Consultant FAQ

1. What is the Microfinance Gateway Consultant Database?
2. Should I submit my profile to the Consultant Database?
3. How do I submit my profile to the Consultant Database?
4. What is considered "expertise?"
5. Where should I submit a CV in French or Arabic?
6. What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?

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1. What is the Microfinance Gateway Consultant Database?
The Microfinance Gateway Consultant Database is an industry resource featuring the profiles and CVs of professionals in microfinance and associated fields including: Regulation/Supervision, Donor Policy, MFI Regulation, MFI Operations, MFI Staff Training, External Audits, and Products.

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2. Should I submit my profile to the Consultant Database?
You should submit your profile to the Microfinance Gateway Consultant Database if you:

• Have demonstrated experience in field of microfinance and/or the appropriate background and relevant skills to enter the field; and
• Are a seasoned professional (at least 5 years of work experience) with a record of substantial, full-time work experience (a broad understanding of development issues, field experience, and knowledge of languages are desirable); or
• Are a junior consultant beginning your career in the field of microfinance who lacks direct work experience, but possesses relevant academic qualifications and experiences.

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3. How do I submit my profile to the Consultant Database?

You can submit your profile and CV to the Consultant Database by following a few simple steps outlined below.

Generally, the process takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes, although you have up to two hours to complete your profile. Since you cannot save your profile as a draft, you will need to complete the entire process in one session. The system times out after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Step 1: Registration

• Click on http://www.microfinancegateway.org/content/member/submit
• Enter your email address in the appropriate field and click "Add/Edit CV"

 

Step 2: Create Your Profile

• Enter your profile information in the appropriate fields
• Click on "Add" in the Experiences field and enter up to 5 relevant work experiences.
• Click on "Browse" in the Attach CV field and attach your CV (one per profile).
  We prefer CVs in .pdf format. Other acceptable formats are: .doc, .rtf, .txt, and .html. CVs cannot include photos and or be password protected.

 

Step 3: Submit Your Profile

• When you have finished creating your profile, click "Submit Form." The system will confirm receipt of your online application.
• A representative of the Microfinance Gateway will review your profile. If all of the information is complete, your profile will be published in the Consultant Database within 5 business days.

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4. What is considered "expertise?"

Seasoned consultants who claim expertise in an area(s) should have relevant education and, in some cases, professional credentials in that area. A successful record of demonstrated performance and results and substantial full-time, practical work experience in expertise area(s) (by “substantial,” we mean a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience) are required.

The Microfinance Gateway has seen and been alerted to consultant listings under headings (“insurance” is one example) where the individuals claiming expertise in an area lack necessary education, qualifications and experience in the subject matter. We respectfully ask all consultants to take a self-critical look at this matter and, where called for, to adjust their listings accordingly.

If the problem persists, contact us through webmaster@microfinancegateway.org and we will try to support you in creating your profile

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5. Where should I submit a CV in French or Arabic?

This site can only accept profiles and CVs in English.
To submit a CV in French, please visit: http://french.microfinancegateway.org/content/member/list.
To submit a CV in Arabic, please visit: http://arabic.microfinancegateway.org/content/member/list.

We cannot accept CVs in other languages at this time.

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6. What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?

Technical difficulties that prevent you from submitting your profile information have various causes (poor Internet connection, firewalls, file size of attachments, etc.). In most cases, you can resolve the problem by trying again at a later time.

If the problem persists, contact us through webmaster@microfinancegateway.org and we will try to support you in creating your profile.

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Disclaimer: The Microfinance Gateway does not represent or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of user content or any other communications posted by users or endorse any opinions expressed by users. Those who use this database to select a consultant for an assignment are encouraged to check the accuracy of the consultant's information and quality of their services.