All Projects and Clients – ES Global Consulting

Central America .- Proposed Methodology Measurement of Social and Environmental Impact and Return on Investment in CSR / BAC Credomatic

As part of this project, we explore how to develop an efficient and effective mechanism for measuring social and environmental impacts of the activities of CSR in the bank and the financial return from them.

As a result of an intensive analysis of the company, ES Global presented recommendations for developing a system for measuring the impacts of CSR activities and the ROI of CSR schemes to be managed more efficiently

Armenia & Azerbaijan – CSR training for CSR executives and CEOs – Eurasia Foundation Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

In alliance with Eurasia Foundation, ES Global trained leading companies in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basic principles of CSR and its importance to the business strategy of the company.

Through local and international case studies and a participatory approach, 40 companies were trained with the latest and most current practical and theoretical tools of the discipline.

Congo – MFI Development and enabling microfinance sector

ES Global is assisting the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KfW, UNCDF and UNDP in an effort to create a more inclusive financial sector withProgramme d’Appui au Secteur de la Microfinance (PASMIF), a US$10 million three year project. The project pursues two objectives: developing strong MFIs, able to serve large numbers of clients (200,000 clients); and ensuring an enabling environment in the DRC for the microfinance sector. Tasks include providing training and capacity building, as well as financing. Due to the great diversity of MFIs in the DRC, from very small cooperatives to large cooperative networks and commercialized finance institutions such as banks, a series of trainings and hands-on technical assistance is being provided, together with financial support. Given the large potential market in DRC, the project is embarking on a study to establish a commercial facility to provide debt financing and/or guarantees to qualified MFI’s. The development and offering of sustainable MSME products and services supply is being adapted to the specific context of each region. The project is also supporting the establishment of a well structured network association.

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Sierra Leone – Microfinance Investment and Technical Assistance Facility

ES Global is currently leading the Microfinance Investment and Technical Assistance Facility (MITAF), a US$23 million five year project in Sierra Leone funded by UNDP, UNCDF and KfW. The project focuses on building the capacity of the microfinance sector by providing support at all levels – to the government and Central Bank, commercial banks, MFIs, business development support institutions including the Microfinance Networks, and donors – to build an inclusive financial sector. The goal is putting in place the range of building blocks needed for the development of an inclusive financial sector in Sierra Leone, with microfinance as an integrated part of the financial system. Objectives include: Micro level: Potential leaders of MF industry have reached sustainability and have considerably increased their outreach to develop a competitive, sustainable pro-poor financial sector. Meso-level: Sound microfinance principles have been disseminated and are widely accepted and adopted. Macro-level: A professional microfinance unit in the Bank of Sierra Leone is operational and capable of ensuring an optimal enabling environment for the development of the microfinance industry and its eventual integration into the financial system. Sustainability: Strategic partnerships are built with other donors and the private sector in joint support of a sustainable pro-poor financial sector. Technical assistance support ranges from in-house coaching, to a carefully prepared local, regional and international training program, to study tours to MFIs and the Central Bank and the sponsoring of conferences.

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Costa Rica – Return on Investment in CSR

ES Global has proposed a “Methodology Measurement of Social and Environmental Impact and Return on Investment in CSR”. As part of this project, we explore how to develop an efficient and effective mechanism for measuring social and environmental impacts of the activities of CSR in the bank and the financial return from them.

Indonesia – Rural Small and Medium Enterprises microfinance

ES Global researched the supply of financial services offered to smallholder farmers and non-farm, rural SMEs to produce a mapping of financial institutions in Eastern Indonesia for the IFC. ES Global mapped and assessed the readiness of each type of financial institution to offer services to the smallholder farmers and rural SMEs. In addition, constraints were identified beyond those of the individual financial institutions that might inhibit the development of viable financial service institutions in rural areas. Lastly, we provided prioritized recommendations for the development or support of appropriate products, including savings, credit, and risk management products such as weather index insurance; and emerging technologies, such as phone banking that might offer great potential in rural areas.

