1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. management
4. project management

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development (MRRD)
Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)
(CONSULTANTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)
COUNTRY: Afghanistan
NAME OF PROJECT: Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP)
Grant No.: IDA Grant No. H531-AF
Assignment Title: “Impact Study of AREDP Literacy Classes on Enterprise Development”
Reference No. CS-38
The Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD) have received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the
Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP), and intend to apply part of
the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include:
Relevancy of the Assignment with the Project Development Objectives (PDO)
7. AREDP has a collaborative program (MoU) with the Ministry of Education for
supporting regular writing of sales register, cash book and business related accounts by
the SGs and EGs, writing and maintenance of saving books by SGs members, writing of
the sale vouchers and invoices, numerical calculation in business accounting, writing and
maintenance of stock books and other business related accounts and calculations, which
are very important for the AREDP stakeholder for day to day business. AREDP intend to
improve this literacy level of the AREDP beneficiaries in day to day business accounting
literacy level. Through the proposed impact study, AREDP would like to have a impact
study, based on which AREDP will proceed for improving the business literacy level
through effective imitative. So, the proposed consultancy services are relevant to the
Project Development Objectives of AREDP.
Literacy Courses of AREDP
8. One of the main successes of the AREDP program at the field level has been its ability
to successfully incorporate women into program activities. This success can be seen at
the percentage of active women participation at the saving group and enterprise group‟s
level and female owned enterprises supported by AREDP. However, illiteracy in
Afghanistan, particularly, at rural communities is severe and almost lowest among all
countries. Illiteracy while it has direct affect on the social and development sectors, it has
also direct influences on the economic front. Therefore, in order to empower women
1|Page
economically the numeric literacy comes first. In this sequence AREDP initiated
establishment of literacy classes with technical support of ministry of education for the
female SGs of the covered provinces. For more details please refer to Table 1.
Table 1: Shows the coverage of literacy classes disaggregated by province and district
Sl. No.
Provinces
01
02
03
04
05
Bamyan
Balkh
Nangarhar
Parwan
Heart
Districts
Students
(literates)
Center of Bamyan
1,075
Nahrshahi
925
Behsod
800
Jable Seraj
600
Karokh
1,425
Total
4,825
Courses
(Literacy)
43
37
32
24
57
193
9. AREDP‟s regular monitoring of its field activities and researches done show that the
program has been very successful in its gender strategy and the literacy is making
significant difference in the enterprise development and is increasing women participation
in rural economy and market activities. But an external view is required to inclusively
study these impacts.
Overall Objectives of the Assignment
10. It has been noticed in the regular monitoring visits that female saving groups are
highly enthusiastic to participate in the literacy classes. Even some of the female saving
group members, where AREDP has still not opened the literacy classes are requesting
AREDP for the establishment of literacy classes in their SG. Besides this we believe that
the literacy classes are highly important for the sustainability of the SGs. Because, for the
time being most of the female SGs members are uneducated, and their savings records
are maintained by female village facilitators of AREDP. Once the female SG members
are able to read and write, we will be able to pull off village facilitator from the village and
the female SGs members will be able to maintain and update their business related
record book. Therefore a quick impact assessment of the literacy will be conducted for
259 female to find out the real and documented impacts of these classes on lives of
female beneficiaries.
Specific Objectives of the Assignment
11. Considering the project development objectives of AREDP that is focused on creating
equal income and employment opportunities, and the importance of gender issue as a
crosscutting theme in the program activities it is quite important to find out the impact of
AREDP different activities on the lives of all beneficiaries, particularly women. In order to
find out the impacts of AREDP literacy classes on the lives enterprises of the women SG
members we need to evaluate the impacts of those classes through an independent firm,
who has all the required technical knowledge and familiarity with the context. The main
objectives of the impact studies are:
 Finding out the support provided to the literacy class beneficiaries, such as pen,
notebook, literacy book, and some other tools;
 Finding out the real impacts and spillover effects of AREDP literacy classes over
enterprise development;
 Conducting quick literacy and numeracy tests from the literacy class beneficiaries,
and provide an analytical overview on the results;
 Finding out the direct impacts of AREDP literacy classes on their beneficiaries;







Identify the indirect impacts of the literacy component on the beneficiaries;
Recommending some of the most effective ways meeting the literacy needs of the
female SG members;
Exploring the main challenges encountered;
Finding out the social impacts of the literacy classes on the target beneficiaries;
Reflecting on the attitude change of the literacy class beneficiaries;
Find out main ideas and point view with regards to the literacy classes for their
female;
Explore the beneficiary‟s point of view with regards to the importance of such
classes.
