Background Information
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funds the Responsible Microfinance Facility (RMF), which launched operations in January 2015 and is working to build capacity and improve practice in social performance management (SPM) in the Sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East North Africa Regions. The Social Performance Task Force is managing the RMF, in collaboration with the Smart Campaign. One type of activity that the RMF will implement is Smart Campaign Assessor trainings.
Training Curriculum
The training prepares participants to carry out the Campaign’s in-depth client protection assessments with financial institutions. It is the required first step to become an Accredited Smart Campaign Assessor. Accredited assessors not only have access to The Smart Campaign’s tools and resources and join an international network of assessors, but also receive unique permission to implement Client Protection Assessments. Assessors play a crucial role in bringing Client Protection Principles (CPPs) into MFIs around the world, as they conduct institutional evaluations using the framework of the CPPs and the assessment methodology developed by The Smart Campaign. The training will include experiential learning: role playing, practice interviews, and tips from experienced assessors. The training simulates the process of carrying out an assessment, while preparing participants to perform the interviews and analysis on their own. Becoming a Smart Certified Assessor adds value to both a participant’s skill set as well as his/her organization. For networks and associations, having a Smart Certified Assessor creates a potential revenue stream by offering consumer protection assessments as a paid service available to interested member financial institutions. The key subjects covered are the 7 CPPs and how to conduct and Assessment. Other topics include the Campaign’s background, the business case for client protection, Campaign tools and resources, upgrading projects, and preparing for Certification.
Duration
Three days
Eligibility
All are welcome to apply. Representatives of networks and associations and technical assistance providers are particularly encouraged to participate.
Language of Instruction
This training may be offered in English or French. There is a possibility it can be offered in Arabic depending on demand. This application form will ask you for your preferred language.
Cost
Registration for this three-day training (which covers key client protection concepts, valuable implementation learnings, and writing, presentation, and analysis skills) is absolutely free. Additionally, the training will provide lunch at no cost each day to participants. However, all applicants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training site, and for their own lodging. Participants will not receive a per diem allowance or be remunerated for their time.
Required Materials
All participants must bring a laptop to this training.
Date of the Training
The RMF is not able to schedule the trainings in advance of reviewing the applications. The form below asks for your preferred timing for the training. If you are selected to attend the training, the RMF will do its best to accommodate your request.
Location of the Training
To be determined. The RMF will not decide in which country to hold the trainings until it receives applications and therefore knows the countries of residence of interested parties. The goal, however, is to hold introductory trainings in many different countries, so that most, if not all, applicants will have the option to attend the training in their own country of residence.
Deadline to Submit Application
None. RMF accepts applications on a rolling basis.