Global – Rural Finance Institutional Evaluation

ES Global led a corporate level evaluation of IFAD’s global rural microfinance policy and program. The assignment included a desk study of 20 countries in five regions and field studies in 10 countries. Recommendations are being made at the corporate level.

Sierra Leone – Financial Integration

ES Global is assisting the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP, UNCDF and KfW in an effort to create a more inclusive financial sector. The Microfinance Investment and Technical Assistance Facility (MITAF) is a four-year project that provides catalytic support to formal as well as semi-formal institutions, including community banks, limited liability companies, NGO-MFIs and commercial banks.

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Nicaragua – Tourism Value Chains

ES Global assessed the tourism industry value chain in Granada and San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua and provided Opportunity International with recommendations for the design of a pilot project.

Global – Financing MFIs

The Transitions to Private Capital (TPC) research aims to address MFIs’ need for greater ongoing access to private capital by investigating the nature of MFI capital structures and needs, the supply and demand for capital, and regulatory and market environment.

Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico – Bank Downscaling

ES Global has recently led two innovative projects on bank downscaling. In Mexico and Colombia, ES Global investigated the potential for bank downscaling to serve micro and small enterprise among seven major commercial banks. An assessment of over 900 products and services found banks offering a number of best practice microfinance products. In Honduras, ES Global led a team supporting bank downscaling in the first and fourth largest commercial banks.

DR Congo – Feasibility Microfinance Sector Facility

Advised on the absorptive capacity of MFIs for a financing facility. In addition, assessed the feasibility of establishing a support and investment facility for MFIs.

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South Africa – National SME Policy

Provided support to develop a national micro- and small enterprise policy. Responsibilities included dialogue with government on the scope of the policy, selection of researchers and the formation of a reference group of key actors, i.e., Microfinance Regulatory Council, Microfinance Enterprise Alliance, Khula, Banking Council, and South African Reserve Bank.

Kenya – Turnaround/Change Management

Assisted with the spin-off of an NGO credit programme into a separate legal entity, including managing a full change management exercise. Provided advice to the transition team to improve operations with the implementation of a turn-around plan, which centered on achieving targets, improving products, competitor analysis, identification of investors and formation of Board of Directors and governance protocols.

Burkina Faso – Financial and Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis Agro-processing Project

An assessment of the feasibility of a mechanical press to extract oil from Karite. The assessment included a financial (cash flow) cost-benefit analysis as well as an economic one (perspective of economy at large).

Burundi – Feasibility of Microstart Program

Assessed the environment for sustainable microfinance initiatives, including major trends in microfinance and options for potential value-added. Recommendations served as the basis for designing a strategy and a funding document for the UNCDF Microstart program in Burundi.

DR Congo – Feasibility Microfinance Sector Facility

Advised on absorptive capacity of MFIs for a financing facility. In addition, assessed the feasibility of establishing a support and investment facility for MFIs in government controlled areas.

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DR Congo – Program development advisory services

Advised on potential economic-sector interventions in Bukavu area and drafted proposals for an alliance with savings and loans cooperatives..

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Guinea – Evaluating Education and Credit Program

Evaluated OIC Guinea’s Credit with Education program, a component of the Food Security Program in the Mamou Prefecture of middle Guinea.

Ivory Coast – Evaluation of AMINA partners

Assessed the partner organizations and effectiveness of technical assistance provided by the African Development Bank’s AMINA program in Cape Verde, Chad, Malawi, Mauritania and Tanzania.

Kenya – Impact Assessment UNCDF/UNDP support to microfinance sector

Assessment of UNCDF/UNDP funded Microstart support program as a case study to evaluate impact of UNCDF’s global microfinance policy. The impact assessment was done across the board, at the client level, institutional level and sector level (policy&positioning)

Kenya – Spin-off into separate legal entity

Assisted with the spin-off of a credit program of an NGO to a separate legal entity. Provided advise to the transition team to improve operations with the implementation of a six-month turn-around plan, which centered on achieving targets, improving products and competitor analysis.