General Scope of the Assignment
12. The „Consultant‟ will be responsible to M&E Manager, AREDP. The duration of the
consultancy services will be for three (3) months commencing from September 2014 with
closing on November 2014. The consulting services will include five (5) Provinces (Herat,
Balkh, Bamyan, Parwan and Nangarhar) of AREDP.
Specific Scope of the Assignment
13. The sampling frame has been shown in the table1, which clearly shows that this study
will be conducted in five provinces, covered by the AREDP. The data will be collected
from treatment and control groups using multi-level random stratified sampling.
Accordingly the sample frame is divided into these two strata and within each stratum
saving groups should be selected following a two stage design. In the first stage total
numbers of villages should be separated for control and treatment group in each stratum.
Sample size for selection of villages is calculated with following parameters.
 Population (N) = 259 classes
 Margin of error = 5%
 Confidence level 95%
 For proportions P value assumed = 50%
14. Based on the above parameters following formula was used to determine the sample
size for villages:
n = [(z2 x p x q) + ME2] / [ME2 + z2 x p x q/N]
Sample size (n) = 250
15. Therefore, in the first stage 250 classes has to be selected from each treatment and
control strata. This sample is then proportionally divided between each province.
16. In addition to above, following are some of the major scope of the assignment:
 Develop a comprehensive schedule for activities and all associated logistics
required for successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline;
 Review of all projects and reports;
 Design tools based on the above research objectives;
 Pilot the new developed impact evaluation tools and incorporate the field findings
within the tools if possible;
 Develop training materials for the enumerators;
 Recruit enumerators;
 Conduct training to the enumerators;
 Conduct the impact evaluation using the above methodology;
 Collect, verify, enter the data to the excel database;
3|Page





Analyze the data using comparative qualitative and quantitative data analysis
methods, and reflect the major findings in charts, graphs, and tables;
Present their findings to the AREDP staff;
Provide the soft copies of the photo graphs of the field visits, short videos and
other materials related to this study;
Prepare a draft final report (in English) with the following elements (but not limited
to):
a. An Executive Summary;
b. Demographic and socio-economic information of the target class members
c. Methodology
d. Results of the analysis according to the terms of reference
- General findings
- Province wise analysis
- Comparative look at the findings
e. Problems encountered;
f. Lessons learned;
g. Conclusion
h. Recommendations for AREDP
i. Annexes presenting the data gathered during the surveys
j. Archive materials: complete surveys, questionnaires, interviews and
groups meetings documents including the list of interviewees
Prepare and present a comprehensive Final Report in English, after incorporating
all the comment and feedback given by the review committee members.
Methodology
17. Data Collection Methods: The data from the selected classes will be collected
through individual interviews, and focus group discussions using a well-shaped
questionnaire, by female enumerators, keeping in view the cultural values of the country.
Ensure Accuracy and Validity of the data: Accuracy and validity of the data is still one of
the most important issues that will be strictly followed during the whole process of the
data collection. In order to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data, following
measures will be taken:
 Triangulation of the data
 Cross checking of the data with the available data
 Verification and rechecking of the 10% forms.
TIMELINE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
18. The impact assessment study will have to be delivered in three phases during three
months period, which are as follows:
Phase One: Secondary data collection and desk review -Review of existing project
documents primary data needs to be collected in the next phase. The Consultant can
access appropriate documents and data available with AREDP such as M&E and MIS
data, project documents such as operational manual, and existing AREDP research
information. This activity is expected to start upon the commencement of the assignment
and be completed within thirty (30) days. Using the secondary data, the consultant will
provide a complete inception report that would include the detailed plan, methodology on
overall project implementation, identify knowledge areas that need clarification. This will
also include the presentation and discussion of questionnaires with the Client, which will
be presented as part of the inception report. The actual data collection can be performed
at the end of the secondary data collection after the client approves the inception report.


