The objective of this market assessment in India is to develop an evidence-based business case for LGBTI-inclusive banking practices, focusing on tailored products, services, and investment structures for the LGBTI community. These findings will enable IFC to identify advisory and investment opportunities that support FIs in establishing inclusive and equitable value propositions while reducing discrimination.

SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Assignment Title: Research Study : LGBTI India Financial Inclusion Opportunity

Assignment Countries:

• India

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

The objective of this market assessment in India is to develop an evidence-based business case for LGBTI-inclusive banking practices, focusing on tailored products, services, and investment structures for the LGBTI community. These findings will enable IFC to identify advisory and investment opportunities that support FIs in establishing inclusive and equitable value propositions while reducing discrimination.

The findings will guide the development of practices that eliminate barriers to equitable access to banking products and services for LGBTI individuals. Recognizing that LGBTI-inclusive policies are linked to economic growth, individual development, improved business performance, and return on investment, this study will provide a roadmap for creating more inclusive financial environments.

This study aims to empower IFC to highlight the significance of LGBTI inclusion and assist FIs in developing a comprehensive financial inclusion strategy. This strategy will engage all facets of the LGBTI community, including leaders, employees, consumers, entrepreneurs, and community members. 

ELIGIBILITY

1.       FIRM QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Research firms with a proven track record in market research in India (experience in other South Asian countries is desirable).

·        The firm's market research specialization should include expertise in assessing demand and understanding challenges within "bottom of the pyramid" segments, such as low-income populations, micro-entrepreneurs, rural populations, women, migrants, and displaced populations.

·        Expertise in gender baselining and gender research is essential, and experience with LGBTI populations is highly valued.

·        Areas of expertise should include market assessments focused on financial inclusion, capabilities, talent and employability, and entrepreneurship potential within the target populations.

·   A team with in-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural and private sector landscape in the region.

·        Strong networks in India to facilitate primary and secondary research.

·        Experience working with development finance institutions (DFIs) and a range of key stakeholders, including the private sector, government agencies, UN agencies, and international donors.

·    Demonstrated experience with both qualitative research techniques and quantitative market assessments.

·    Ability to propose remote methodologies for primary data collection and operate effectively in restricted mobility environments.

·        The team leader/research director should have at least 10 years of experience in finance, consulting, and/or relevant research fields.

·  An established track record in utilizing analytical tools and technical infrastructure, such as SAS, R, Python, and other relevant software.

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Hindi, with a proven ability to engage with clients and stakeholders effectively. 

2.       RESEARCH FIRM SELECTION criteria

·        Demonstrated deep understanding of the assignment's objectives.

·        Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines, ensuring all deliverables are produced in English and are of high quality.

·        Flexible, responsive, and client-oriented, with the capacity to work effectively in teams and across cross-cultural environments.

·        Time commitment from key team members should be sufficient to achieve the engagement’s objectives.

·        The proposal's quality and feasibility in achieving the engagement objectives.

 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals).

Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents.

The EOIs should be maximum 25 pages (including all Annex). 

Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now

NOTES

Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.

Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted.

If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.