Call for expressions of interests: Research on women’s access to finance

Purpose

In April 2019, the European Union and the Chamber of Commerce Somaliland hosted Promoting Job Creation & Investment Climate Private-Public Business Dialogue. The primary concern of women participants was access to the full range of banking services which men enjoy. Also, the Oxfam and Nagaad’s Somaliland Gender Gap Study reinforced this concern: “women were denied access to some banking services that men enjoyed even though their repayment rate was higher than that of men.”

Therefore, Oxfam would embark on operational research to identify better ways for women to access finance, which leads to expanded business, greater livelihood and the formalization of their economic activity.

This operational research will analyze the causes of differential access for women to the full range of services in banking and microfinance institutions. The research will provide a rich ground to analyze underlying causes of differential access for “bankable” women to the full range of financial services at their financial institution.

Key areas for analysis

• Key barriers and enablers to women accessing finance for business in Somaliland,
• Understanding the attitudes and experiences of women’s access to finance.
• The intersectionality between expansion of business and the formalization of the economy.

Methodology

• Key Informant Interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Analyzing Micro-Dahab’s (the micro-finance wing of Dahabshiil Bank) data
• Review of relevant secondary data through a literature review

RESEARCH PRODUCTS

The research would be going to written up into a report, and it’s going to be made public, so it’s very important to deliver the message in easy to understand way. Consultant will write according to the Oxfam Style Guide for References, Notes, and Bibliographies. The written style would have to be factual and document all the sources used.

The researcher will also give a presentation to key stakeholders with the main research findings.

Required skills for lead researcher

Essential

• Minimum of master’s degree in business, microfinancing, public policy, social sciences, social research, or relevant disciplines.
• Extensive experience in social research, including designing and conducting formal and academic researches.
• Good understanding of women’s rights and gender inequality
• Proficiency in computer skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and understanding of advocacy, awareness-raising and aid systems.
• Knowledge of advocacy on gender justice and aid systems

Ethics and risks

The researcher must recognize the capacity and rights of all individuals to make their own choices and decisions and their right to be treated with dignity. The researcher’s primary goal must be to improve the lives of participants and protect their physical, mental and social well-being. The researcher must ensure that the benefits for participants are at least as great as the risks.

Mode of application

Expressions of Interest with a technical proposal with budget and work plan, CVs for researcher or research team should be submitted on or before 22nd November 2020, and via email to SOM-Consultancies@oxfam.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.