TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A PROJECT MANAGER (ON CONSULTANCY
BASIS) TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT FOR THE
UNFUNDED DIGITAL CREDIT GUARANTEE FACILITY

About Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSDU)
Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSDU) is an independent not-for-profit company
committed to promoting greater access to and usage of financial services in Uganda. FSD
Uganda seeks to develop a more inclusive financial sector with a focus on low-income
individuals, particularly women and youth, smallholder farmers, Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) and refugees.

FSD Uganda works with both public and private sector players to develop sustainable
improvements in the livelihoods of low-income individuals through reduced vulnerability to
shocks, increased incomes, and employment creation. We support innovation, conduct
research, help promote and improve policy, laws and regulation that shape the financial
sector in Uganda through targeted Technical Assistance (TA) and grants. FSD Uganda is
funded by the Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation and the European Union. We are
part of a network of nine financial inclusion organizations working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
About the Project

FSD Uganda and ASIGMA Capital Advisory Services Ltd have been engaged by the
Mastercard Foundation to Pilot a US$5 Million unfunded Digital Credit Guarantee Facility
for a period of 14 months. The goal of the pilot is to enhance digital access to credit for the
underserved and disadvantaged youth and youth MSMEs through uncollateralized digital
lending (utilizing credit scores) by leveraging the unfunded guarantee fund to crowd in
other Financial Services Providers.
Specifically, the pilot project aims to:
• Reduce the overall cost of credit through risk-based pricing and competitive product
differentiation
• Incentivize financial institutions to lend to the bottom of the pyramid customers by
guaranteeing ‘against’ potential credit losses from this segment.
• Promote the use of data-driven lending by leveraging the use of technology.
• Achieve fair geographical spread and impact by tapping into the extensive reach of
digital lending channels.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing among key
stakeholders with the goal of leveraging insights and lessons to inform project
scalability, optimization, and successful implementation of the post-pilot phase.
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FSD Uganda is the lead implementing partner of the project and seeks a Project Manager
(on consultancy basis) to support the implementation of the project.
Objective of the consultancy
To provide leadership, coordination, and technical oversight for the planning,
implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Digital Credit Guarantee Facility project,
ensuring high quality, timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.
Scope of work
• Lead and coordinate the planning, execution, and delivery of the Digital Credit
Guarantee facility project, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and
alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage, coordinate, and build effective working relationships with all stakeholders
involved in the pilot project
• Liaise with the designated facility manager to ensure that comprehensive due
diligence is carried out on the qualifying financial institutions, appropriate approvals
are obtained from the governance committee and contracting or claims processes
are carried out efficiently;
• Prepare clear, high-quality narrative reports for internal and donor stakeholders,
articulating progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
• Liaise with the Directorate of Research and Insights at FSD Uganda to conduct
studies and ongoing monitoring of qualifying financial institutions
• Organize forums and events (e.g. workshops, conferences, webinars, townhalls,
roundtables) to foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing
• Produce knowledge products and other communication outputs (articles, blogs,
policy briefs, digital or media materials, etc.)
• Any other activities as may be deemed necessary.

Reporting Line
The Consultant will report to the Agriculture & MSME Finance Lead and work closely with
other technical team members.

Duration of Assignment
The consultancy will be conducted and concluded in Uganda for a period of not more than
12 months with a maximum of 144 man-days. This estimated level of effort (LOE) may be
adjusted—either increased or decreased—based on the actual effort required to achieve the
agreed deliverables.
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Deliverables
Deliverables envisaged include the following:
a) Inception Phase Report
b) Monthly project progress reports
c) Project meetings/minutes/agenda/Workshop Reports
d) Project knowledge products and other communication outputs (articles, blogs,
policy briefs, digital or media materials, etc.)
The suitable individual consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

Qualifications
• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting,
Finance, Agribusiness or in any related field.
• A Master’s degree in Development Economics, Business Administration or relevant
other would be an added advantage.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP/ PRINCE2) preferred

Relevant Experience
• At least 8 years of demonstrable experience in project management, at least 5 of
which should be in the financial services sector
• Technical expertise and practical experience in digital financial services, financial
inclusion, managing loan guarantee schemes, MSME and agricultural finance
• Knowledgeable and experienced in the working operations of financial institutions
• Understanding of monitoring and results management concepts and processes;
track record of using learning to drive innovation
• Strong leadership and communication skills (written and oral)

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CVs and a cover letter to
fsducareers@fsduganda.or.ug no later than Thursday 29th January 2026.