Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, May 12, 2022 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development, and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil societies. ACDI/VOCA has approximately 34 projects in 19 countries and total revenues of approximately $128 million.

Overview:
ACDI/VOCA is currently implementing a five-year program entitled “Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity” in Zambia funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The aim of the Zambia EDGE Activity is to increase the profitability for agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by addressing their key investment constraints on access to finance, limited business management skills and technology, and access to markets, thereby increasing SMEs’ productivity and ability to create new jobs in Zambia.
Pursuant to its mission, ACDI/VOCA is seeking experienced and talented professionals for the Director Access to Finance position. The position is based in Lusaka. The Access to Finance (A2F) Director will form strategic partnerships with micro-finance institutions (MFIs), banks, investors, private sector and value chain actors to improve access to finance for small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia. This will include supporting the Activity’s efforts to leverage capital from investors, banks, and non-bank financial institutions and facilitate investments into agricultural SMEs. The Director will also work closely with the supply-side (investors, banks, MFIs, etc.) to assess, develop and implement financial products tailored to the Activity’s needs. The A2F will collaborate closely with the demand side, including EDGE SMEs, to understand their needs and growth plans, to assist banks in the developing suitable products and services for them.
The Position of Director Access to Finance will have the overall responsibility of designing and implementing activities in the financial sector that will increase the competitiveness of selected EDGE value chains (groundnuts, honey, aquaculture, horticulture, animal feed (incl. soyabeans, maize and sunflower), and poultry). Lead the design and implementation of annual work plans and strategies related to increasing access and use of finance and investment among Zambian stakeholders and ensure that interventions respond to identified market opportunities and create sustainable development outcomes. This involves the coordination of assessments, analytics, deep dives and technical assistance provided by EDGE partners. Ensure collaboration and synergy with other components of the USAID EDGE Activity, and ensure activities are designed and implemented to be inclusive. Be a thought leader within and outside of the EDGE Activity. Manage the relationship with EDGE implementing partner Open Capital Advisors, including strategic direction, regular action-oriented meetings, and tracking of deliverables. Establish and maintain an extensive network of contacts with individuals and institutions in the Zambian financial system, as well as the microenterprise sector. In collaboration with GRZ entities and financial service providers, organize roundtables on extending access to finance to agricultural SMEs. Engage, virtually and face-to-face, with EDGE SMEs, to build confidence in EDGE, bring visibility to the Activity its partners, and be a voice pipe between SMEs and FSPs. Ensure collaboration and synergy with other components of the USAID EDGE Activity, and ensure activities are designed and implemented to be inclusive. Manage the relationship with EDGE implementing partner Open Capital Advisors, including strategic direction, regular action-oriented meetings, and tracking of deliverables. Establish and maintain an extensive network of contacts with individuals and institutions in the Zambian financial system, as well as the microenterprise sector. In collaboration with GRZ entities and financial service providers, organize roundtables on extending access to finance to agricultural SMEs. Engage, virtually and face-to-face, with EDGE SMEs, to build confidence in EDGE, bring visibility to the Activity its partners, and be a voice pipe between SMEs and FSPs.
Work with international and domestic consultants in assessing constraints and opportunities to increase access to finance for agricultural SMEs and microenterprises, including the development of credit scoring mechanisms. Develop specific, implementable strategies and activities through different mechanisms, including development of financial instruments, reducing perceived risks to banks through partnerships with technical assistance firms, outgrower schemes, “anchor” firms, etc. Analyze and provide recommendations on different modalities to increase value chain financing, and present findings to the Chief of Party, ACDI/VOCA’s Technical, Learning and Adaptation Team, as well as USAID. Identify and oversee training initiatives to commercial banks, MFIs and other sector stakeholders. Work with donors and banks which with partner banks under credit guarantee schemes to ensure funds and credit lines are utilized effectively and can be accessed by the Activity’s target firms. Implement mechanisms, tools, tracker and systems to monitor SME financing facilitated by EDGE and increase access to finance and products for activity beneficiaries.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of a Bachelors’ degree in agricultural economics, finance or related field. MBA or MA/MSc is an asset.
• At least eight years hands-on experience related to private sector engagement, financial inclusion, financial management or related activities preferably in the agricultural sector. Previous experience working for an international NGO, in agriculture sector development and /or commercial entities preferred. Experience with programs providing financial assistance to the agricultural sector is essential.
• Deep understanding of the real and perceived constraints to agricultural lending in Zambia.
• Knowledge of financial institutions and their products in Zambia. Good understanding of the financial landscape in Zambia. Strong networks at multiple levels within said institutions.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to communicate, negotiate, advise, persuade, or resolve issues that are highly complex or sensitive in nature.
• Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines, submit high-quality work plans/reports, prioritize workload, and multi-task in fast-paced environment.
• Good communication and inter-personal skills with an ability to listen and help others understand complex ideas.
• Supervise the work of a Project Assistant, consultants, experts, etc.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail).
• Fluent in English, both oral and written.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 96

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Please submit a resume to ZambiaRecruitment@acdivoca.org no later than May 31, 2022. Please include the position title in the subject line. The resume and related application documents shall be provided as a single attachment and list long-term employment history and any relevant short-term consulting work. Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone or email. Only shortlisted candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.
To apply for this job email your details to ZambiaRecruitment@acdivoca.org

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