3.1. Data Collection and Analysis

3.1.1 Desk Research and Review

• Conduct desk research on Inclusive Digital Infrastructure (IDI) which includes digital identification, digital payments, data sharing, and access to internet and devices across SARFII member countries.
• Analyze not only the prevalence and adoption of IDI but also the associated risks relating to cybersecurity, data privacy, and consumer protection.
• Review the SARFII report on “Payment Innovations and Risks” and incorporate the key insights and recommendations into the assessment framework and analysis, focusing on existing policy, regulatory, and market measures to mitigate risks, as well as identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

3.1.2 Survey & Data Collection

·         Design and conduct a comprehensive survey across SARFII member countries to collect relevant data on Inclusive Digital Infrastructure (IDI) adoption, risks (cybersecurity, data privacy, consumer protection), and existing regulatory frameworks to address these risks.

• Following the survey, organize focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to further understand both the unique and collective needs and challenges faced by member institutions, including areas for improvement.
  • Conduct 8 in-depth interviews with SARFII member institutions.
  • Conduct 4-6 stakeholder interviews or workshops per member country.
  • Organize 2 in-person country visits, with the rest of the engagements conducted virtually.

3.2. Diagnostic Assessment and Focus Areas

3.2.1 Explore Key Focus Areas

The consultant will assess SARFII member countries’ positions, needs, and opportunities in the following key focus areas within Inclusive Digital Infrastructure (IDI), ensuring alignment with the priorities of the AFI Working Groups most relevant to this scope of work:

• Digital Financial Services and Risks: Evaluate the implementation, interoperability, and adoption of digital financial services through inclusive digital infrastructure (ID), including instant payment systems, mobile financial services, and e-commerce or merchant payments. Identify additional use cases, assess risks associated with IDI—particularly cybersecurity and data protection—and examine regulatory frameworks and governance that manage these risks. This aligns with AFI’s Digital Financial Services Working Group (DFSWG), with a focus on advancing cross-border payments and instant payment solutions as well as other digital financial services within IDI.
• Consumer Protection: Review consumer protection frameworks, particularly in relation to how IDI supports vulnerable groups such as women, rural populations, and underserved segments). Key area of focus will include:

o    Evaluating initiatives providing financial education, accessible information, and redress mechanisms. Identifying opportunities through IDI to improve financial literacy for underserved populations, which promote financial education as a key tool for inclusion.

• • Reviewing the regulation, supervision, and enforcement of FSPs’ market conduct to ensure compliance with consumer protection standards when using IDI.
  • Recommending preventive measures to mitigate risks and empower consumers through enhanced IDI.

This aligns with AFI’s Consumer Empowerment and Market Conduct Working Group (CEMCWG).

• Data Gaps, Needs, and Governance: Following one of SARFII’s knowledge product recommendations, assess the need for a centralized reporting framework to monitor risks within IDI and enhance data protection regulations across SARFII member countries. This will be aligned with AFI’s Financial Inclusion Data Working Group (FIDWG), ensuring the implementation of best practices in data management and governance to strengthen IDI.
• SME Finance: Assess how IDI can promote financial inclusion and access to finance for MSMEs, with a particular emphasis on WMSMEs. The assessment will explore barriers to financing and opportunities to leverage IDI for merchant payments, online/e-commerce transactions, and credit solutions. This aligns with AFI’s SME Finance Working Group (SMEFWG) and DFSWG.

Cross-cutting topic:

• Financial Inclusion of Gender, Rural Populations, and Vulnerable Populations: Assess how IDI, including digital financial services, is reaching women, rural populations, and vulnerable groups. Identify barriers to accessing IDI and digital financial services to these populations and develop solutions that leverage IDI to promote greater inclusion. Ensure that financial policies and digital infrastructure reflect gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches, in line with AFI’s Gender Inclusive Finance (GIF) framework and policy model.

