ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. As a result, we have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ER-CAP is a 5-year project by Mercy Corps, DRC, and First Consult Development. It aims to improve the economic adaptation, protection, and recovery of conflict-affected populations in three regions: Afar (Abaala), Tigray (Mekelle), and Amhara (Woldiya). The program will benefit 43,540 individuals, focusing on IDPs, returnee women, youth and marginalized groups. It uses a conflict-sensitive, systems-strengthening, climate-smart and inclusive approach to enhance systems that support economic recovery. The expected outcomes include resilient livelihoods, improved access to financial products and services, and enhanced capacity to mitigate protection risks. ER-CAP aims to improve the economic condition of conflict-affected communities by strengthening MSMEs, improving crop and livestock value chains, and providing income-generating opportunities. It includes providing affordable financial products and technology through partnerships with financial service providers, conducting GESI dialogues, and identifying business ideas for economic activities in displacement settings.

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Senior Access to Finance Team Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and progress of the program's objective to enhance the economic conditions of conflict-affected communities. Your role will involve providing strategic guidance and leadership to the Access to Finance team, ensuring the strengthening of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through improved access to affordable and innovative financial products and technology. Through your expertise and management skills, you will foster partnerships with financial service providers and drive initiatives that empower MSMEs, foster economic growth, and promote innovative financial service within these communities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy Development:

• Establish detailed work plan, activities, targets, budget, standards for measuring progress and results to ensure effective implementation of the access to finance pillar

• Collaborate with program stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing access to finance in conflict-affected communities, aligning with program objectives.

• Provide leadership and guidance in identifying program issues, challenges, and risks, and develop appropriate recommendations for implementation.

• Mentor and coach team members, fostering their professional development as they carry out their duties.

Partnership Management:

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with financial service providers, including banks, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), Digital Financial Service Providers (DFS), and Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLAs), to ensure the availability of affordable financial products and technology for MSMEs.

• Manage relationship with consortium members: Mercy Corps and DRC as well as local partners and stakeholders in the ER-CAP program.

• Responsible for the full compliance with First Consult’s rules and regulations and policies on HR and financial activities, financial recording/reporting system

Financial Product Development:

• Lead the Financial Market Assessment, analyses to map financial service providers in the target communities and identify key constraints in the financial service system for the target communities.

• Lead the development of tailored and innovative financial products and services that address the specific needs of MSMEs in conflict-affected communities.

Capacity Building:

• Lead the design and implement capacity-building initiatives for MSMEs, financial service providers, and community-based service providers, focusing on enhancing financial literacy, business management skills, and utilization of digital financial services.

• Work closely with team members and partners to support capacity-building efforts and integrate gender considerations into program activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to integrate financial service components into the program's M&E system.

• Monitor progress, identify risks, and take timely action to ensure effective program implementation and early resolution of challenges.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning opportunities among program stakeholders, including organizing workshops, trainings, and peer-to-peer learning sessions. Reporting:

• Prepare regular progress reports, documenting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, to keep program stakeholders informed and ensure transparency

Supervisory Responsibility

• The Senior Access to Finance Team Lead directly reports to TBD

• The Senior Access to Finance Team Lead works directly with the ER-CAP team in Addis and in Amhara, Tigray and Afar Regions

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, business administration, economics, or a related field.

• Proven experience (at least 10 years) in leading and managing access to finance programs, preferably in conflict-affected contexts.

• Experience in designing and implementing innovative financial services such as guarantees, grants, performance-based financing solutions, etc to promote financial inclusion of conflict affected populations.

• Strong understanding of financial services and products, particularly within the context of MSMEs.

• Experience in mentoring and coaching team members, fostering their professional growth.

• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Strong partnership-building and networking abilities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.

• Experience working in conflict-affected contexts or challenging environments is an advantage.

How to apply:

• First Consult invites all well-qualified candidates to apply. Competent candidates should submit their one-page cover letter and updated CVs only to: jobs@firstconsultet.com before January 20, 2024.

• Candidates MUST refer to the position title " Senior Access to Finance Team Lead " in the subject line of their email and applications.