Russia Small Business Fund

In conjunction with the expected extension and increase of the EBRD investment component under the RSBF until the end of 2015, the general rationale for the COF Component of the Programme is to continue fostering the development of lending activities by the PIs to MSEs in Russia, helping PIs enhance their institutional capacities and implementing measures to maintain a high quality of their loan portfolios. To achieve these objectives, the Consultant will focus on MSE credit advisory services Design and implement lending schemes tailored to the financial needs of eligible MSEs in Russia, and undertake ongoing analysis to improve the design as necessary. The methodology shall contain appropriate means to analyse credit applications, monitor loans and support repayment  and collection systems, taking into consideration lessons learned from the financial crisis lending environment. The design and implementation should take into account differences  pertaining to lending to micro- and small enterprises; Assist PIs with development and enhancement of marketing and customer service functions; new product development; Assist PIs with development and introduction of application processing systems (APS) and the Management Information Systems (MIS) in relation to MSE lending. MSE credit scoring methodologies The Consultants may be expected to review the lending methodologies of PIs in order to expand credit scoring implementation to a wide range of loan products. The Consultants may also review the historical information available on PIs MSE portfolios, make recommendations for rectifying any identified weaknesses in the scoring approaches and algorithms and provide comments on the adequacy of PIs' existing IT systems in respect of the credit scoring methodologies. While a Consultants ability to provide advice on scoring is a plus, it is not compulsory. 3. Institution Building/MSE Integration The Consultants will work to ensure that the MSE lending department is an integral part of the organisation structure and has appropriate chains of command. The interaction of the department with other key lending units as well as back office functions, such as audit and risk management should also be assessed and strengthened, as appropriate; The COF Consultants will develop and implement measures in PIs' head offices and branches in the area of portfolio quality management and risk management. 4. Rural and Agricultural Lending Support The Consultants will support design, adaptation and implementation of a specific lending scheme for rural and agricultural lending. The Consultants will assess the demand for such lending (especially on the part of regional banks operating in agricultural regions) and provide support in identifying suitable Programme locations, conducting pilot schemes and developing new branches and outlets for such PIs. 5. Training and Sustainability of TC Measures Consultants will provide training to respective PIs staff in areas outlined above under respective call-off assignments. Sustainability of TC measures will further be ensured by means of training the trainers in PIs and preparing PIs for "graduation" from TC.