Call for Proposal “Research for Designing Green Financing Instruments in the Microfinance Sector”

with Cambodia Microfinance Association
This job has already passed the closing date
Invitation for Bids

BTDC-ID: 30324
Closing Date:

Bid Components

Announcement Description

CMA Overview

Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) is a non-profit, membership-based organization established in 2004 to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of the microfinance sector in Cambodia. CMA is recognized by the National Bank of Cambodia and is part of the Association of Banks in Cambodia. Currently, CMA has more 130 members operating in 25 provinces and serving more than 1.5 million households.

CMA is seeking a consultant (individual or group) to exercise the assignment on the “Research for Designing Green Financing Instruments in the Microfinance Sector” as the following information:

Background and Rationale:

Cambodia is highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, particularly in its crucial agricultural sector which represents a major component of the national economy. The country's reliance on rain-fed farming and the sensitivity of crop yields to changes in weather patterns make the agricultural industry especially susceptible to the impacts of global warming. Rising temperatures, increasing rainfall variability, and more extreme weather events pose grave threats to Cambodia's food security and economic stability. Addressing these climate risks in the agriculture sector will be paramount for the country's future development and prosperity.

Bid Components

Call for Proposal “Research for Designing Green Financing Instruments in the Microfinance Sector”

  • Career Category: Call for Proposals
  • Location: Phnom Penh

Title: Research for Designing Green Financing Instruments in the Microfinance Sector

Duty Station: Cambodia

Period: 4 months Assignment

Objectives:

The overall objective is to conduct research in which the result can be used to support the design of green financing instruments that can be implemented by microfinance institutions in Cambodia to contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, focusing on the agriculture sector, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Scope of Work:

The research will involve the following key activities:

  • Desk review of existing literature, policies, and initiatives on green finance in Cambodia and internationally.
  • Stakeholder consultations with representatives from financial institutions, private sector, government, and civil society.
  • Market assessment to understand the demand and supply-side dynamics for green finance products.
  • Design and testing of prototypes for green financing instruments (e.g. green loans, green bonds, risk-sharing facilities).
  • Development of implementation roadmaps and policy recommendations to support the scale-up of green finance in Cambodia.

Expected Outputs:

  • Landscape assessment report on the current state of green finance in Cambodia.
  • Benchmarking of international best practices in green financing instruments.
  • Detailed design of 2-3 green financing instrument prototypes.
  • Final research report synthesizing the key findings and recommendations.

Timeline and Budget:

The research is expected to be completed within 4 months after the contract is signed. The budget will be determined based on the proposed methodology and work plan.

Desired Skills, Qualifications, and Experience of Consultant

This consultancy is open to individuals (national and/or international consultants) or consultancy teams (national and/or international) that can demonstrate their experiences for this assignment as below.

Bidder Eligibility

  • Skills:
  • Strong understanding of green financing concepts, instruments, and best practices
  • Expertise in conducting market research and needs assessments
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Proficiency in financial modeling and product design
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
  • Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in finance, economics, sustainable development, or a related field
  • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in the microfinance, banking, or sustainable investment sectors
  • Demonstrated track record of successfully designing and implementing green financial products or programs
  • Familiarity with Cambodia's financial landscape and regulatory environment
  • Knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
  • Experience:
  • Prior engagement in green finance research, product development, or advisory work
  • Experience working on projects related to financial inclusion, climate resilience, or environmental sustainability
  • Proven ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into practical, actionable recommendations
  • Track record of collaborating with microfinance institutions, banks, or other private sector entities
  • Familiarity with donor-funded or development projects in the Southeast Asian region
  • The consultant(s) should possess a unique blend of financial expertise, sustainability knowledge, acontextual understanding to effectively deliver

Submission Requirements

CMA is open to receiving applications from individuals (national and/or international consultants) or consultancy teams (international or a combination of international and national) that meet the requirements, which should include the following:

  • The up-to-date CV of key persons who are involved in this research
  • Cover letter (1 page maximum, in English)
  • Proposed methodology and the minimum sample size (3-5 pages maximum, in English, including proposed time allocation)
  • Activity Timeline in Gantt chart
  • Management/Logistic arrangement (2 pages maximum)
  • A budget covering all expenses (separate excel sheet): Budget should include breakdowns for consultancy fees, per diem, materials (stationary), transport, training, and communication costs, etc., and should be presented with a unit description, number of units, unit rate and total cost (not a lump sum amount).

The deadline to submit the application is 1st July 2024 at 12 noon (Cambodia time).

Please submit your expression of interest to the following address provided in the contact details.

Or email with the subject of “Research for Designing Green Financing Instruments in the Microfinance Sector”.

Please note that CMA provides equal opportunity and fairness in any employment to all people or entities.

 
Attachment
 

Contact Details

Office Address
  • #30B, Street 652, Sangkat Tuek L'ak Ti Bei, Khan Tuol Kouk, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
 
Contact Name
  • Cambodia Microfinance Association
 
Email