Lesotho – Bank downscaling

Overseeing bank downscaling project with a major commercial bank. The project opened a wholesale and retail window to foster the banks’ deepening of outreach.

Malawi – Sector Assessment

Thorough sector diagnostics, including legal and regulatory environment, as part of USAID team, to map out the USAID microfinance strategy.

Malawi – Impact Assessment UNCDF/UNDP support to microfinance sector

The impact assessment built upon an institutional level assessment and focused on the client and sector level.

Madagascar – Agricultural Credit

Country assessment for social responsible investor. Potential investees included a loan request from a farmer union credit program and a request for debt finance from an SME company.

Mozambique – Spin-off

Managed spin-off of the finance institution from an international NGO including assessing the market, adapting and designing products, elaborating a new business plan, developing operational, administrative, and portfolio tracking systems.

Nigeria – Impact Assessment Microstart support program

Assessment of UNCDF/UNDP funded Microstart support program to eight MFIs. The impact assessment focused on one MFI, but the assessment was done across the board, at the client level, institutional level and sector level (policy impact and strategic positioning).

Nigeria – Business and Community Development Opportunities

Presented an overview of business and community development opportunities for global technology company to contribute to microfinance sector development, as a socially responsible firm.

Rwanda – MFI Assessment

Institutional assessment in a team of three of a church based MFI. Tasks included assessing the Management Information System and Finance and Administration.

Tanzania – HIV/AIDS and Economic Strengthening Conference Facilitation

Provided technical expertise to AED on a pioneering initiative to strategize on how to advance the field of Economic Strengthening of HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children.

Uganda – Evaluation IFC SME Capacity Building Facility

Assessed development and investment impact of IFC’s SME Capacity Building Facility, through field assessments in four selected case study investments, one of them being FINCA Uganda.

Rwanda – SME Loan Fund Design

Designed an SME credit facility with three loan products. The facility will lend to over 150 SMEs on a non- or partially-collateralized basis. Included assistance with the selection of the appropriate partner financial institution. Contracted by the Institute for Small Business Finance and the World Bank.

Kenya – MFI Spin-Off in Kenya

Assisted with the spin-off of an NGO MFI to a regulated financial institution. Provided interim management leadership to the transition team and to the Board of Directors, identified new investment partners, and provided technical support to improve operations.

Afghanistan – Helping the Afghan Government Develop the Country’s Microfinance Sector

Worked with the Afghan government and key stakeholders on the design of a microfinance-sector support facility to channel funds and provide capacity-building assistance to microfinance institutions. Contracted by CGAP and the World Bank.

Afghanistan – Assessing Microfinance-Sector Potential

Evaluated applications from microfinance institutions for financing and capacity-building support. Carried out country-wide institutional assessments. Contracted by CGAP and the World Bank.

Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Cameroon, Mali, Ghana and Madagascar) – Lending to MFIs and SMEs

Provided credit analysis and policy advice to the Finance Business Unit of the African Development Bank, offering non-grant financing instruments such as loans, guarantees, and equity/quasi-equity. Tasks included policy development, drafting of procedures, advising on credit methodologies and credit analyses.

Africa (Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana and Mozambique) – Evaluation of AMINA

Evaluated the African Development Bank’s microfinance initiative – AMINA – measuring the impact of interventions on national policy, apex institutions and retail MFIs through the use of qualitative and quantitative indicators. Made recommendations for improving structure, staffing, strategy and performance indicators. Contracted by CCA.

Africa (Burkino Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania and Tanzania) – Evaluation of AMINA partners

Assessed the partner organizations associated with the African Development Bank’s AMINA program. Drafted a proposal for a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of capacity-building support.

Armenia – CSR training for executives and CEO’s

In alliance with Eurasia Foundation, ES Global trained leading companies in Armenia on the basic principles of CSR and its importance to the business strategy of the company. Through local and international case studies and a participatory approach, 40 companies were trained with the latest and most current practical and theoretical tools of the discipline.

