Inst. Strengthening Sartawi Foundation

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The main objective of this project is to boost the institutional capacity of the Sartawi Rural Financial Service during the preparatory stage of its transformation into a Private Financial Fund (PFF) providing financial services to small business and microenterprise, mainly in rural areas. This operation will help to create the necessary conditions for SFR to obtain SBEF authorization to organize and operate as a PFF, and to attract private investors to participate in the undertaking. The three main activities that SFR will carry out as part of the operation are: a. Hire specialized technical assistance to (i) assess the financial services methodology and subsequently introduce improvements; (ii) reengineer operating processes; (iii) identify and design new financial services, including savings accounts; (iv) design a marketing strategy for its services; (v) perform a diagnostic and submit a proposal for requirements in terms of computerized operating systems; (vi) develop and/or procure systems and computer and telecommunications equipment; and (vii) install and implement a management information system. b. Provide key management and operating personnel with training to effect the changes in credit methodologies, systems reengineering and new financial services. The training will be carried out jointly by outside consultants and the Human Resources Department through seminars and in the workplace. c. Acquire software for the management information system and computer equipment needed to use the new programs and modernize electronic telecommunications throughout the network.