Summary

This document measures and rates the way the United Nations Capital Development Fund works as a microfinance funder. (2011, 9pp)

Description

This review found the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) had "very good" systems in place to support microfinance. Specific findings include:

• Scoring above 4 (on a scale from 0 to 5) on all indicators (strategic clarity, quality assistance, staff capacity, project identification system, performance indicators, performance-based agreements, knowledge management and appropriate instruments) except Indicator 7 (portfolio reviews).
• On Indicator 5 (performance indicators) and Indicator 9 (appropriate instruments) UNCDF received the highest scores compared to other agencies participating in the SmartAid Review in 2009 and 2011.
• On quality assurance, project identification system and performance-based agreements (Indicators 2, 4 and 6) UNCDF is on par with the highest scores reached in SmartAid so far.

SmartAid for Microfinance Index 2011: United Nations Capital Development Fund [PDF 354kb]