Request for Expression of Interest (EOI)

The PPAF has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the project “PPAF-III”, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include an in-depth study and analysis of the microfinance market, financial resource availability, funding options in national & international markets, institutional structures and organizational human resource capacity required.  Microfinance sector has evolved in Pakistan and is facing a new array of opportunities and challenges.  The vision of PPAF is commensurately evolving.  PPAF sees the opportunity to spur a revitalization of the microfinance sector where the technological innovations, progressive operating environment, and range of institutions operating in Pakistan are now matched with a resurgence in financial penetration and responsible growth of outreach, particularly in untapped markets.  In order to achieve this vision, PPAF will create a transformative, modern, specialized, and innovative microfinance apex entity to substantially increase financial sector penetration for poor households and microenterprises, particularly in underserved areas of Pakistan

In order to create the optimal design of this new apex, the study should identify options for this new institutional design (including maintaining the status quo) and articulate the costs, benefits, risks, and transformation aspects that ought to be considered when finalizing the most appropriate design for the new apex to achieve the outlined goals.  The consultancy would be spread over a period of six (06) months maximum.  Planning and implementation would be carried out in consultation with the Financial Services Group at PPAF.

The PPAF now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services.  Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.  The shortlisting criteria are:
Business objectivesCorporate capacityExperience & field of expertiseAssignments of a similar nature and complexityCore business and years in businessQualifications in the field of assignmentTechnical and managerial organization of the firmGeneral qualifications and number of key staffThe attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers 2006 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on Conflict of Interest. 

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality- & Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900-1700 hours, Monday through Friday.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) in a sealed envelope, clearly mentioning the title of the assignment in the front top-right corner, no later than 1700 hrs on  31 May, 2012.

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