offer assistance in managing modest household budgets, and foster solidarity and trust. Each savings group operates under its own constitution and diligently oversees its savings activities, thus ensuring a palpable sense of ownership and commitment.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), medica Liberia has successfully introduced VSLA groups in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. In the year 2023, five new groups were established, consisting of both SGBV support group members and SGBV survivors within medica Liberia’s intervention communities.
As part of this process, medica Liberia is actively seeking a VSLA Training Consultant to lead the training initiatives for the recently established five (5) VSLA groups within Montserrado and Margibi Counties. This engagement marks a pivotal step forward in medica Liberia’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and survivors while fostering enduring positive change in the face of SGBV challenges.
The objective of the Consultancy:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide comprehensive training and support to the five new groups, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully establish and manage their own VSLA groups within their respective communities.
Scope of Work:
Deliverables:
The VSLA Training Consultant is expected to deliver the following:
Format for presentation of VSLA Manual
Introduction
Understanding VSLA
Forming a VSLA Group
Roles and Responsibilities of VSLA Members
Savings and Shares
Record Keeping and Bookkeeping
VSLA Operations
Weekly Meetings and Contributions
Emergency Funds and Social Fund
Managing Savings and Loans
Loan Application and Approval Process
Economic Activities and Business Skills
Income-Generating Ideas
Qualifications and Experience:
The selected VSLA Training Consultant should possess:
Desired Skills:
Start Date: IMMEDIATE:
Closing date of this posting: August 17, 2023
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their application; including a technical proposal with a cost and work plan, a CV, a concise cover letter, and references (not exceeding 2 pages), along with remuneration expectations to recruit@medicaliberia.org. A copy of the application should be sent to yah.parwon@medicaliberia.org and mbalujusu@outlook.com . Applicants should indicate “VSLA Training Consultant” as the subject of the email or on the envelope/top of the application. Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
Female applicants are encouraged to apply.