Azerbaijan – CSR training for executives and CEO’s

In a combined project with the Eurasia Foundation, ES Global trained leading companies in Azerbaijan on the basic principles of CSR and its importance to the business strategy of the company. Through local and international case studies and a participatory approach, 40 companies were trained with the latest and most current practical and theoretical tools of the discipline.

Bolivia – Evaluation of SEFIR Program

Conducted a mid-term evaluation of the Rural Financial Services (SEFIR) initiative to support the expansion and improvement of sustainable financial services to underserved rural and urban populations for USAID. Evaluated the project’s activities, both in light of the expectations reflected in the project’s design and in light of external conditions; with a focus on the legal and regulatory environment for microenterprises.

Bosnia – Evaluation of Ten MFIs

Evaluated the performance of the UNHCR contribution to ten MFIs under the $21.7 million World Bank/Local Initiatives Project. Tasks included institutional assessments of MFIs and advice on exit strategy.

Burkina Faso – MFI Spin-Off

An assessment of the credit component of a $20 million proposal to finance the 2000-2004 growth plan of an MFI and the spin-off of an MFI into an independent entity.

Burundi – Assessing MFIs

Cameroon – Assessing a Rural Bank Network

Undertook a credit analysis of a rural bank network for CCEI/ADAF. Assessed strengths and weaknesses and highlighted risks of investing in Cameroon.

Central America – Financing MFIs in Central America

Drafted a long-term funding plan for a socially responsible Central American microfinance wholesale fund for Katalysis Partnership. Activities included a survey of microfinance funds and microfinance funding/financing sources as well as the broader funding environment.

China – Assessing Performance of MFIs

Assessed of one of the largest MFIs in China for Mercy Corps International. Tasks included a performance assessment and the drafting of an expansion strategy

Colombia- Commercial Bank Downscaling

Provided the World Bank with information about the supply of financial products for micro- and small businesses and low-income families in Colombia. Analysis included an assessment of the potential for commercial bank downscaling and prototypes of suitable financial products and services for low-income populations.

Ecuador – Access to Capital for MFIs in Ecuador

Assessed the demand for the refinancing of MFIs for DAI, which manages a USAID microfinance program in Ecuador. Activities entailed assessing the growth tendencies of 12 to 15 of the country’s most significant providers of microfinance credit, including banks, finance companies, credit unions and NGOs. Provided an analysis of refinancing mechanisms in other parts of Latin America and recommended appropriate legal and organizational refinancing structures for the Ecuadorian context.

DR Congo – Savings and Loans Cooperatives

Advised on potential economic-sector interventions and drafted proposals for an alliance with savings and loans cooperatives, for Global Microfinance Initiatives.

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Georgia – CSR training for executives and CEO’s

In alliance with Eurasia Foundation, ES Global trained leading companies in Georgia on the basic principles of CSR and its importance to the business strategy of the company.
Through local and international case studies and a participatory approach, 40 companies were trained with the latest and most current practical and theoretical tools of the discipline.

Guinea – Evaluating Education and Credit Program

Evaluated OIC Guinea’s Credit with Education program, a component of the Food Security Program in the Mamou Prefecture of middle Guinea.

Global – Social Investment in Emerging Markets

Contracted by the International Finance Corporation to research the current and potential role of social investment in emerging markets – to provide recommendations for appropriate interventions to increase the flow of socially responsible investments to emerging markets.

Global – Evaluation of the UNCDF Microfinance Program

Conducted an institutional evaluation of the United Nations Capital Development Fund micro- and small enterprise finance program. The impact assessment focused on field assessments at four levels: client, institutional, policy and replication, impact and strategic positioning. Study countries include Malawi, Haiti, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Global – Global Investment Fund for FINCA Member MFI

Advised FINCA on the design of a Global Microfinance Facility to provide financing for FINCA affiliates around the world.

