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, intends to initiate 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, and in consultation with FAO-Somalia SEED Program Manager, the Microfinance Coordinator will oversee the implementation of an innovative and complex program in the Somaliland and Puntland 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 750 beneficiaries reached, and 15 branch offices operational.
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
•Build capacity of local microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Somaliland and Puntland. •Outreach and awareness-raising within the mass market in relevance to microfinance as a poverty alleviation and economic development tool in Somalia. •Create a dedicated Youth and Women's Fund managed by ARC by pooling resources from the global Somali diaspora, donors, and social investors. •Map out the current microfinance services in Somaliland and Puntland and create a financial platform/plan for MFIs and beneficiaries. •Select MFIs, develop and implement a conflict sensitive microfinance program / modus-operandi, set-up offices, and mobilize stakeholders. •Coordinate meetings with various stakeholders and beneficiaries. •Set-up of the micro-financing program and training. •Oversee routine and ad hoc administrative, financial and logistical matters of the program. •Prepare narrative, statistical and financial reports as required. •Submit interim progress report (deadline between the 6th and the 7th month after signature of the LoA). •Launch and implement MFI services. •Involve telecommunication firms in scaling-up microfinance services. •Adhere to donor, ARC and government requirements and regulations in implementation and documentation of program activities, procurement and expenditures. •Ensure 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. •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 8 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 staff, strategic partners and varied local, national, and civil society stakeholders (MFIs, banks, technical assistance providers, international donors, research agencies, etc.). •Demonstrated success coordinating UN supported 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, internal auditing, 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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