About ZOA

ZOA works with committed and motivated staff in serving millions of people affected by poverty, disaster, injustice and conflicts. Through the efforts of our dedicated staff, we are able to bring Signs of Hope and to support people who suffer due to armed conflict or natural disasters by helping them to rebuild their livelihoods.

We value our employees and offer a wide range of benefits to meet the specific needs of our staff and their families.

• Purpose

This position works closely with the program coordinator to lead the financial literacy activities for cooperatives saving and link Saving groups with MFIS to access finance. In addition to this the incumbent will be responsible for implementation of business development related activities for refugees and host communities in Melkadida . 

Typical Responsibilities - Key end Results of the Position: *

• Oversees preparation and implementation of financial literacy activity work plans and budgets in close coordination with the program Coordinator.
• Provides specific technical support in financial inclusion planning and implementation activities.
• Provides specific technical support in planning and implementation of business development activities
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with government, non –government organizations and donors, and local collaborating partners for effective financial inclusion program development and implementation.
• Builds the technical capacity of cooperatives on developing business plans
• Works closely with the Program Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
• Assist in timely and accurate documentation, publication and dissemination of the business development and financial literacy activities. This includes success stories, lessons learned, etc.
• Supports cooperatives in marketing linkage for selling of different products
• Leads the  negotiations with MFI for access to finance
• Establishes standing and transparent communication channels and builds the culture of team efforts among the various project staff and between the field office staff
• Represents the project at technical meetings as requested by the program Coordinator
• Carry out other duties as delegated by program Coordinator

Dealing with Problems:

The Business development and financial inclusion officer will work with program coordinator and other support staffs to provide guidance at Melkadida levels there by providing technical support and guidance.

Communications and Working Relationships:

The Business development and financial inclusion officer will work with all relevant stakeholders, government agencies and internal ZOA departments to ensure the smooth implementation of livelihood and energy related programming at Melkadida 

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification and Experience

• BSc or Masters Degree in Agricultural economics, Business and Economics or Cooperatives and other relevant social Sciences
• Minimum 4 years’ relevant professional experience regarding business and value chain analyses, preferably in insecure or transitional environments.
• Experience in designing or managing programs aimed at increasing cooperation in resource use between groups with a history of violent conflict.

Skills Specific to the Post

• Commitment to the vision and mission of ZOA Relief |Hope| Recovery;
• Excellent understanding of local context preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members in a cross-cultural environment.
• Ability to work in hardship conditions.
• Knowledge of Somali language will be an asset

 Leadership Attitudes & Behaviors

Should be able to guide Livelihood and Energy staff under his/her direction to accomplish day-to-day activities

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply via ethiojobs.net by sending your CV and a motivation letter indicating your suitability for this position to before the due date

Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in your CV or motivation letter. 

Applicants should submit their up to date CV, and a cover letter of no more than one page in which they outline why they are applying and why they believe that they are the best candidate for the position of Business Development & Financial Inclusion Officer, with reference to the job description. Applicants who send a generic cover letter will not be considered for short listing.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. A written test will be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. The offer will be issued up on project approval from the donor. Internal candidates will also have priority, in case of similar results.