Micro-Finance Loan Consultant

The National Occupational Certificate: Micro-Finance Loan Consultant or Officer equips learners with the skills and knowledge to effectively administer the entire lifecycle of a micro loan, from prospecting and acquiring consumers to ensuring loan repayments and maintaining compliance with regulations. Learners will gain practical experience in interacting with consumers in both face-to-face and call centre settings, while also developing the ability to monitor and administer a loan portfolio. By acquiring these competencies, learners will be well- prepared for a career in micro-finance, offering valuable support to individuals and communities while fostering financial inclusion and stability. Learners have the option to focus on individual lending, group lending or developmental lending as electives in the qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Micro-Finance Loan Consultant or Officer. Micro-finance Loan Consultants administer the entire lifecycle of a micro loan, ensuring compliance with regulations. Micro-finance Loan Consultants interact with consumers in a face-to-face or call centre setting. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct prospecting activities to identify potential consumers and introduce them to lending products. • Conduct consumer acquisition activities by processing loan applications. • Monitor and administer the loan portfolio. • Conduct workout activities related to the collection of loan repayments and refer defaulters to the collection department. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: • Sense of urgency. • Adaptability. • Effective team player. • Critical thinking. • Practically orientated. • Customer focused. • Innovative. • Technology inclined. • Culturally sensitive.

The National Occupational Certificate: Micro-Finance Loan Consultant or Officer has been developed to address the need for skilled professionals in the micro-finance sector. As micro- loans become an essential tool for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation, there is a need for trained consultants who can effectively administer loan processes, ensure compliance with regulations, and assist consumers in managing their financial needs. This qualification addresses the gap by equipping individuals with the necessary expertise to contribute to the success and sustainability of micro-finance institutions and development financing. The qualification is structured to provide learners with the option to select modules that pertain specifically to either Individual, Group or small Business consumers as elective modules in addition to the compulsory modules. The National Occupational Certificate: Micro-Finance Loan Consultant or Officer will enhance the micro-finance sector by producing well-trained professionals who can effectively administer the loan process, improve customer service, and reduce risk through proper portfolio management. It will also ensure that micro-finance institutions comply with regulations, contributing to the stability and integrity of the sector. Society will benefit from access to trained consultants; this qualification will help individuals and small businesses in underserved communities obtain the financial support they need whilst addressing responsible lending principles. It will also promote financial literacy, empowering consumers to make informed decisions and better manage their finances. The National Occupational Certificate: Micro-Finance Loan Consultant or Officer will contribute to economic growth by fostering financial inclusion, enabling more people to access credit, invest in businesses, and improve their livelihoods. The qualification's focus on Developmental Lending will also support the growth of micro-enterprises, which are key drivers of job creation and economic development in many regions. Typical learners include people who are already working within the Micro-Finance industry and those who wish to enter the field. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • Micro-Finance Officers. • Micro-Finance Lenders (for Individuals, Group and Developmental) Skills Development. • Providers. • Financial Services Regulators. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate (if relevant) Micro-Finance Loan Consultant: Micro-Finance Loan Officer. Profession(s) related: • Micro-Finance Officers. • Micro-Finance Lenders (for Individuals, Group and Developmental) Skills Development Providers. • Financial Services Regulators.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL for access: • Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. • Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for exemption from modules: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non- formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for credits: • Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. • A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. • Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification.

Exit Level Outcomes: 1. Apply essential prospecting methods, procedures and techniques. 2. Process credit applications for consumer acquisition activities. 3. Interpret information to monitor and administer the loan portfolio. 4. Apply essential collection workout methods, procedures and techniques.