PHASE TWO: FIELD RESEARCH AND PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION-DATA COLLECTION
OF SOME OF THE KEY VARIABLES MENTIONED IN THE OBJECTIVES SECTION ALONG WITH
SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN THROUGH THEIR LITERACY CLASSES
REQUIRES THE CONSULTANT TO ADOPT CREATIVE APPROACHES. IN ADDITION, THE
CONSULTANT HAS TO GATHER BASIC INFORMATION OF EACH TARGET COMMUNITIES‟
DEFINED AS TARGET COMMUNITIES‟ PROFILE THAT WILL INCLUDE INFORMATION SUCH
AS DEMOGRAPHIC, CULTURE, SOCIO-ECONOMIC, POWER SET UP AND SOCIAL
STRUCTURE AND THE RELATION OF THESE VARIABLES ON WOMEN PARTICIPATION TO
THE PROGRAM AND ITS IMPACTS. THE FIELD ACTIVITY WILL START AFTER THE CLIENT
APPROVES THE INCEPTION REPORT. THE PHASE TWO MAY TAKE A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF
THIRTY (30) DAYS.
PHASE THREE: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION- DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS WILL
START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DATA IS COMPILED FROM THE FIELD AND WILL BE
COMPLETED WITHIN ONE WEEK. HOWEVER, THE DATABASE FOR THE DATA ENTRY WILL
BE DEVELOPED DURING THE SECOND PHASE, BASED ON THE APPROVED
QUESTIONNAIRES. ON THE COMPLETION OF PRIMARY DATA ANALYSIS, A PRELIMINARY
REPORT WILL BE PREPARED, AND THE CONSULTANT HAS TO DELIVER A PRESENTATION
ON THE KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY TO AREDP STAFF AND MANAGEMENT. IN ORDER
TO GET FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS THAT WILL FEED INTO REPORT WRITE UP. AFTER
INCORPORATING AREDP COMMENTS TO THE DRAFT REPORT, A FINAL REPORT WILL BE
DEVELOPED AND PRESENTED TO AREDP WITHIN ONE WEEK. IN ADDITION TO THAT,
AREDP WILL TAKE A PERIOD OF ONE WEEK TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE FINAL
REPORTS AND SHARE THE COMMENTS WITH THE CONSULTANT FOR INCORPORATION TO
THE FINAL VERSION OF THE REPORT. AND FINAL PRESENTATION WILL BE DELIVERED TO
KEY STAFF OF AREDP WITHIN 3 MONTHS‟ TIME PERIOD INCLUDING SUBMISSION OF
FINAL REPORT.
Required Qualification and Experiences (Short-listing Criteria)
19. The consulting firm should have following qualifications and experiences:
a)
Minimum three (5) years of overall experience as consultant (firm) in any
program/project conducting M&E activities, impact study or related projects;
b)
Minimum one (1) year of specific experience in impact study/impact evaluation
of literacy groups in Afghanistan.
Required Key Professionals/Staff
20. The Consultant will provide a team of experts with the following skill sets who shall be
adequately qualified and experienced in both Development projects and M&E related
fields.
Name of Position
Qualification
Experience
Team Leader (1
Position)
Minimum Master in Business
Administration, Statistics or other related
subject.
Minimum Bachelor in Business
Administration, Statistics, Computer
Science or other related subject.
Minimum Bachelor in Business
Administration, Statistics, Computer
Science or other related subject.
Minimum High School Graduation
Minimum 3 years of experience in
managing M&E related projects
Data Analyst (1
Position)
Data Enumerator (5
Positions for five
provinces)
Support staff (1
position)
5|Page
Minimum 2 years of experience in
data analysis in any project or
program
Minimum 1 years of experience in
data collection in any project or
program
-
Action Plan, Time Schedule and Expected Output of the Assignment
21. The consultant will indicate a SMART work plan indicating key staff mentioned and
finalize the action plan with consultation with ARDP M&E unit. The proposed time
schedule and expected outcomes mentioned in the inception report should be finalized
and approved by AREDP.
