Finance for Transformation Adv., East/Southern Africa Region

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Finance for Transformation (F4T) is VisionFund’s program to offer financial services to saving groups. The flagship product, the saving group linkage loan, follows a methodology, specifically designed to the target groups. This position’s purpose is to support and guide Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) during the pilot and roll out of this product, focussing on countries in East and Southern Africa. We have already developed standards regarding product process, training materials and various guidance materials.

The F4T Advisor will use the existing materials to support MFIs to increase their reach of savings groups. This will include capacity building among MFI staff, monitoring of operations both through field visits and through regular monitoring meetings, reports, etc, and developing new partnerships with NGOs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support MFIs in the implementation of F4T (Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia)

• Capacity building.

• Product pilot development.

• Product roll out support.

• Monitoring of implementation.

Coordination with World Vision and other NGO

• Sensitisation of WV and other stakeholder of F4T.

• Increase the pipeline of SGs to be linked.

• Increase the number of partners VF works with.

Provide advice on how training material can be improved. Capacity building

• Network outreach.

External engagement: Speaking at events, webinars, conferences to share lessons learned

• Contribution to knowledge sharing.

• Documentation and sharing of lessons learned.

• Promote VFI visibility.

• Promote F4T visibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in development work (preferably with saving groups / livelihoods / resilience / gender equality).

• Knowledge of Savings Group methodology.

• Business focused, with ability to improve annual operational plans and advise on product pilots, results analysis and workforce plans.

• Proactive and adaptable, with experience of introducing new products or services.

• Project management experience is required, including financial monitoring and reporting.

• Looking less for a microfinance/finance specialist – we are looking more for a candidate with NGO experience.

• Must be fluent in English.

• Must be able to travel for work in very remote/rural areas.

• Experience of delivering training virtually, as well as in person.

• Must have a proven track record of engaging and influencing leaders externally and internally – e.g. building new partnerships, leading change, introducing new products/services and speaking at events, webinars and conferences.

• University degree in relevant field.

Preferred:

• Work experience in a Microfinance Institution is an advantage.

• Knowledge of digital platforms for savings groups is an advantage.

• Experience of grant applications or grant monitoring is an advantage.

Work Environment/Travel:

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.

• Ability to use computer, attend meetings, travel abroad.