Shift from Cash Transfer Consultancy

ABOUT LEVITUM

Levitum is about collecting and disseminating data and information on the disenfranchised segment of the population and refugees, and implementing development programs aimed at improving their living condition.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Lebanon has been facing multiple crisis since 2020; from socioeconomic deteriorations, to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut Blast. To cope, Levitum has been implementing several cash for work, cash assistance and social programs in order to help alleviate the situation.  Beneficiaries in those programs used to get assistance by cash or through money transfers by money transfer companies.

However, since the financial situation started to stabilize, the future social and cash assistance programs will transit from handling cash to money deposited in accounts for beneficiaries. This is part of a plan to eventually switch everyone to accounts for social programs.

Before the switch, Levitum will like to gauge the opinions and experiences of its beneficiaries. The study will focus on what features would make people trust and use accounts, and what problems they have with their current cash handouts.  The study will only focus on people/beneficiaries’ opinions and experiences. The goal is to make the switch to accounts as smooth as possible, without making things harder for people who receive the handouts.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

• The objective of this consultancy is to conduct qualitative research with Levitum's beneficiaries (approximately 2,000) across all governorates, aiming to formulate optimal recommendations for a seamless transition to account-based transfers. The specific objectives of the study include:
• Segmentation of beneficiaries based on financial needs, preferences, and account access barriers.
• Mapping of financial needs, concerns, vulnerabilities, and current practices, along with tools used to address challenges.
• Identification of use cases and financial products tailored to diverse beneficiary groups, emphasizing account utilization for various financial tasks.
• Provide recommendations for effective onboarding of cash transfer beneficiaries onto accounts, including assessing the feasibility of remote account openings.
• Analyze existing processes for bank account and mobile wallet openings, considering recipients' profiles and documenting regulations related to account dormancy and reactivation for those who already possess an account.
• Conduct a pilot test with cash transfer beneficiaries to assess account opening and cash-out processes, testing different options and providing insights for a future transition from cash to account-based disbursement.

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

Levitum anticipates that the study design will include the following:

• A desk review
• A qualitative research. At a minimum the following should be recommended:
  • Key Informant Interviews
  • Focus Group Discussions

It will be the responsibility of the consultant to propose the methodology. Levitum will need to approve the methodology prior to data collection. The methodology should be participatory. The full participation of project beneficiaries, Levitum staff and partners is crucial.

DELIVERABLES

The study is scheduled to commence on March 18 and conclude on July 1, 2029.

1. Inception Report

To include:

• Detailed methodology
• Data collection tools
• Data collection plan
• Evaluation Report Outline
• Detailed workplan with timeline

2. Draft and Final Evaluation Report

Should contain the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Methodology
• Main Findings
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• Annexes (Study ToR, Inception Report, Study schedule, List of people involved)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant will be in charge of finalizing logistical matters related to recruitment of enumerators and conducting data collection and data entry (i.e. tablets, papers, phones, chargers, etc.), coordinating the transportation to the different areas where data collection will be completed, calling selected participants for taking an appointment and securing consent from all participants.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Experience

1. Experience in qualitative research with a focus on human-centered design methodologies.
2. Expertise in conducting financial inclusion research, particularly with extreme poor and low-income populations, with a specific emphasis on social protection or cash transfer programs.
3. Proficiency in analyzing financial sector regulation and business processes, specifically related to Know-Your-Customer (KYC), electronic KYC, and identification.
4. Excellent analytical and report writing skills.