The Consultancy Assignment
The consultancy will undertake a technical study to assess the Self Help Group (SHG) model and evaluate the overall maturity, sustainability, and effectiveness of SHGs in achieving the Faragir Project’s objectives. The study will employ rigorous and context-appropriate data collection methods to ensure accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
In addition to assessing SHG maturity, the study will explore the underlying factors that enable groups to continue meeting and functioning beyond Afghanaid’s direct assistance. This will include examining the relative importance of savings practices, mutual support and experience sharing, business and income-generating activities, and the social and community cohesion aspects that sustain group engagement over time.
The study will also assess shifts in women’s economic participation, entrepreneurship skills, market access, psychosocial wellbeing, mobility, and influence within the household and community. Particular attention will be paid to how SHGs have contributed to women’s empowerment and resilience in both social and economic dimensions.
Given that consortium partners have applied different approaches to providing seed grants some supporting SHGs to develop business plans and receive grants upon approval, while others provided grants as a top-up to savings mobilised by SHGs, the study will examine the strengths and limitations of both models. The consultant(s) will analyse which approach appears more effective or suitable in the Afghan context, and whether specific models are better aligned to the needs and capacities of SHGs in different provinces.
A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining quantitative surveys with SHG members and qualitative tools such as interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory community assessments. This will ensure that diverse perspectives are captured and that findings are robust, credible, and actionable.
The consulting firm will be required to propose a sampling strategy as part of the recruitment process only.
Key Questions for the Study
Economic Activities and Livelihoods:
- What types of income-generating activities have SHG members invested in, and which have proven most successful, profitable, or sustainable?
- How have SHGs utilised seed grants, and what are the strengths and limitations of the different models applied by consortium partners (i.e. grants based on approved business plans versus top-ups to member savings)?
Empowerment and Gender Dynamics:
- How has participation in SHGs influenced women’s economic participation, decision-making power, and control over income at household and community levels?
- In what ways have SHGs affected gender norms and perceptions of women’s economic and social roles?
- To what extent do male household members influence women’s use of SHG funds and investment decisions?
Psychosocial Wellbeing and Social Cohesion:
- What impact have SHGs had on members’ mental health, confidence, and psychosocial wellbeing?
- How do mutual support, shared learning, and social networks within SHGs contribute to sustained participation and cohesion?
Group Maturity and Sustainability:
- How can an SHG maturity index be developed and applied potentially through self-assessment or peer review to track progress and reduce monitoring workload for M&E staff?
- What key factors enable SHGs to continue meeting and functioning beyond Afghanaid’s assistance (e.g. savings discipline, leadership, group size, age composition, business activities, solidarity, or community recognition)?
- What is the likelihood of SHGs sustaining their benefits and practices after project completion, and what conditions are required for their continued functioning?
Partnerships, Models, and Best Practices:
- What differences exist among Faragir partners in how SHGs were established, trained, and supported, and how have these variations influenced group effectiveness and sustainability?
- Which approaches or models appear most appropriate for the Afghan context or specific provinces?
- How effective were community engagement and participatory methods in promoting ownership and long-term results?
Requirements for the Proposals
The proposal should encompass the following elements (maximum length, excluding CVs: 20 pages):
Technical Proposal
- A brief outline of the study approach and methodology (maximum 5 pages) for each.
- A proposed work plan and timeframe for the evaluation, clearly outlining the phases, number of consultants and staff involved, and duration of workdays (maximum 3 pages).
- Identification of potential challenges and dependencies that may affect the implementation of the study, along with proposed mitigation measures (maximum 1 page).
- A description of strategies to ensure data quality throughout the assignment (maximum 2 pages).
- A summary of relevant previous assignments demonstrating the required skills and experience outlined above (maximum 2 pages).
- An overview of the proposed evaluation team, detailing the most relevant skills and experience, individual roles, and allocation of workdays (maximum 2 pages).
- Curricula vitae (CVs) of the lead consultant(s) and other key team members, highlighting relevant assignments and clients (maximum 2 pages) per CV (to be provided separately).
- Contact details of at least three professional references.
