1. Context
1.1. Background of DID and STEP project
Développement International Desjardins (DID) is a non-government- organization which belongs to Desjardins Group in Canada. It was established with a mission to support the cooperative credit model in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular. It has implemented several projects in Vietnam since 1993 to assist the People's Credit Fund network in its establishment and development.
In 2015, DID in collaboration with the Cooperative Bank of Vietnam proposed a project to support strengthening the People's Credit Fund network in Vietnam to Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The project was approved for a five year period. The project name is "STrEngthening the People's Credit Funds network (STEP)".
STEP is jointly managed by the Cooperative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) and Développement International Desjardins (DID), and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The project goal is to strengthen the capacity of Co-opBank and its network of financial cooperatives, the People's Credit Funds (PCFs). The overall mandate is to support and advise the Co-opBank and PCFs network in their process of transformation and modernization in order to increase their level of integration and performance.
The Project has the following objectives:
- Develop tools and competencies with Co-opBank enabling it to better support the People's Credit Funds (PCF) in their efforts to improve their competencies and raise their performance.
- Enable the PCF to deliver a range of safe and sustainable products and services that meet the needs of the rural population.
1.2. Cooperative Credit Model in Vietnam
The People's Credit Fund in Vietnam was originated from a cooperative credit union, which was formed by farmers and small entrepreneurs. Its mission is to provide mutual benefits for its members by seeking capital for their enterprises and farming efforts in order to improve their livelihood, reduce poverty and eliminate famine.
The Co-opBank, formerly Central Credit Fund, was established to serve as an apex institution for this the PCF system. Its mission is to assist the PCFs to contribute to implement the policy of the government for rural and agricultural development.
The PCF system has a two-tier structure, first, the Co-op Bank and its branches acting as an apex institution, the second tier comprises of 1162 PCFs to date.
2. Objectives
STEP is currently seeking two (2) local microfinance consultants/advisors. The position will work with international advisors and will report directly to the Project Director and ensure the realization of project deliverables. They shall assist the international advisors to implement all the above mentioned activities including but not limited to the diagnostic study, develop strategy and its implementation plan, they will participate in developing support tools, training and awareness and monitoring and evaluation of the environment and social impacts management progress. They will provide support to partner institutions in the development and implementation of various activities and in the use of guides and tools.
3. Scope of service
The Microfinance Consultant/Advisors will:
- Perform tracking and analyze microfinance/banking sector taking guidance from the SBV and the Co-opBank, develop new MF products and analyze the impacts of the proposed products;
- Assist the project team to conduct a diagnostic study;
- Act as resource persons for the management of project risks (including operational and political risks) and change management; financial/banking sector related risks;
- Advise financial institutions in the planning, development, coordination and monitoring related to the implementation of initiatives;
- Develop related documentation (management manual, concept papers, promotional materials, etc.) relating to cooperative banking/finance models to specialized solutions with the participation of environment, gender equity, communications specialists;
- Develop and disseminate microfinance/banking training and coaching (training of trainers) with social and gender sensitive integrated issues involved in agricultural credit, technical advisors and management associations of agro women entrepreneurs;
- Ensure a watch on trends and initiatives on financial education and inclusion of environment and gender equity principles to identify innovations and good practices on the market;
- Write reports, make recommendations and monitor the impacts of activities and interventions under their responsibility;
- Assess partner satisfaction with regards to the microfinance strategy and activities related;
- Act as project representative at events on the theme of the "microfinance";
- Undertake any other tasks as required by the Project Director.
4. Deliverables
- A diagnostic study report to be produced;
- Risk registers to be produced;
- Field visit reports (written form and verbal) to be produced for events attended;
- Analytical briefings (oral and/or written), as required;
- Monthly, quarterly, annual reports to be produced if required by the Project Director;
- Manual, guides, tools to be developed if required by the Project Director;
- Training to be organized for the partner institutions;
- Written/verbal opinions/comments in the field of banking and cooperative finance sector if required by the Project Director;
5. Assignment
The initial contract term is 1 year with possibility to extend to 4 years. This is a provision of technical service on a full time basis. The client is Développement International Desjardins and the beneficiaries are staff of the Co-opBank and People's Credit Funds in Vietnam. The anticipated start date of the contract is 1 st September 2017. MF Advisors will base in the office of the STEP project in Hanoi with office facilities and administrative support provided by the STEP team.
6. Qualifications
6.1. Education:
- Minimum Master degree in banking and finance;
6.2. Languages:
- Written and spoken fluency in English and Vietnamese;
6.3. Experiences/skills:
- Minimum three (3) years of experience working in microfinance or banking institutions in Vietnam, ideally with some management responsibilities;
- Good knowledge on the cooperative credit models in the world is also a plus;
- Practical knowledge of environment, social issues and development issues in Vietnam, in particular as they relate to private sector development, agricultural development, food safety, and industrial pollution control is a plus;
- Teamwork, organized, patient, dedicated, tactful, understanding, disciplined and mature.
- Experience in multi-cultural working environment is a plus, particularly with multi- stakeholders including national, sub-national government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and non-state actors including civil society organizations and community groups;
- Experience in roles as trainer, facilitator, coach or mentor involved in the transfer of knowledge, skills and tools to individuals and/or organizations;
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodology and analysis;
- Strategic thinking;
- Strong skills in verbal and written communication;
- Autonomy, professional creativity and attention to detail;
- Availability to travel within the country for durations varying from 3 to 5 consecutive days.
7. How to apply and Selection Criteria:
- Applicants (women and men have a similar opportunity) are invited to submit application which include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and scanned copy of relevant education/training certificates in English via email: [email protected] [1] by August 6th, 2017, 16:00 at the latest.
- Applications which are received after this date and time will not be considered.
- We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected will be contacted.
- Applicants will be assessed through a process as follows:
- Cover letters and CVs will be screened on the basis of responsiveness to minimum and other stated qualifications;
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take a written exercise at the STEP office to provide additional basis for assessing skills and knowledge levels.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the consultant selection panel.