3.2.2 Four-Pillar Analysis

The consultant will analyze the digital ecosystem in SARFII member countries across the following pillars, incorporating digital identification, digital payments, data sharing, and access to internet and devices:

• Payments: Assess the readiness of payment systems (e.g., instant payments, digital wallets, cross-border transactions) and their accessibility for underserved populations, focusing on inclusive infrastructures that support urban and rural communities.
• Identity (ID): Analyze the development and integration of digital identity systems, evaluating their interoperability with financial services, payment systems, and public services. Examine governance frameworks to ensure secure and inclusive digital ID solutions.
• Data Sharing: Review policies on data sharing between institutions, ensuring data protection and privacy align with global best practices. Assess how data-sharing mechanisms can foster financial inclusion and innovation in digital payments.
• Access to Internet and Devices: Evaluate the availability and affordability of internet and digital devices, critical enablers of financial services. Identify infrastructure gaps, particularly for underserved groups (remote areas, women, and youth).

For each pillar, the analysis will focus on:

• Inclusive Digital Infrastructure: Review the current infrastructure and assessing both the prevalence and adoption of key components such as digital identification, digital payments, and data sharing. Pay special attention to accessibility for women, rural populations, and vulnerable segments, and identify gaps in internet and device access.
• Enabling Legal, Regulatory, and Governance Frameworks: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of legal and regulatory frameworks, related to IDI, particularly in addressing risks associated with cybersecurity, data privacy, and consumer protection. Propose improvements where necessary to enhance resilience and governance.
• Access: Evaluate how underserved groups can access digital services through IDI. Identify barriers such as affordability, digital literacy, and availability of devices, and assess existing measures to mitigate these challenges.
• Gaps and Use Cases: Identify regulatory gaps, missing use cases, risks related to cyber threats, data protection, and consumer rights, as well as challenges in implementing digital services through IDI. Propose new use cases and policy measures to close these gaps, mitigate risks, and enhance financial inclusion across the ecosystem.

3.3. Drafting of Diagnostic Assessment Report

The consultant will prepare a comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment Report, which will:

• Summarize findings and analysis from surveys, focus group discussions, interviews, and desk research, covering the topics and areas mentioned in the scope of work.
• Include detailed individual country and regional assessments to highlight specific gaps, risks, and opportunities related to the topics outlined in the scope of work for each SARFII member country.
• Undergo three rounds of review to ensure alignment with SARFII member priorities and to incorporate feedback from key stakeholders.

3.4. Knowledge Sharing and Workshops

The consultant will facilitate a workshop or knowledge-sharing session for SARFII members to:

• Present key findings from the diagnostic assessment.
• Initiate the development of the 3-5 year action plan, incorporating member feedback.
• Promote regional cooperation in enhancing digital payments and inclusive digital infrastructure.

This workshop will encourage SARFII member countries to collaboratively address identified gaps, risks, and potential solutions, fostering shared learning and regional synergy.

3.5. Action Plan Development

Based on the findings from the diagnostic assessment, the consultant will develop a 3-5 year action plan, which will:

·         Provide both country-specific and regional detailed recommendations and action plans to enhance Inclusive Digital Infrastructure (IDI), including digital identification, digital payments, data sharing, and access to the internet and devices across SARFII member countries.

Provide detailed recommendations and action plans on how the SARFII platform can utilize AFI’s working groups and other regional initiatives.

4.1. Inception Report and Kick-Off Meeting:

·         The consultant will deliver an inception report along with a kick-off presentation within the first two weeks. This report will outline the methodology, work plan, and project management plan, which will include a Gantt chart detailing tasks, timeline, progress tracking, dependencies, milestones, and resource allocation, specifying clear roles and responsibilities for team members.

·         Specific Outputs:

o   A comprehensive inception report and project plan.

o   Scheduled kick-off meeting with the AFI management unit and SARFII Payment Expert Group (PEG)

4.2. Data Collection

• The consultant will conduct thorough data collection to gather insights into the unique and collective needs of SARFII member institutions. This process will involve surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced.
• Specific Outputs:
  • Findings from surveys.
  • Summary and report from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, which will include:
    • 8 interviews with SARFII member institutions.
    • 4-6 stakeholder interviews per member country.
    • 2 in-person country visits.
  • Minutes and summary of key project meetings.