- Samples of recent relevant reports from at least two organisations where the consultant, team, or firm has provided similar services.
Financial Proposal
- The consultancy firm shall provide a detailed budget breakdown, clearly distinguishing consultant fees from logistical expenses.
- The financial proposal must include all costs associated with the assignment, including applicable taxes, and shall be presented in United States Dollars (USD).
- The budget submission should not exceed three (3) pages for each.
Expertise, Experience and Qualification
We expect the consultancy firm and its consultants to possess the following qualifications and experience (or equivalent):
Lead Consultant:
- A minimum of ten (10) years’ proven experience in field research and the evaluation of community development, MSMEs, livelihoods, or related initiatives.
- A Master’s degree or PhD in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, Agro-Business, or a closely related discipline.
Technical Expertise:
- Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing needs assessment surveys, MSME technical studies, situational analyses, and CBO impact evaluations using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Strong focus on rural, climate-resilient, and environmentally sensitive contexts.
Analytical and Data Management Skills:
- Strong analytical capabilities and proven expertise in managing real-time data collection across multiple provinces.
- Proficiency in digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Collect) to ensure data accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
Contextual Knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of Afghanistan’s socio-economic, cultural, and environmental dynamics, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable regions.
Reporting and Communication:
- Proven track record of producing comprehensive, high-quality reports in English that meet donor and project standards, delivered on time and in line with agreed requirements.
Relevant Experience:
- Documented history of successful baseline and endline assessments in sectors including rural livelihoods, agriculture, value chain development, and disaster risk reduction, supported by positive references from previous assignments.
Human Resources and Team Composition:
- Access to a gender-balanced team of qualified technical and field staff across Afghanistan, preferably with women in lead roles.
- Demonstrated experience in enumerator recruitment, training, supervision, and quality assurance.
- Preference will be given to firms with an established roster of local consultants in the target provinces.
Gender and Cultural Sensitivity:
- Proven ability to apply gender-sensitive, inclusive, and culturally appropriate evaluation approaches, with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Assessment of the Proposal
Proposals will be evaluated using a weighted scoring system to ensure transparency and fairness. The assessment will be based on the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria
Description
Score (%)
1. Alignment with the Scope of Work
Extent to which the proposed approach, methodology, and work plan address the objectives, deliverables, and requirements outlined in the Terms of Reference.
30%
2. Organisational and Technical Experience
Demonstrated track record of the firm and/or consultants in delivering similar assignments, including agriculture and rural livelihoods, market systems development, women’s economic empowerment, natural resource management, and MSMEs in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
25%
3. Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel
Relevant expertise, academic qualifications, and professional experience of the proposed team members, with emphasis on their roles in delivering comparable projects.
25%
4. Cost Effectiveness (Value for Money)
Reasonableness, competitiveness, and clarity of the financial proposal, ensuring that costs align with the scope and quality of services offered.
20%
Total: 100%
Proposals achieving the highest total score will be considered for award, provided they meet all minimum technical requirements and offer the best overall value.
Deliverables:
- Inception Report
- Cleaned and validated dataset
- Preliminary Findings Report
- Final Self Help Group Model Technical Study report
- Maturity Index Tools and Guides
- Case studies or success stories
- PowerPoint presentation
How to apply
National/International firms that meet the above requirements should submit their applications to jobs@afghanaid.org.uk by 4:30 pm (Kabul time) on 25th October 2025, including the following as the subject line: “FARAGIR Project Self Help Group Model Technical Study.” Applications without the proper subject line or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Submissions should include:
- Technical Proposal (maximum 20 pages)
- Financial Proposal (maximum 3 pages)
- CVs of key team members (maximum 2 pages each)
- At least two relevant report samples
- Three professional references
If you have any questions regarding this request for proposal, please email nmaksimovic@afghanaid.org.uk no later than 4:30 pm (Kabul Time) on 23rd October 2025 so that we have time to respond to your request before the deadline for applications.
Electronic copies of the Proposals/Quotations in response to this request are to be submitted by 4:30 pm (Kabul Time) on 25th October 2025.
Only qualified applications meeting the above criteria will be shortlisted. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the deadline, then you have not been successful for shortlisting.