Financial Management & Accounting Specialist for the “MSME Access to Finance Emergency Support and Recovery Project (MSME A2F-ESR PROJECT) in Lao PDR: Establishment of the Lao Credit Guarantee Facility (CGF)”

The Government of Lao PDR received financing from the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) for a project to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Financial Sector, specifically Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). The Project’s development objective is to provide long-term funding sources for banks to provide long-term credit to MSMEs to overcome the impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Negative impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated Lao PDR’s weak fundamentals and lead to a deterioration in the macroeconomic situation, including the SME and Financial sectors. The project’s aims are to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions and MSMEs to sustain operations and recover from the COVID-19 emergency. The project is expected to support the recovery and growth of privately-owned MSMEs by increasing the supply of long-term finance provided by commercial banks and by strengthening the capability of Department of SME Promotion to formulate and implement public policies that promote access to finance for MSMEs and strengthen the banking sector to recover from the effects of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

The Project’s three components are: (i) Emergency and Recovery Line of Credit to MSMEs; (ii) Strengthening BOL Capacity to Supervise PCG Facility; and (iii) Technical Assistance and Project Management. This project is being implemented and managed by the Department of SME Promotion (DOSMEP).

Functions of the LAO CGF: The Lao CGF will offer guarantees to banks for long term MSME financing. The CGF will draw on the World Bank’s “Principles for Public Credit Guarantee Schemes for MSMEs”, tailored to the Lao context. The BOL established a decision on the establishment of Credit Guarantee Companies on December 21st, 2020, which specifies principles, regulations, and measures for business establishment application and activities of credit guarantee companies and based upon the Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a CGF, which was completed on December 26, 2020.

 

 Objectives:

The Objective of a Lao Credit Guarantee Facility (CGF) is to support credit worthy loan constrained MSMEs, in the targeted sectors, by providing credit guarantees to those that lack sufficient collateral and supports these MSMEs under the Project to develop their financial skills through the provision of technical assistance. Proposed capital for the Lao CGF is for US $10 million, with the capital sought from the Government of Lao PDR. A possible funding source for Government of Lao PDR could be through the World Bank supported current MSME A2F-ESR Project via the DOSMEP.

Qualifications: 
  • At least 10 years’ experience in financial management and expertise internationally in credit guarantee systems’ asset liability management and accounting processes and practical knowledge of best practices in credit guarantee systems globally and experience in developing countries.
  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field applicable to this position.
  • Should hold a relevant professional certification in accountancy or finance qualification such as a CPA, CA, or CFA. 
  • Relevant experience in Southeast Asia, specifically in Laos.
  • Experience with World Bank or other development institutions.
  • Proficient in English; knowledge of Lao is an advantage.

 

Tasks:

The consultant will assess the financial management processes and recommend policy including asset liability management policy, investment policy, and accounting policy and principles. The consultant will also prepare other draft text, documents, and training material as needed to assist the CGF.

 

Start / Duration: 

30 months

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