4.3. Diagnostic Assessment Report

• The consultant will prepare a comprehensive diagnostic assessment report that details findings from data collection and analysis. The report will undergo multiple drafts, allowing for feedback from the SARFII PEG and AFI, ultimately culminating in a publication-ready final version.
• Specific Outputs:
  • First draft report incorporating feedback.
  • Second draft presentation at a SARFII meeting.
  • Minutes and summary of key project meetings and feedback gatherings.
  • Final detailed Word document formatted for publication.
  • Summary slide deck in presentation format.

4.4. 3-5 Year Action Plan

• The consultant will develop a 3-5 year action plan that provides both country-level and regional recommendations for enhancing digital infrastructure, improving digital payments, and advancing financial inclusion. This plan will include detailed narratives and a summary presentation to ensure clarity and accessibility.
• Specific Outputs:
  • Detailed narrative in a Word document.
  • Summary slide deck in presentation format.

4.5. Workshops and Presentations

·         The consultant will schedule and manage workshops end-to-end. These sessions will facilitate knowledge sharing among SARFII members, enabling them to discuss findings and proposed action plans effectively. The consultant will also ensure that AFI receives all relevant materials and documentation from these workshops.

·         Specific Outputs:

o   Organized workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions.

o   Slides, materials, recordings, and minutes/summary reports from the workshops and presentations.

Timeline

Activities, Deliverables, and Milestone

Week 1-2

(Nov 4-17, 2024)

Deliverable: Inception Report & Kick-Off Meeting

·         Onboard consultant

·         Conduct kick-off meeting with AFI management unit and SARFII PEG.

·         Submit the inception report outlining methodology, work plan, Gantt chart, and project management plan.

Milestones:

·         Kick-off meeting completed.

·         Inception report submitted.

Week 3-4

(Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2024)

Activity: Desk Research & Survey Design

• Conduct desk research on DPI, IDI, and review SARFII’s report on “Payment Innovations and Risks.”
• Design the survey for SARFII members, focusing on digital infrastructure and financial inclusion.
• Identify select interviews of member countries and stakeholders

Milestones:

·         Desk research completed.

·         Survey designed, reviewed and ready for distribution.

·         List of interviews of member countries and stakeholders

Week 5-6

(Dec 2-15, 2024)

Deliverable: Survey & Initial Data Collection

·         Launch the survey and initiate data collection from SARFII members.

·         Start planning for focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.

Milestones:

·         Survey distributed to SARFII member countries.

·         Data collection process initiated.

·         Schedule and plan for focus group discussions and interviews established.

Week 7-8

(Dec 16-29, 2024)

Activity: In-Depth Interviews & Stakeholder Engagement

·         Conduct 8 in-depth interviews with SARFII member institutions.

·         Begin stakeholder interviews or workshops (4-6 per member country) and organize 2 in-person country visits.

Milestones:

·         8 in-depth interviews conducted.

·         Initial focus group discussions completed.

·         Country visits planned.

Week 9-10

(Dec 30, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025)

Deliverable: Summary of Data Collection

·         Complete data collection from surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.

·         Analyze the data, summarizing the key findings for each SARFII member country.

Milestones:

·         All data collection activities completed.

·         Summary reports from interviews and focus group discussions submitted.

Week 11-12

(Jan 13-26, 2025)

Deliverable: First Draft of Diagnostic Assessment Report

·         Compile and draft the Diagnostic Assessment Report based on the collected data and analysis.

·         Submit the first draft to SARFII PEG and AFI for feedback.

Milestones:

·         First draft of Diagnostic Assessment Report completed.

·         Report submitted for review and feedback.

Week 13-14

(Jan 27 – Feb 9, 2025)

Deliverable: Final Diagnostic Report & Workshops

·         Incorporate feedback into the second draft for another round of review from SARFII PEG and AFI.

·         Organize workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions for SARFII members.

Milestones:

·         Second draft submitted and presented at a SARFII meeting.

·         Workshops conducted and knowledge-sharing sessions completed.

Week 15-16

(Feb 10-23, 2025)

Deliverable: Action Plan & Closing

·         Develop the 3-5 year action plan based on the diagnostic findings and feedback from SARFII members.

