Internal / MFI Toolkit
RIM has developed the Institution Assessment Toolkit for Internal Assessors as a step-by-step technical guide for assessors of microfinance institutions. This guide is divided into two sections:
- Overview
- Technical Guide
The overview is written for board members and executives of microfinance institutions to provide an overview of RIM and the Graduation Model framework: how it was developed, who it was developed for, and its applications and global use. Similarly, it provides an overview of the Internal Institution Assessment process, RIM’s role and available support during that process, and the broad structure of this Institution Assessment Guide.
The Technical Guide is aimed at Institution’s Graduation Model Champion and provides a 7-step guidance on the technical implementation of the Internal Institution Assessment process. At each of these steps, the toolkit is accompanied by practical tips and tools that should inform the internal assessor’s implementation of the RIM Graduation Model Internal Assessment.
Practical Tools
(members only)
and Setting Expectations
Step 1: Getting Started and Setting Expectations
Purpose: To explain the benefits of the Internal Institution Assessment process, ensure institutional readiness, and set appropriate expectations for all MFI staff involved.
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Getting Started and Setting Expectations, including:
1.1 – FAQs – Getting Started and Setting Expectations
1.2 – RIM Graduation Model Champion Role Description
1.3 – Sample Internal Institution Assessment Work Plan
1.4 – Internal RIM Institution Assessment Inception Meeting Slide Deck
Step 2: Desk Review
Purpose: To prepare for Internal Institution Assessment interviews by collecting and reviewing internal documentation and evaluating the institution’s risk management system on paper and in theory
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Desk Review, including:
2.1 – Document Checklist
2.2 – RIM Institution Assessment Tool for Non-Deposit-Taking Institutions
2.3 – RIM Institution Assessment Tool for Deposit-Taking Institutio
Observations
Step 3: Interviews & Observations
Purpose: To assess the reality of the MFI’s risk management systems against best-practice standards within Graduation Model guidelines for MFIs at the relevant tier level.
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Interviews & Observations, including:
3.1 – RIM Institution Assessment Tool User Guide
Step 4: Analyzing Results
Purpose: To analyze and interpret the outcome of Internal Institution Assessment.
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Analysing Results, including:
Graduation Path
Planning Meeting
Step 5: Institutional Graduation Path Planning Meeting
Purpose: To present and validate the findings of the Internal Institution Assessment and facilitate a participatory strategy and planning meeting for organizational development.
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Institutional Graduation Path Planning Meeting, including:
5.1 – Institutional Graduation Path Planning Meeting Agenda Sample
5.2 – Institutional Graduation Path Planning Meeting Template & Facilitator’s Guide
5.3 – Slide Deck—Institutional Graduation Path Planning with Senior Management
Board of Directors
Step 6: Presentation to the Board of Directors
Purpose: To present the Internal Institution Assessment results and Institutional Graduation Path for review and approval
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Presentation to the Board of Directors, including:
6.1 – Slide Deck—Institutional Graduation Path Review with Board of Directors
Ongoing Oversight
Step 7: Evaluation & Ongoing Oversight
Purpose: To ensure that Internal Institution Assessment activities are concluded appropriately, evaluation of the Internal Institution Assessment process is completed, and all board, management, and staff are clear on their ongoing responsibility for implementing the Institutional Graduation Path over time.
This guide’s Practical Tools can assist the internal assessor with Evaluation & Ongoing Oversight, including:
7.1 – Sample Agenda—Conclusion Meeting with CEO
7.2 – Evaluation Survey—RIM Graduation Model Champion
7.3 – Evaluation Survey—CEO
7.4 – RIM Institution Assessment Tool Upload Portal
7.5 – Leveraging Risk Management for Future Growth: A Business Case of UNTU Microfinance in Zimbabwe