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2008-12-16 issue:

MEDA expands service for microfinance

Mennonite Economic Development Associates offers corporate HR expertise.

by Mennonite Economic Development Associates

Print Article

Mennonite Economic Development Associates has launched a new program to take senior-level corporate human resource expertise to microfinance institutions (MFIs) around the world. MEDA was to host six participants from around the world Nov. 30-Dec. 3 for the first Human Capital in Microfinance Fellows Program. Through MEDA’s consulting work in human resources with MFIs worldwide, it has identified some basic challenges that impact the quality and reach of MFI services, including a lack of fundamental HR systems and a dearth of management skills. But beyond that, the microfinance sector also faces a shortage of skilled consultants to address these challenges and a lack of broad knowledge sharing within the industry.

“The MF Fellows Program will provide HR professionals with specialized training and practical skills to work directly with leading MFIs,” says Julie Redfern, MEDA’s director of microfinance, “and help them improve their HR functions so they can continue to deliver highly needed financial services to poor and underserved clients in Africa, Asia, Latin America and elsewhere.”

Mark Alexander, who has 30 years of human resources management experience, will be part of the first class of MF fellows.