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:

• Development of Comprehensive Training Content: The consultant will create a comprehensive training curriculum for VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association) that effectively conveys the process. This content should be designed to facilitate a clear understanding of VSLA principles and methodologies.
• Methodology and Training Plan Formulation: The consultant will design a methodology and a comprehensive training plan, outlining the overarching approach, modules, and a well-structured schedule for conducting the training sessions.
• Training Session Delivery: The consultant will conduct engaging and informative training sessions for five (5) newly established support groups situated in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. These sessions will be designed to empower participants with practical knowledge and skills related to VSLA implementation.
• Compilation of Detailed Training Report: A detailed training report will be compiled by the consultant. This report will provide an insightful overview of the training process, highlight achieved outcomes, detail any challenges encountered, and offer well-considered recommendations for future enhancements of the VSLA training initiative.

Deliverables:

The VSLA Training Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• A well-structured VSLA training content that presents the process in a clear and simplified manner. The content should also include a detailed methodology, training methods, and a comprehensive schedule.
• Conducted training sessions that effectively transfer knowledge and equip participants with the skills required for successful VSLA establishment and management.
• A consolidated training report that provides a comprehensive overview of the training, including participant feedback, challenges faced, and realistic recommendations.

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:

• Substantial experience in delivering VSLA Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions, as well as directly training beneficiaries in VSLA methodology, emphasizing business skills, communication, and leadership.
• Proven involvement in livelihoods and rural development, including TOT for community or staff training, with a strong emphasis on microfinance, small business management, and women’s empowerment.
• A demonstrable history of facilitating VSLA training using participatory and experiential learning techniques, ideally in collaboration with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Relevant experience working with diverse women’s groups.

Desired Skills:

• Strong training facilitation skills.
• Effective leadership abilities.
• Proficient organizational and planning skills.
• Capacity to work within a short time frame and plan proactively.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including superior written and verbal communication.

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.