UNDP Jobs - 75781- Microfinance (MFI) Assessment Consultancy

Microfinance (MFI) Assessment Consultancy

Location :

Suva, FIJI

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Dec-2017

Application Deadline :

26-Nov-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

4 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

43 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

SPBD is a network of MFIs operating in the five South Pacific countries- Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu offering a basket of financial services covering the following- Group Microloans, SME loans, Higher Education Loans, Overseas Workers loans, Renewable Energy Loans, Member Savings and Funeral/Death Benefit cover with ongoing Financial Literacy training to its members. Since inception It has disbursed 165,000 microloans worth more than USD$ 100 million to women microentrepreneurs, and as on date has a total of 46,500 active customers with microloans and savings in the five countries accounting for nearly 11% of the households in these countries.

The assessment study is to analyze the business viability of SPBD, market potential for further expansion in the respective countries, types of products/services that will meet specific needs of the target segments, recommendation for PFIP support to SPBD in various areas of engagement.

Refer to ToR for details.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake document research to prepare detailed financial and business viability of SPBD in the five countries of operation
S/he will be required to prepare detailed assessments on the market potential for expansion of SPBD operations in the five countries, opportunities for product/service enhancements, partnerships with other FSPs for offering value added services
S/he will gather detailed data on SPBD customers across the five countries, cost drivers, map out potential areas for cost reductions, recommend service improvements including using digital channels for customer experience enhancement.
She/he will also review the administrative set up of SPBD in the five countries, its HR policy and practices, its IT systems and CRM to come up with useful suggestions for improvements to some or all the above
S/he will prepare detailed budgets and costs for the above product/service improvement or introducing new products/services, recommend if PFIP should provide grant support.

Competencies

Strong networking skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

Minimum Master’s qualifications in Economics, Microfinance, Finance, Humanities or related discipline

Experience

Minimum 7 years of experience working in the microfinance sector preferably at senior operations level
Knowledge and experience of working in financial inclusion projects in developing markets
Knowledge and experience of working in digital financial services especially mass market financial services