Microfinance (MFI) Program Coordinator

Job posted by: American Refugee Committee (ARC) - USA - Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Job Details:

Organisation: American Refugee Committee (ARC) - USA

Deadline Fri, 27 Jun 2014

Job type: Permanent

Location: Somalia

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POSITION TITLE: Microfinance Program Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: International Programs 
LOCATION: Hargeisa, Somaliland
RESPONSIBLE TO: ARC Somalia MFI & TVET Project Director
STATUS: Full Time
SUPERVISORY CAPACITY: Local MFI Project Officers 

DEPARTMENT/COUNTRY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/MISSION
The American Refugee Committee (ARC) is an entrepreneurial humanitarian organization that assists displaced people to move from vulnerability to resilience, from impoverishment to a basic level of well-being, and from exclusion to inclusion.
ARC, in partnership with FAO, DFID, relevant Somalia ministries, and existing financial institutions and microfinance providers, hasintends to initiated a market-driven microfinance program. The overarching goal is to increase private businesses and employment opportunities for Somali youth through the provision of market driven sustainable microfinance and by strengthening strategic linkages with the public and private sectors. The Microfinance program will be linked and build on the achievements of the SEED program, which has two major components: (i) market development, covering the productive sectors of: agriculture, livestock, and fisheries (ii) investment climate enhancement including a challenge fund and business reforms. This program will add value to productive sectors and result in significant returns to youth, women, industry and the wider economy of Somalia. It encompasses both the provision of Business Development Services (BDS) and TVET types of skills training to meet market requirements and complement SEED activities.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under direct supervision of the TVET/MFI Project Director of ARC for Somalia, the Microfinance Coordinator will support the implementation of an innovative and complex program in the Somaliland and Puntland and South-Central regions of Somalia. He/she will provide technical expertise and strategic guidance for the program staff and its partners. The project will focus on the implementation of: a microfinance component targeting microenterprises, a micro-saving component that can tap into existing structures or build new structures and promote savings, and a value chain. Anticipated outcomes of this program include: a completed inventory of the current Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Somaliland and Puntland, at least 826750 beneficiaries reached, and 515 branch offices operational. And prepare and plan future micro-finance programs to be implemented in Somaliland, Puntland and South central regions of Somalia. 
 
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  •   Build capacity of local microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Somaliland and Puntland and South central region of Somalia.
  •     Facilitate outreach and awareness-raising within the mass market in relevance to microfinance as a poverty alleviation and economic development tool in Somalia.
  •     Support the local implementing partners in setting-up microfinance programs and prepare the launch of a online peer 2 peer platform to in order to facilitate the pooling of resources from the global Somali diaspora, donors, and social investors. 
  •      Prepare the selection of local MFIs, develop and facilitate the implementation of a conflict sensitive microfinance program / modus-operandi, support the capacity building of local MFI’s .
  •     Coordinate meetings with various stakeholders and beneficiaries.
  •     Set-up of the micro-financing program, training and capacity building for local partners, MFI’s and government stakeholders.
  •     Oversee routine and ad hoc administrative, financial and logistical matters of the program.
  •     Prepare narrative, statistical and financial reports as required by the Director of TVET/MFI.
  •   Facilitate the involvement, cooperation and agreement with telecommunication firms in scaling-up microfinance services.
  •     Support the Director in adhering to donor, ARC and government requirements and regulations in implementation and documentation of program activities, procurement and expenditures.
  •      Support the Director in the financial program management, ensuring that the projects are completed within budget and on time.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

  •     Regular site visits to monitor implementation of the program.
  •     Quarterly review of subcomponent progress against indicators and targets with updates shared with M & E Officer of SEED II.
  •     Semiannual progress reports.
  •      Assist in Submission of interim progress report (deadline between the 6th and the 7th month after signature of the LoA).    Mid-term review as part of the larger SEED II Program.
  •     Revision of Logical Framework, detailed implementation plan and M & E tools in alignment with SEED II as necessary.
  •     End of project evaluation as part of broader SEED II reporting.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

  •     Master’s Degree in Microfinance, Finance, Economics, or related area.
  •     Fluency in English and strong writing abilities.
  •     Minimum 5 years of experience in managing microfinance projects with experience in post-conflict countries, preferably associated to a Microfinance Institution.
  •     Proven ability to nurture a smooth working relationship with international and local staff, strategic partners and varied local, national, and civil society stakeholders (MFIs, banks, technical assistance providers, international donors, research agencies, etc.).
  •     Demonstrated success coordinating Donor funded projects in agriculture and livestock, community-based programming, and capacity building related to livelihoods.
  •     Sound technical knowledge of microfinance products and delivery mechanisms.
  •     Strong background in administration, operations management, risk management, , and financial management.
  •     Proven skills in budget review and financial and grant management.
  •     Monitoring and evaluation skills experience.
  •     Proven efficacy in training and facilitation of workshops.
  •     PC experience: Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet, E-mail systems.

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES

  •     Commitment to ARC’s mandate and objectives.
  •     Experience working with diverse communities.
  •     Highly developed organizational, liaison and communication skills.
  •     Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a small team.
  •     Ability to multi-task and work under pressure administratively self-sufficient.

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