National Financial Inclusion Strategy consultancy — Samoa Finance Sector Resilience and Development Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION) Country: Independent State of Samoa Name of Project: Samoa Finance Sector Resilience and Development Project (SFSRDP) 2025 – 2029 (World Bank Financed Project P181456) Loan No./Credit No./Grant No.: IDA – E3780 Assignment Title: National Financial Inclusion Strategy Consultant Reference No.: CBS/CS/009 The Government of Samoa has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the SFSRDP P181456 and intends to apply part of the proceeds to consulting services for the procurement of a National Financial Inclusion Strategy Consultant. 2. The consulting services (“the Services”) of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy Consultant will: Undertake a strategic review of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy II (2022/2023-2025/2026) to assess progress, challenges and outcomes achieved, and Draft a comprehensive National Financial Inclusion Strategy III (2026/2027-2030/2031) The activity is to be entirely managed and executed by the selected firm, with an estimated duration of 4 months, ensuring the completion of all tasks within the specified timeline. The consulting firm is expected to begin work by August 2026. 3. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.cbs.gov.ws and www.mof.gov.ws or can be obtained at the address given below: Central Bank of Samoa Financial System Development Department Level 1, Central Bank of Samoa Building 2 Apia City Boulevard Email: lanna.lome@cbs.gov.ws. 4. CBS 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 (refer to the Terms of Reference – TOR for the requirements). 5. The evaluation criteria are: Mandatory Minimum of a Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Banking, Development, ICT or related fields or equivalent experience Minimum of 8 years in financial inclusion policy development and having had previous work experience in such area in the Pacific. Must have strong familiarity with, and experience working on the intersection of financial inclusion, gender-inclusive finance, innovation, climate finance including broad knowledge of related disciplines, as well as an in-depth knowledge of relevant policies and procedures Must have experience with developing digital programmes, strategies and digital inclusion (minimum two projects) Sound understanding of legal, regulatory and policy development Experience working with the mass market, including rural or low-income communities, preferably related to financial services and digital inclusion (minimum two projects) Experience reviewing and/or developing a National-level Strategy inclusive of monitoring and evaluation tools Desirable Practical experience in conducting stakeholder consultation workshop in the financial sector. Proven track record of working directly with policymakers and regulators, with technical knowledge of these actors and financial services. Consultant – COMPETENCIES : - Ability to think conceptually and practically, analyse data and translate into strong recommendations. Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback. A strong drive for results and ability to adhere to deadlines. Comprehensive knowledge of financial products and services, including the service providers. Excellent interpersonal communication, project management, and organizational skills. Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills. Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. 6. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14,3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023, setting forth the World Bank’s Policy on conflict of interest. 7. Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture (“JV”) and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a JV, all the partners in the JV shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected. 8. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations in paragraph 7. 9. Further information can be obtained at the address below during 9.00am to 4.00pm, Samoa time, on working days no later than 8 July 2026: Ms. Lanna Lome-Ieremia Manager Financial System Development Department Level 1, Central Bank of Samoa Building 2 Apia City Boulevard Email: lanna.lome@cbs.gov.ws 10. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person or through electronic submission through the Government e-Portal https://portal.tenderlink.com/mof_samoa/ by 11am Samoa time, 13 July 2026. Ministry of Finance Attn: Tenders Board Secretary Level 4, Central Bank of Samoa Building 2 Apia City Boulevard Apia, Samoa Tel: +685-34333