Call for Tender - Procurement of Financial Service Provider / Cash Transfers

Position: Call for Tender for the Procurement of Financial Service Provider / Cash Transfers

Time Frame for this assignment:  12 months from the date of contract signature

Location: All governorates of Lebanon

Type of consultancy: service agreement

ABAAD – Resource Centre for Gender Equality – is a community-based NGO actively involved in executing various initiatives within Lebanon since 2011. As part of our procurement process, we kindly request a quotation for the provision of financial services for cash transfers, under the reference CRN(08082025-01).

ABOUT ABAAD

ABAAD– Resource Center for Gender Equality is a UN ECOSOC accredited organization that aims to achieve gender equality as an essential condition to sustainable social and economic development in the MENA region. ABAAD advocates for the development and implementation of policies and laws that enhance women’s effective participation, through a rights-based approach that would bring about tangible change to gender justice. With the purpose of ending gender-based violence, ABAAD adopts a holistic care approach to provide protection and support services to GBV survivors/right holders during times of peace, war and disasters since 2011.

OVERALL GOAL OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

To contract a qualified financial service provider to ensure secure, efficient, and compliant cash transfers or related financial services to beneficiaries across Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Disbursement of funds to beneficiaries via cash.
• Ensuring compliance with Lebanese financial regulations.
• Providing secure beneficiary verification (PIN, ID, biometric if available).
• Offering real-time or regular reporting and reconciliation systems.
• Supporting the organization with customer service for troubleshooting.
• Delivering final reconciliation reports per transfer cycle or project.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. General Eligibility Criteria

• Legal registration in Lebanon (Commercial registration & Ministry of Finance).
• Valid VAT registration (if applicable).
• Financial license from Banque du Liban (if applicable, e.g., for money transfer or exchange companies).
• Owner or CEO or GM passport/I.D. copy
• Not blacklisted by any international body (e.g., UN, EU, World Bank).
• Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) regulation

2. Technical Criteria

• Proven experience in providing financial services to NGOs or humanitarian agencies.
• Capability to manage bulk payments (e.g., cash assistance).
• Strong data management system with a vetting process for each beneficiary.
• Geographic coverage (branches, agents) – especially in remote or vulnerable areas.
• Ability to provide real-time reporting and reconciliation tools.
• Track record in handling large volumes securely and efficiently.
• System for managing beneficiary verification (e.g., biometric, PIN, ID checks).
• Data protection and compliance with GDPR or similar privacy standards.
• Flexibility with different reports (collected – uncollected) specially in terms of time frame.

3. Financial Criteria

• Competitive transaction fees, commissions, and FX rates.
• Transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges.
• Capacity to hold or disburse funds in multiple currencies
• Minimum financial stability indicators (e.g., minimum capital, audited statements).
• Capacity to handle transactions mounting up 150 000 USD per year

4. Administrative & Documentation Requirements

• Company profile and list of similar contracts.
• List of clients (especially humanitarian or development organizations).
• Audited financial statements (last 2–3 years).
• Updated company registration papers and licenses.
• Tax compliance certificates.
• Proof of insurance (professional liability, fraud, etc.).

5. Ethical & Compliance Criteria

• Signed Code of Conduct or Anti-Corruption Statement.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and Do No Harm approach.
• Internal complaints and fraud reporting mechanisms.
• Adherence to NGO’s safeguarding, SEA and protection policies (especially if dealing directly with vulnerable populations).

Submission Requirements

Interested bidders must submit the following documents:

• Completed and signed detailed financial proposal.
• Completed and signed detailed technical proposal.
• Company registration documents and valid licenses.
• Track record of working with NGOs or similar sectors.
• Sample reporting format or dashboard access (if applicable).
• Two reference contacts from previous NGO clients.