The mission of microfinance has always been dual-sided: to be both financially self-sufficient and to create positive social impact for clients. However, the pursuit of financial goals can sometimes overshadow the social mission, leading to unintended consequences for the very people MFIs are meant to serve. Social Performance Management (SPM) is a disciplined and strategic approach that ensures an institution stays true to its mission. It provides a comprehensive framework for systematically integrating social goals into every aspect of an MFI's operations, from product design and client interactions to data collection and reporting.

This course is designed to equip microfinance leaders and practitioners with the tools and knowledge to effectively manage their social performance. You will learn how to define and measure your social mission, implement the Universal Standards for SPM, and build a culture that prioritizes client well-being. By developing a robust SPM framework, you will not only strengthen your institution's commitment to poverty alleviation but also enhance its long-term sustainability, reputation, and appeal to mission-driven investors.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and executives
• Social performance and impact officers
• Credit and loan officers
• Development and humanitarian aid professionals
• Impact investors and fund managers
• Board members of MFIs
• Regulators and policy advisors
• Researchers in financial inclusion
• Professionals in corporate social responsibility

Objectives:

• Master the core principles and standards of Social Performance Management.
• Understand the business case for integrating social performance.
• Apply the Universal Standards for Social Performance Management in practice.
• Grasp the importance of client protection and its key principles.
• Design and use tools for measuring poverty and social impact.
• Learn to collect and analyze social performance data.
• Develop a strategy for reporting on social performance to stakeholders.
• Understand how to align staff incentives with social goals.
• Identify and mitigate social risks within a loan portfolio.
• Build an institutional culture that is mission-driven and client-centric.

Module 1: Foundations of Social Performance Management

• The dual mission of microfinance
• Defining SPM and its importance
• The difference between SPM and impact assessment
• The role of SPM in ensuring mission alignment
• The SPM Value Chain

Module 2: The Universal Standards for SPM

• An overview of the Universal Standards for Social Performance Management
• The purpose and components of each standard
• The importance of a disciplined approach
• Using the standards as a strategic tool
• Case studies of institutions implementing the standards

Module 3: Defining and Managing Your Social Mission

• Articulating a clear and actionable social mission
• Aligning the mission with the organization's strategy
• Setting social goals and targets
• The role of the board and senior management in SPM
• Communicating the mission to staff and clients

Module 4: Client Protection Principles

• The importance of a client-centric approach
• The seven core Client Protection Principles
• Designing products and services with client protection in mind
• The role of loan officers in ethical conduct
• Handling client grievances and complaints

Module 5: Poverty Measurement and Targeting

• The role of MFIs in poverty alleviation
• Tools for measuring poverty (e.g., PPI, Progress out of Poverty Index)
• Targeting the poorest clients and managing mission drift
• The importance of poverty data for reporting
• Integrating poverty measurement into daily operations

Module 6: Collecting and Using Social Performance Data

• Key social performance indicators (SPIs)
• Methods for collecting SPI data
• Using technology for data collection and analysis
• Building a social performance data dashboard
• Turning data into actionable insights

Module 7: Reporting and Transparency

• The importance of transparent social performance reporting
• Reporting to key stakeholders (investors, board, staff, clients)
• Global reporting standards and frameworks
• Telling a compelling story with social performance data
• The link between transparency and institutional reputation

Module 8: Aligning Incentives and Culture

• How to link staff incentives to social performance goals
• The role of performance reviews and bonus structures
• Building a mission-driven culture
• Training staff on social performance and client protection
• Fostering a client-centric mindset throughout the organization

Module 9: Managing Social Risks

• Identifying social risks in microfinance (e.g., over-indebtedness)
• The dangers of high-interest rates and predatory practices
• Mitigating social risks in product design
• Conducting social due diligence on partners and suppliers
• The ethical obligations of a social mission

Module 10: The Future of Social Performance

• The role of technology in SPM
• Integrating SPM with environmental performance management
• The rise of impact investing and its demands on MFIs
• The link between SPM and financial sustainability
• The future of microfinance as a force for good

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.