Reporting Obligations, Deliverables and Confidentialities
22. After the commencement of the assignment the consultant (consulting firm) should
have to submit the following reports. It is noted that all the documents, reports and
communications are belongs to AREDP and must be confidential. Without permission of
AREDP authority any report and document will not be disclosed to other or use by other
entity.
23. The Consultant will deliver all reports in MS Word File and PDF file format including
all raw data in tabulated form, together with relevant summary tables, in MS Excel Files
and database at the time of submission of draft report and revised final report as follows.
1. Inception report (3 hard copies): it will include detailed methodology of the study,
plan for analysis of secondary data and desk review, research instruments,
detailed time line and work plan for carrying out the assignment within 10 days
after signing of the contract.
2. Primary Analysis Report (3 hard copies in English): It will include format of the
final report, primary analysis of elements discussed in the scope of work, survey
verification and monitoring mechanism, discussion of issues identified during the
study and all supporting documents as annex such as list of interview groups
within 45 days after the initiation of the assignment.
3. Final Report (3 hard copies in English): This needs to be submitted after
accommodating all the comments, and altogether it should not take more than two
months from the commencement of the assignment within 80 days after initiation
of the assignment.
4. Final Presentation: After submission of the final report, presentation will be
organized with selected stakeholders to share the main findings of the study
within 90 days after initiation of the assignment.
5. Soft and hard copy of the pictures, videos of the field visits: The consultant
will provide the soft and hard copy of the pictures, videos, of the field visits to the
cline by the end of the study with the final report.
DATA, SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT
24. The Client will make all available project documents including Project Appraisal
Reports, Project Implementation Plan, Community Operations Manual, human resources
manual, Financial Management Manual, etc.; Facilitate participation of key PO, PMO and
other project staff during the audit where and when require. Facilitate interaction and
exchange of information between the consultant and the PO, PMO and the other project
supported agencies / staff and the CBOs; The consultant however, will be responsible for
all travel, local transport to field and accommodation throughout the period of the
contract. The M&E unit head at program office will act as a link between AREDP, the
consultant and other relevant stakeholders.
REVIEW COMMITTEE TO MONITOR CONSULTANTS WORK
25. The monitoring of the assignment will be done as follows:
1. Coordination mechanism: AREDP will form a committee from its relevant
units head to oversee the whole process of this study. Moreover, any report
and deliverables submitted to AREDP will have to be reviewed and approved
by the committee members. Therefore, the consultant has to closely
coordinate all its activities with the committee members and should copy all
members in its all correspondence about the study.
2. Regular progress reports: After commencement of the assignment, the
consultant has to provide bi-weekly progress update to AREDP M&E team
about the progress of the activity on regular basis.
3. Duration of the assignment: It is estimated that the assignment will take
three months from the date of signing of the agreement. However, the
consultant should also mention about the feasibility of the mentioned timeline
for the completion of the assignment while submitting the inception report to
AREDP.
Method and Procedure of Selection
26. The selection and employment of the “Consultant” will be done following World
Bank Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and
IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 (Consultant
Guidelines), Section I, Paragraph 1.9, setting forth the World Bank‟s policy on “Conflict
of Interest”.
27. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture (JVCs) or a
sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. In this case clear responsibilities of
each firm must be acknowledged and submitted with proposal duly signed by each
interested firms as per article No. 1.15 of Consultants Guidelines of World Bank.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the “Selection Based on Consultants’
Qualification (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines, paragraph 3.7.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (0800 to 1400
hours).
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person,
or by mail, or by e-mail) by 23 September 2014 on or before 1400 hours.
Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP)
Attn: Mohammad Qais Aqaee, Procurement Manager
MRRD Compound, Nila Bagh Street, Darul Aman
Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel: +93 786200625
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
7|Page