Request for Proposals (RFP): Consultant to Collaborate with Banks or Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to Offer Micro-Loans and Micro-Insurance - IRIF/PROC/2026/005

IRIF platform is a climate-resilient, AI-powered agricultural advisory solution being deployed by Birrama Digital Commerce PLC, in partnership with Farm Africa, with funding from WRI/P4G and cost-share contributions. IRIF combines low-cost soil and micro-climate sensor capsules with satellite data and AI-generated advisories, delivered to smallholder farmers via SMS/USSD, to improve irrigation decisions, input use, and yields.

IRIF also generates a farmer-level Score from climatic, soil, and productivity data, designed to allow financial institutions to extend credit to smallholder farmers and insurers to offer parametric insurance products on more favourable terms than would otherwise be available to them. Birrama is seeking a consultant to build the relationships with banks or microfinance institutions (MFIs) needed to bring micro-loan and micro-insurance products to IRIF-registered farmers in the project's operating area (Oromia Regional State - Arsi and East Shewa zones).

The objective is to secure a partnership, or partnerships, with one or more banks or MFIs willing to offer micro-loan and micro-insurance products to IRIF-registered farmers, using IRIF data to inform product design and underwriting. Indicative tasks: map and assess banks and MFIs active in or able to serve the operating area; engage shortlisted banks or MFIs on the Score value proposition; support negotiation and structuring of micro-loan and micro-insurance product terms; draft a partnership term sheet/MOU framework for the selected bank or MFI(s); document the process in a final report. Farmer onboarding onto any resulting products is a separate, subsequent activity and out of scope here.

The assignment is to be completed within two months of contract signing.

Deliverables: (1) inception note - bank and MFI landscape mapping and engagement plan; (2) Bank and MFI engagement summary; (3) partnership term sheet/MOU framework; (4) final report with recommended next steps.

Eligibility:

• An individual consultant, or a legally registered firm with a valid trade licence and TIN.
• Demonstrated experience in microfinance, agricultural or rural finance, or financial-inclusion partnership-building, ideally including direct engagement with banks and MFIs or similar institutions in Ethiopia.
• Familiarity with micro-insurance or parametric/index-based insurance products is an advantage.
• At least two (2) references from similar assignments, with contact details.
• For firms: trade licence and VAT and TIN certificate. For individuals: CV and ID.

Proposal must include:

• Consultant or firm profile, relevant experience, and the two (2) references above.
• A brief note on the proposed approach to bank or MFI mapping, engagement, and partnership negotiation, and a proposed timeline.
• CV of the consultant(s) who will carry out the assignment.
• Financial proposal: proposed daily fee and total fee for the estimated days, in ETB inclusive of all taxes, valid for at least sixty (60) days.

Proposals are evaluated in two stages: eligibility/completeness check, then 70% technical / 30% financial scoring among compliant proposals.

How To Apply

Submit your application by email to bids@irif.world before August 21 2026, with the subject line "RFP IRIF/PROC/2026/005 – MFI Micro-Loan & Micro-Insurance Consultant". Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Attach all required documents - incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Questions may be sent to bids@irif.world up to three (3) working days before the deadline.

Please note:

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four (4) weeks of the submission deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Birrama Digital Commerce PLC reserves the right to cancel, amend, or re-advertise this RFP at any stage, in part or in whole, without prior notice and without liability to applicants.
• Birrama Digital Commerce PLC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, without incurring any obligation to disclose its reasons to affected applicants.
• Submission of a proposal does not obligate Birrama Digital Commerce PLC to award a contract to any applicant, nor to reimburse any cost incurred in preparing or submitting a proposal.