Global – Socially Responsible Investment in Emerging Markets

Organized a session on Emerging Markets and Social Investment Enterprising at the SRI in the Rockies Conference. The panel was co-sponsored by the International Finance Corporation.

Global – Socially Responsible Investments and Microfinance

Conducted research for the Ford Foundation on the supply of investment capital relative to current microfinance investment opportunities. Examined the experience of “quasi-private-sector” suppliers of capital and the demand from social investors for international investment opportunities in MFIs and small enterprises. Preliminary results were published in the Inter-American Development Bank magazine Microenterprise Americas, with a subsequent report in MicroEmpresa Americas.

Global – Microfinance and Sustainable Development

Tested evaluation measures to assess the impact of microfinance as a tool for contributing to sustainable development. The goal was to link socially and environmentally responsible business with international microfinance and to encourage “triple bottom-line enterprises” – with strong social, environmental and financial components – as catalysts for sustainable development. Funded by the International Development Research Centre.

Global – Evaluation of Solar Development Foundation

Conducted an independent evaluation of a $20 million technical assistance/investment program to advance the solar photovoltaic industry in emerging markets. The evaluation focused particularly on the interrelationship between productivity, profitability and achievement of social mission. It included an assessment of the quality of the deal pipeline, the impact of the associated business development services, fundraising and internal capacity (the latter including governance, human resources and operational systems). Contracted by the World Bank and the Solar Development Foundation.

Global – International Program Related Investment Evaluation

Evaluated and recommended a strategy for the $150 million Program Related Investment portfolio of the MacArthur Foundation. Conducted an assessment of the international portfolio, trends in the sector and institutional capacity, including organizational structure, processes and human resources. Recommendations made to senior management and Board of Directors.

Haiti – Exploratory Assessment for Spin-Off

Undertook an exploratory mission to Fonkoze to assess the possibility of providing interim management during the spin-off transition period.

Jordan – National Survey of SMEs in Jordan

Designed and analyzed a national survey of micro- and small-enterprise demand for business development services for the AMIR Program managed by Chemonics International. Recommended national strategy for MSE business development services.

Jordan – Small Business Development Strategy for Jordan

Developed a business multiplier strategy for micro- and small businesses and recommended sector growth strategies for the AMIR Program, managed by Chemonics International. The AMIR Program is aimed at encouraging development of micro- and small enterprise in Jordan. Contracted by Chemonics International.

Kenya – MFI Turn-Around in Kenya

Assisted management of a Kenyan MFI with the implementation of a six-month turn-around plan. Special attention was given to improving operational performance, achieving financial performance targets, analysing and improving financial products and the analysing market positioning and competitors.

Kosovo – MFI Client Impact

Evaluated the impact of MFI services at institutional and client levels, through quantitative as well as quantitative research methods. Contacted by CORDAID.

Latin America – Investing in Latin American MFIs

Worked with a group of high net-worth individuals to explore poverty alleviation through microfinance, leading to the establishment of a merchant-bank type organization. Contracted by UNITUS.

Liberia and Guinea – Facilitating MFI Start-Up

Facilitated the start-up of a micro-credit program to assist Liberian refugees in Guinea for UNHCR. Refined program design and appraised and selected implementing partners.

Mali – Assessing MFI Start-up

Investigated the possibilities for CORDAID to add a microcredit component to an integrated rural community development program. Tasks included undertaking a diagnostic, identifying potential opportunities and preparing a plan to identify and attract potential investors.

Mexico – Training in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting framework

We provide training for CSR executives on the methodology most widely used for sustainability reporting worldwide. Currently more than 3000 companies from all sectors have adopted the GRI G3 framework to systematize and communicate their social, economical and environmental activities.

The GRI workshop helps companies be more efficient in the collection and organization of information to present and communicate more effectively its CSR strategy, adding a better understanding of the management processes of stakeholders.

“We are a registered Organizational Stakeholder of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and support the mission of the GRI to develop globally accepted sustainability reporting guidelines through a global, multi-stakeholder process.”

