Project Profile: The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), which is the poverty reduction arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, intends to procure the services of a reputed, international consultant who will work with the ISFD and the Urban Development Division of the Infrastructure Department of the IDB Group to develop a Programme Concept Document relating to Urban Poverty Reduction. ISFD has different channels of developing its interventions. Firstly, it works with sector department of the IDB to co-finance projects requested by the Governments of member countries in the area of poverty alleviation. Secondly, it conceptualizes and develops its on flagship programmes. The ISFD currently has 3 flagship programmes that target the poor in the areas of micro-finance, vocational training, and rural development. It is also in the process of developing other flagship programmes based on well-grounded research and successful interventions on the ground. The ISFD is embarking on a research study of the poor living in urban areas, which could lead to the development of a potential flagship programme. In order to achieve this objective, the ISFD would like to engage a short-term consultant who will be expected to deliver a report that will be a guiding document for the ISFD in launching its programme. The ISFD invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services for this short-term assignment. Consultants should provide specific information which demonstrates that they are fully qualified to perform/provide the services. The Expression of Interest (EOI), does not have a specific format or template, but should include (i) a letter of interest from the individual/ firm to participate in the assignment, (ii) profile of the individual/ firm (including evidence of the requisite expertise and skills), and (iii) list of similar assignments (i.e. portfolio of relevant similar work in Strategic Planning with descriptions of these assignments). Some key functions, among other, related to the assignment are as follows: • Conduct an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of Urban Poverty in the IDB member countries • Analyze the poverty reduction strategies of the selected IDB member countries, especially in relation to the urban populace • Identify successful, global, best-practice urban poverty reduction interventions (infrastructure, as well as, capacity development) • Propose multiple, proven urban poverty reduction interventions suitable for replication in the IDB member countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Interventions are to be proposed based on the criteria of high impact, focus, cost-effectiveness, low implementation risk, quick implementation (maximum 3 years) • Develop a conceptual outline for implementation of suitable urban poverty reduction projects in three potential member countries from the above-mentioned regions roadmap, with high likelihood of success The duration of the assignment is expected to be 2-3 months depending on the agreed scope of work, including a 1-week visit to the IDB Headquarters in Jeddah, KSA. The assignment is expected to be undertaken between May and August, 2013. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Guidelines for the Use of Consultants under Islamic Development Bank Financing (2009). Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours [0830 to 1600 hours] (K.S.A time). Expression of Interest (EOI) must be delivered to the address below by Close of Business on Monday, 15th April, 2013. Ahmed Faruk Diken Trust Funds Specialist Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development Islamic Development Bank P.O. Box 5925; Jeddah 21432, K.S.A ADiken@isdb.org Tel: +966-2-646-6979 / +966-2-646-6876