Access to Finance Specialist

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. First Consult currently is implementing many programmes in partnership with MasterCard Foundation, USAID, GIZ and other development partners. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with a clarity of the local context. We have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth as well as investment attraction & mobilization.

 ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The USAID-funded Highland Resilience Activity (HRA) - will contribute to the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) 5’s “Big Push” initiative and has the overarching goal of strengthening resilience among vulnerable households in Ethiopia’s Highlands, resulting in 120,000 PSNP households reaching the graduation threshold. HRA will support these households in moving above the graduation threshold and to where they no longer require social safety net programming for household food security and have the capabilities and assets to withstand regular and predictable shocks. The Activity will achieve this goal by directly supporting households in increasing their on-farm, off-farm, and employment incomes while facilitating improvements in the market systems required to increase demand for goods and services in PSNP communities. HRA is a five-year program that starts in October 2023. The program is implemented by a consortium of Mercy Corps, First Consult, and other regional implementing partners. The access to finance component of the HRA enable an environment for graduation of PSNP clients through access to credit by engaging the financial service providers, including banks, microfinance institutions, rural cooperative unions and VESA informal lending systems, as well as the provision of multiple financial services to selected PSNP clients.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Access to Finance Specialist and Relationship Manager will work closely with local financial service providers, project teams, and local government entities to execute the implementation of access to finance interventions as part of the Highland Resilience Activity. He/She has the responsibility to ensure technical implementation of high impact, proven interventions that meet stated HRA’s goals and reporting requirements. The position holder will work closely with financial institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to identify barriers to access to finance and develop solutions to promote financial service for the PSNP beneficiaries in the selected woredas of the HRA program. He/she will analyzes financial systems, designs innovative financial products, and provides technical assistance to enhance financial access for vulnerable PSNP5 beneficiaries. The Position holder will be based at Mercy Corps Addis Ababa office and report directly to the Senior A2F Lead at First Consult HRA program and works closely with the Mercy Corps A2F team. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Needs Assessment and Intervention Design:

• Conduct thorough assessments of the local financial landscape, including identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the project team and local stakeholders to design appropriate access to finance interventions that address the identified needs.
• Ensure the proposed interventions align with the overall objectives of the Highland Resilience Activity.

Relationship Management:

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local financial service providers, including banks, microfinance institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
•  Facilitate regular communication and coordination between the project team, financial service providers, and local government authorities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all access to finance-related activities and inquiries.

Implementation and Monitoring:

• Coordinate the implementation of access to finance interventions at the local level, working closely with financial service providers and local authorities.
• Monitor the progress and performance of the interventions, and provide regular updates to the project team.
• Identify and address any challenges or bottlenecks that arise during the implementation process.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Design and facilitate the delivery of capacity building support to selected financial institutions and organizations to enhance their ability to serve the target beneficiaries;
• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on the access to finance interventions for the target beneficiaries.
• Closely work with wide range of financial service providers (MFIs, Banks, VSLA groups) in establishing partnership and managing relationship on regular basis

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, to develop comprehensive plans and initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining good working relationships with HRA’s staff, officials, government ministries, financial institutions, implementing partners and the international and local NGO community

• BA or Master’s degree or equivalent in agricultural Economics/Agriculture, Rural Development, Economics, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years demonstrated experience on similar development projects focused on financial services for the poor, including credits, savings, payment systems, with clear understanding of the financial services context in Ethiopia.
• Previous work experience in the financial sector and international development organization is an advantage.
• Understanding of Markets Systems Development (MSD) approach.
• Understanding of the PSNP program and the interplay between key agricultural market actors like financial service providers (MFI, Banks, and insurers), input suppliers, producers, and traders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, partners staff, banking, micro-finance sector entities, local community-based organizations, cooperatives, donors, the private sector and other stakeholders.
• Experience working in fragile contexts including those affected by conflict, natural disasters and other political/socio-economic stressors.
• Experience working with micro-finance institutions, banks and/or agricultural lending.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations in particular ultra-poor, women, youth and migrant populations.
• Strengths in inspiring and enabling others through teamwork, training, and capacity building to realize organizational objectives.
• Strong financial and analytical skills to turn data into succinct and useful deliverables for HRA.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

How To Apply

How to Apply

All documents requested by First Consult at various stages of the recruitment process will be used for this purpose only. Competent candidates should submit their one-page cover letter and updated CVs only to: jobs@firstconsultet.com before July 1, 2024. Candidates MUST refer to the position title "A2F Specialist and relationship Manager " in the subject line of their email and applications.

The applicant is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with First Consult’s Code of conduct, HR and Safeguarding policy. All applicants should be aware that our organization is committed to safeguard our programme participants, staff, representatives of the organization and community members we work with is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to adhere the First Consult recruitment procedure in which all offers are subject to satisfactory background checks. By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your personal data for recruitment purposes. All documents requested by First Consult at various stages of the recruitment process will be used for recruitment purposes only.