Consultancy Opportunities: Credit Union Legal and Regulatory Experts

Submit by: December 11, 2020

Location: Remote (travel to be reevaluated on an as needed basis and in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions)

Duration: Number of days will vary by assignment; assignments anticipated through December 2022

Summary:
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is currently seeking a pool of credit union legal and regulatory experts for short-term assignments to be conducted on an as-needed basis remotely or in Ukraine to support the credit union Regulator in creating an improved enabling environment for Ukrainian credit unions through the USAID-funded Credit for Agriculture Producers (CAP) project.

Background

CAP seeks to revitalize the credit union sector in Ukraine by creating a more transparent legal and regulatory framework for credit union operations in Ukraine to both promote growth and reduce risks, while improving access to agricultural finance for agricultural and rural micro, small, and medium enterprises through credit unions. Specifically, the project is expected to: (1) strengthen credit union regulator and national association capacity; (2) advocate for an improved and updated legislative framework to meet European Union (EU) standards, enabling credit unions to compete with other financial institutions; and (3) address constraints preventing credit unions from expanding outreach and delivering high-quality lending to the agricultural sector.

Scope of Assignments

A variety of legal and regulatory experts, specialized in international best practices for credit union legislation, regulation and supervision will support the CAP project and Regulator, through short-term assignments as they arise, including, but not limited to:

• Providing training on legal and regulatory reform, and systems in other countries, including proportional regulation of credit unions
• Proposing and/or reviewing guidance documents for credit unions to support regulatory compliance
• Reviewing and/or drafting legislative changes in-line with international best practices

• Addressing key aspects of the legal and regulatory framework that may impede credit union compliance

• Advising on regulatory reporting requirements, supervision, and long-term strategy, including review of or creation of draft documents (including supervisory manuals and methodologies)

• Advising state authorities and credit unions on creation Deposit Guarantee Scheme for credit unions (legal and regulatory framework, cost analysis, implementing) 

• Aligning the legal and regulatory framework and documents with EU standards and international best practices

• Address other needs as they arise

Qualifications: 

• At least 15 years of experience working for a credit union or non-banking financial institution regulator, supervisory body, or trade association.

• In depth knowledge and understanding of cooperative systems, with a focus on credit unions.

• Expert knowledge in the fields of regulatory framework for credit unions (laws, standards, regulations, tax etc.); knowledge of cooperative banks will be considered as an alternative.

• Knowledge of EU regulatory standards preferred.

• An undergraduate degree or higher in, business, finance, banking, financial services or related is required. Fluency in English is required, Ukrainian or Russian language proficiency is desired.

• Legal background required for applicants proposing support for legislative assignments

Applications

Qualified candidates must submit a resume with a cover letter detailing their relevant work experience, qualifications for these assignments (specifying areas of expertise), and their proposed rate. Please include contact information for 2-3 references. Submit these materials to [email protected] and specify “Legal Regulatory Experts” in the subject line. The Consultant must comply with WOCCU and donor rules and regulations.

Term

As needed basis

Application Period

Application must be received by 5:00 PM EST on December 11, 2020. Only top candidates will be contacted.

Disclaimer

This bid solicitation in no way obligates World Council of Credit Unions to award a contract, nor does it commit World Council of Credit Unions to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. World Council of Credit Unions reserves the right to vary any part of this bid solicitation at the time of award if it becomes necessary.