Finance officers at microfinance institutions

Finance officers at microfinance institutions play a pivotal role in the success of non-bank financial institutions—especially those offering microfinance services—as this success fundamentally depends on their ability to interact efficiently and professionally with both existing and prospective clients. Success in this role requires simplicity, speed, and accuracy in service delivery, thereby enhancing client trust and strengthening ongoing client relationships. This specialised training program prepares finance specialists to work directly and professionally with clients of microfinance institutions in accordance with the practices and regulatory controls approved by the General Authority for Financial Supervision (GAFS). The program aims to build human capacity capable of supporting the microfinance sector by providing effective and secure services.

Objectives of Finance officers at microfinance institutions Program

This program focuses on equipping finance officers with an integrated set of knowledge and skills necessary for working effectively in the microfinance environment. Its core objectives include

• Introducing finance officers to best practices recognized by the General Authority for Financial Supervision for conducting microfinance activities.
• Clarifying the nature of the microfinance market and identifying the profile of target clients eligible for financing.
• Explaining the fundamentals of granting finance and the criteria for selecting suitable clients using precise financial and credit evaluation techniques.
• Developing a comprehensive understanding of clients’ rights and obligations to enhance service quality and improve the performance of the finance portfolio.
• Enabling officers to apply the acquired knowledge in their daily work to achieve positive, direct results in the quality of services provided.

Target Audience

This program is tailored for the following specialists within the sector

Finance Officers / Finance Specialists actively working in microfinance institutions. 

Agenda of Finance officers at microfinance institutions Program

The program covers a comprehensive set of core topics designed to address both theoretical and practical aspects related to microfinance operations

• Introduction to the Microfinance Market — overview of the sector’s characteristics.
• Client Identification and Selection — defining who qualifies as a microfinance client and methodologies for selection.
• Principles of Granting Finance and Credit Evaluation Procedures — covering both financial and field assessment techniques.
• Microfinance Approaches — examination of lending approaches suitable for microfinance.
• Responsible Finance – Part I — principles of serving clients responsibly.
• Responsible Finance – Part II — continued focus on customer protection and ethical conduct.
• Principles of Client Protection (Client Rights and Responsibilities) — including legal and ethical obligations. 

Program duration

12 training hours