Mexico – Mexican Microfinance Sector Strategic Objective

Through a participatory process, developed and designed USAID’s new five-year microfinance strategy for Mexico. Tasks included assessing MFI-sector needs, identifying capacity-building institutions and recommending strategic interventions.

Mexico – Commercial Bank Downscaling

Conducted research to provide the World Bank with information on the supply of financial products for micro- and small businesses and low-income families in Mexico. The analysis included an assessment of the potential for commercial bank downscaling and prototypes of suitable financial products and services for low-income populations.

Mexico – Microfinance and Low Income Housing

As part of a team of urban development experts, recommended various MFI and low-income housing solutions including wholesale funding mechanisms. Sponsored by the World Bank and managed by the AURIS Foundation.

Mexico – Establishing New a MFI

Prepared a marketing study for a start-up village banking and individual lending program in the state of Hidalgo for ProMujer. Tasks included the evaluation of the legal framework, the competition and the potential markets. The plan has attracted more than US$3 million in financing to date.

Mexico – Non-Bank SME and MFI Lending

Research to provide the World Bank with “state-of-the-art” information about the supply of financial products for micro- and small businesses and low-income families in Mexico. The analysis included an assessment of the potential role for commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions in the low-income financial products and services market.

Mexico – Evaluation of National Rural Microfinance Program

Evaluated the impact of the multi-million dollar PATMIR technical assistance program for rural microfinance institutions in Mexico. The analysis focused on nine MFIs, including savings and credit cooperatives and NGOs. Tasks included analyses of the financial situation of each institution, their client services, management information systems, and human resource capacity.

Mexico – Silver Cooperative Management

Conducted an organizational and financial assessment of a fair trade silver export cooperative. Worked with coop members to improve systems and develop institutional capacity to improve efficiency and growth potential. Contracted by Fair Trade Organization.

Nicaragua – Assisting Rural Savings and Credit Cooperatives

Provided technical assistance to three rural savings and credit cooperatives and two urban NGOs in the northern region of Nicaragua. Assessed methodology, trained personnel, improved formats and procedures, established incentives, improved management of human resources, and prepared financial projections. Contracted by UNCDF.

Nigeria – Business and Community Development Opportunities

Presented an overview of business and community development opportunities for Schlumberger to contribute to microfinance sector development, as a socially responsible firm.

Peru – Microfinance and Housing

Surveyed microfinance organizations delivering housing products worldwide with a view to finding applicable models able to serve low-income markets. Assessed findings relative to the activities of the $66.3 million Urban Property Rights Project in Peru.

Rwanda – MFI Assessment

Institutional assessment of three local MFIs for Catholic Relief Services. Tasks included assessing MIS/finance and administration.

Senegal – Food Security

Worked with a team of consultants for Counterpart International to prepare a food security-related concept paper and proposal for Senegal. Assessed field conditions, participated in focus groups, and designed program components for maximum impact and cost-effectiveness.

Serbia – Investing in MFIs

Provided advice on investment opportunities for CORDAID in Serbia and Montenegro.

South Africa – National SME Policy

Provided support to develop a national micro- and small enterprise policy. Responsibilities included dialogue with government on the scope of policy and selection of researchers.

South Africa – Low Income Market Lending

Identified and assessed lenders to low-income markets in four of the most disadvantaged areas of South Africa: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Mhpumalanga and Northern Province, with a view to establishing local economic development agencies.

Zambia – Start-up of Solidarity Group

Assisted in the start-up of the Salvation Army World Service Organization solidarity group pilot project in Zambia. Made recommendations on methodology, institutional structure, accountability and budgeting.

Zimbabwe – MFI Start-Up Business Plan

Prepared the business plan for the start-up of a national microfinance institution in Zimbabwe for Counterpart International. Analyzed the microfinance environment and macroeconomic situation, assessed strengths and weaknesses of the implementing organization and prepared projections for sustainability.