TERMS OF REFERENCE

IT Business Analyst

1. Context

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 support better 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.

More specifically, the project aims to:

• Strengthening management capacities,

• Introducing new governance strategies and tools,

• Developing new financial products and services for clientele in rural areas,

• Introducing risk management.

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.

The Vietnam Association of People's Credit Fund (VAPCF) was established in 2006 with its mission to represent the PCFs with the Co-opBank and ensures certain support activities such as training and technical supports.

In addition to specific commercial bank activities, the Co-op Bank support the PCFs in: i) intermediation of funds, ii) liquidity assistance; 3) training and consulting; iv) develop banking products/services available for the need of PCFs; and, v) management of the Safety Fund.

2. Objectives

STEP is currently seeking an IT Business Analyst. The position will closely work with the Operations and Systems Advisor for the realization of project deliverables by supporting her/him in the successful completion of the analytical, design, testing and deployment tasks of the new transactional operation system and the other management information tools that are to be identified, selected and implemented within the PCF network.

3. Key Responsibilities

The IT Business Analyst will:

• Collaborate in the definition of an analysis plan and of a diagnostic study that should result in the identification of the business needs in terms of the functions and architecture of the information and technology environment of the PCFs;

• Help to analyze the needs and evaluate the options for consolidating, improving or introducing IT banking and other specialized solutions allowing for integrated monitoring of PCF operations and financial performance in addition to the integration of new products and services;

• Recommend solutions to facilitate coordination of partner’s business and IT needs (for banking transactions and operations) and evaluate the financial, human and organizational impacts;

• Help define the configuration specifications and business analysis requirements of the  solution(s);

• Perform quality assurance validations, support the coordination of some activities and ensure an harmonious and well-adapted implementation of the technological changes into the network;

• Define reporting and alerting requirements;

• Maintain and develop excellent relationships with the key partners by closely working with them to optimize and enhance the integration of the new IT solutions;

• Collaborate to the design, documentation and implementation of the operational processes related to the new IT system and tools and that will be adapted to the existing practices, norms, policies and corporate obligations (risk management, supervision, control, compliance, financial management, etc.) of the partner;

• Constantly be on the lookout for ways to improve tools supporting the monitoring and operational processes that can have added value to the project partners;

• Participate in the design of tools supporting the introduction and scale up of operational and management processes associated to risk management, performance management, and the core system for managing information and transactions;

• Support the network staff in adapting practices, norms, policies and corporate obligations (risk management, supervision, control, compliance, financial management, etc.) to the new technological environment;

• Participate in developing the associated documentation (policies and procedures, user guides, training manuals, etc.) for specialized solutions;

• Collaborate to the definition and design of new savings and credit products and services adapted to the needs of the PCF network;

• Provide training, coaching and expertise transfer to the Co-opBank and the PCF staff;

• Contribute and maintain a synergy between the various stakeholders of the project to promote a smooth implementation of the organizational changes;

• Communicate timely key insights and findings to the project team coordinators;

• Undertake any other tasks as requested by the Project Director or International Advisors.

4. Deliverables

• A diagnostic study report to be produced;

• Information technology plan 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 or International Advisors;

• Manual, guides, tools to be developed if required by the Project Director or International Advisors;

• Training to be organized and facilitated for the partner institutions;

• Written/verbal opinions/comments in the field of technology and banking system if required by the Project Director or International Advisors.

5. Assignment

The initial contract term is 1 year with possibility to extend up 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 early November 2017. Business Analyst/Advisor will base in the office of the STEP project in Hanoi with office facilities and administrative support provided by the STEP team.

The IT Business Analyst must be available to travel within Vietnam as required (varying from 3 to 5 consecutive days).

6. Qualifications

Education:

• Must have a completed University degree in IT / Computer Science in the field of Business / Systems Analysis or Quality Assurance;

• A University degree in banking, finance or accounting is a plus.

Languages:

• Written and spoken fluency in English and Vietnamese;

Experiences/skills:

• 2 years of experience in Business / Systems Analysis or Quality Assurance.

• Proven experience in IT requirements and testing.

• Experience in data analysis and visualization tools to draw and support business-relevant conclusions.

• Knowledge in writing SQL queries;

• Familiarity with BI technologies;

• Basic knowledge in generating process documentation;

• Experience in analyzing data to draw business-relevant conclusions and in data visualization techniques and tools

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including technical writing skills

• Experiences in Banking and Finance is an advantage.

• Experience in providing high quality analytical feedback.

• Well organized, team player, patient, dedicated, tactful, disciplined and mature.

7. How to apply:

• Applicants (women and men have a similar opportunity) are invited to submit application which include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae with scanned photo and scanned copy of relevant education/training certificates in English via email: [email protected] by [October 01, 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.