Opportunity for Expatriate Bangladeshis to Work in Bangladesh!
In 2004, the Local Consultative Group (LCG) on microfinance carried out a sector review of the Microfinance Industry in Bangladesh. This review, supplemented by a series of papers on issues in the microfinance sector concluded that the donors need to start working in a collaborative way without duplicating efforts undertaken by the various donors. The accumulated works have been synthesised into a Joint Donor Review on Microfinance that sets out mega trends within the sector, and opportunities for pushing forward the boundaries of financial services for the ultra poor in order to increase impact. It was recommended that appropriate regulation, increased access for unserved groups, improved governance/institutional capacity, and more innovative financial products need to be developed to address the needs of the poor, especially women.
The PROSPER Programme
Following the Joint Review, the project design on Promoting Financial Services for Poverty Reduction (PROSPER) was undertaken. The programme builds on significant success achieved by microfinance sector in Bangladesh and is focused on key gaps and priorities identified by national strategy for accelerated poverty reduction ‘Unlocking the Potential (October 2005).’ The PROSPER Programme also stands on the fundamental premise that ‘Sustainable micro-finance sector in Bangladesh offers greater access to, and usage of, diversified financial services for the poor people and micro, small enterprises & farmers’. Department of International Development (DFID), Government of UK is the lead development partner (donor) contributing £40 million towards this programme. PROSPER supports in the establishment and funding the following key institutions involved in the microfinance sector in Bangladesh : Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF); the Institute of Microfinance (InM); Microfinace Regulatory Authority (MRA); Bangladesh Bank and Credit Information Bureau (CIB). There are several secondary stakeholders including the major Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), and research organizations.
The Institute of Microfinance (InM)
The Institute of Microfinance (InM), is one of the four components of the PROSPER programme. It is an independent organization which sets to emerge as an internationally acclaimed center of excellence with core activities of research, training, and knowledge management, all in the field of microfinance, poverty and rural development. The vision of the Institute is to establish an academic and institutional infrastructure to develop the capabilities of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) and various other stakeholders in Bangladesh and other countries through research, training and academic preparation. InM seeks to provide these services in an efficient, socially responsive, transparent and sustainable manner.
Within a short period of time since its inception in November 2006, InM has conducted a considerable number of studies in various disciplines related to poverty and microfinance. The Institute has a future plan to undertake 10-15 research studies every year. Currently, InM is undertaking the following four large longitudinal studies for a period ranging from five to seven years:
• Micro Enterprise Development
• Access to Financial Services
• Microfinance and Poverty
• Multiple Interventions for Poverty Alleviation
InM has been passing through its expansion phase. With a view to developing its research capacity, the Institute is searching for qualified researchers from within the country and abroad. In this regard, InM offers the following opportunities :
• Any Bangladeshi or expatriate Bangladeshi or foreign nationals undertaking Ph.D. or Masters in any recognized foreign university in microfinance, development studies and development finance may be involved in InM research studies.
• These students will be allowed to use InM data sets with proper arrangements with the Institute.
• The willing incumbents may apply in advance for regular positions at InM or for involving themselves in its various research projects.
• In the above mentioned cases, the incumbents may join the Institute even after completion of their education.
• The incumbent may join InM either as a regular member or on 2-3 years contract basis or they can come on sabbatical, as the case may be.
• InM also has an internship program under which interns from the leading national universities and also from foreign universities are allowed to work with InM.
• In also encourages collaborative research with any individual or institution.
InM is not a government organization. It offers attractive remuneration to researchers and academics, negotiable based on background and skills.
For further details about the Institute of Microfinance, please visit the Institute’s website: www.inm.org.bd
Please send your CV to :
Dr M. A. Khan, Adviser/Team Leader, PROSPER Programme- PFU, Bnagladesh
makhan@prosperprogram.org
At this stage, we will not be able to acknowledge application.