·         Submit the final action plan, including detailed country-level and regional recommendations.

·         Address inputs and feedback received from SARFII members during the workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, and revise and refine the Diagnostic Assessment Report based on feedback from the workshop, SARFII PEG, and AFI.

·         Submit the third draft to SARFII PEG, AFI Management Unit, and SARFII members for a final round of review.

·         Incorporate final feedback from all reviewers and finalize the Diagnostic Assessment Report for publication.

Milestones:

·         Final 3-5 year action plan submitted.

·         Project close-out and submission of final workshop materials.

·         Knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops are completed, and all feedback is collected.

·         The third draft of the Diagnostic Assessment Report is submitted.

·         Feedback from SARFII PEG and AFI is incorporated.

Week 17

(Feb 24-28, 2025)

Deliverables: Final Deliverables Submission

·         Submit the final deliverables, including the workshop summary report, the detailed action plan, and any supporting materials.

·         Submit the finalized Diagnostic Assessment Report to SARFII PEG and AFI Management Unit.

Milestone:

·         Complete all deliverables, incorporating final feedback from SARFII PEG and AFI into the outputs.

·         The Diagnostic Assessment Report is finalized and ready for publication.

·         Obtain sign-off from the SARFII PEG and AFI.

·         Consultant submits a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key insights of the policy framework.

Deliverables

Percentage

Upon submission & approval of the inception report

20%

Upon submission & approval of the first draft of diagnostic assessment report and data collection

20%

Upon submission & approval of second draft of diagnostic assessment report and completion of workshop

30%

Upon submission & acceptance of final diagnostic assessment report and action plan as well as final sign off.

30%

100%

Submission Deadline:

18^th October 2024

Documents to be submitted with Annexure 1 and 2:

Firm

·         Company Registration;

·         Company Profile;

·         List of previous or current clientele on similar work;

·         References with email contact;

·         Joint-Agreement (if any);

·         Conflict of Interest Disclosure form;

·         At least one (1) sample work (link or attachments) if any

Individual

·         Full CVs with list of previous similar work;

·         Disclosure if individual have a full time or part time employment contract with any organization or government official or indirect involvement in this tender;

·         Conflict of Interest Disclosure form;

·         Reference letter (if any);

·         References with email contact;

·         At least one (1) sample work (link or attachments) if any

Method of Submission:

By email to AFI’s Procurement & Contracts Office at

RFP2424@afi-global.org

Submission of Technical and Financial:

Kindly submit the following:

1.    Using the template/format given in Annexure 1 (Technical) and Annexure 2 (Financial) and/or additional technical proposal for more information. Technical proposal detailing the approach, methodology, and timeline for completing the assignment.

2.    Technical and Financial proposal must be separated in different pdf.

3.    Financial proposal including a breakdown of costs (inclusive of travel). Financial proposals must be USD only. Whereas for Malaysian applicants with Business Registration under Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), please submit your financial proposals in MYR.

4.    Company/individual profile demonstrating relevant experience.

5.    Proposal to be submitted to the designated email address.

6.    AFI does not tolerate copyright infringement, including but not limited to infringement, in the form of plagiarism. Consultant or Consulting entity awarded a contract by AFI shall take responsibility to ensure that the authored works, produced in parts or as an entirety of the deliverables stated in this RFP does not infringe on copyrights.

AFI reserves the right to disqualify incomplete submission, overlapping submission, and non-compliance to the above requirements. Notification of results will only be sent to shortlisted candidates upon completion. 

Technical Scoring Criteria

1.

Profile and Overall Qualification

20%

·         Academic Qualification

10%

·         Sample work – writing experience in English

10%

2.

Technical experience

50%

·         Experience and knowledge regarding Digital Financing Services, digital infrastructure, and related topics mentioned.

20%

·         Relevant experience in development and financing policies, as well as legal research.

15%

·         Regional experience

15%

3.

Adequacy of the proposed work plan and methodology in responding to the Terms of Reference

30%

·         Technical approach and Methodology: Clarity and feasibility of the proposed approach.

20%

·         Workplan

10%

Total

100%