REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Country: Lebanon

Name of Project: Green Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery (GATE Project)

Loan No.: Insert Loan Number –IBRD 95760-LB

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the Development of a Lending Manual

Reference No.: LB-KAFALAT-513778-CS-QCBS

1. The Republic of Lebanon

The Green Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery Project (GATE Project – P180334), financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), is implemented by the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR). Under Subcomponent 1.2, Kafalat S.A.L. has been designated as the implementing agency responsible for SME lending activities, pursuant to a Subsidiary Agreement with CDR.

The Subcomponent aims to provide direct lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the agri-food and agri-tourism sectors in Lebanon, thereby contributing to the overall objective of the GATE Project to improve the resilience of farmers and SMEs in the agri-food sector through enhanced access to finance.

Kafalat S.A.L. intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to procure consulting services for the development of a Lending Manual.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive and operational Lending Manual that will govern Kafalat’s SME lending activities under Subcomponent 1.2.

The Lending Manual will define the end-to-end lending framework, including application intake, credit appraisal, approval, disbursement, monitoring, repayment, and loan closure, in alignment with World Bank requirements and international best practices.

3. Scope of Services

The consulting firm will be responsible for, inter alia:

• Designing the complete SME lending framework from origination to loan closure
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process workflows
• Establishing a credit policy and risk management framework
• Defining the Credit Committee structure and governance arrangements
• Integrating Environmental & Social (E&S) requirements into lending operations
• Developing standardized templates, legal documents and tools (application forms, appraisal reports, loan agreements, etc.)
• Mapping data flows and reporting requirements, aligned with the Loan Management System (LMS)
• Ensuring alignment with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Conduit Bank
• Providing training to Kafalat staff
• Supporting the pilot implementation of initial SME loans

4. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to be carried out over a period of approximately 4 months.

5. Qualification Requirements

Interested consulting firms should demonstrate:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in financial sector consulting, SME finance, or credit risk management
• Proven experience in developing lending manuals, credit frameworks, or underwriting methodologies
• Experience working with banks, microfinance institutions, or development finance institutions
• Familiarity with World Bank or other IFI-funded projects (strongly desirable)
• Experience with loan management systems (LMS) and operational workflows
• Knowledge of Environmental & Social (E&S) standards in financial institutions
• Regional experience, particularly in Lebanon or the MENA region, is an advantage

6. Selection Method

The selection will be carried out in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020).

The method of selection will be Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS).

7. Submission of Expressions of Interest

Interested consulting firms are invited to submit Expressions of Interest including:

• Company profile and organizational details
• Description of relevant experience and similar assignments
• Technical capabilities and approach to the assignment
• Availability of appropriate skills among staff, including CVs of key experts

8. Deadline for Submission

Expressions of Interest must be delivered no later than  18 May 2026, 1:00pm Beirut Time

9. Contact Information

Attn: Yolla Sariedddine
Kafalat S.A.L.
Hamra Piccadilly Center
Email: yolla@kafalat.com.lb
 

10. Additional Information

Interested firms may obtain further information and request the full Terms of Reference at the above address.