Job Opening: Regional Technical Advisor /Microfinance WARO/EARO - I 08 04

Primary Function: The Regional Technical Advisor (RTA) for Microfinance position will support microfinance (MF) activities in both CRS West Africa Region (WARO) and the East Africa Region (EARO). He/she will have an initial focus on MF institutional support with a progressively expanding role in introducing and supporting savings-led initiatives. He/she is part of the regional team (RT) that is led by the WARO Regional Director. The RT includes the WARO deputy directors and regional technical advisors. The RTA for MF assumes responsibility in developing, coordinating and supporting microfinance initiatives, in accordance with the CRS' overall Vision, Mission and Objectives. S/he further works under the technical and strategic guidance of the MF STA in Nairobi and collaborates closely with PQSD-MF to promote the CRS Microfinance Vision. Specific Responsibilities: Ensure MF programs adhere to CRS’ MF strategy East and West Africa and CRS MF 2010 strategy; Ensure that CRS MF programs implement best practices that are consistent with their respective countries' regulations; Provide technical assistance to Country Program (CP), partner and MFI staff; Provide technical support and supervision to 6 partner MFIs in WARO (4) and EARO (2), in close collaboration with the MF Senior Technical Advisor (STA) in Nairobi; Strengthen CRS partner and MFI’s relationships in MF networks and with other stakeholders in the African and international micro-finance industries; Work with partners to secure financing for MF initiatives through proposal development, marketing and networking with the donor agencies and other financial institutions; Provide technical support, training and supervision for savings-led initiatives in WARO, in close collaboration with the MF STA in Nairobi; Strengthen WARO’s focus on innovations in microfinance to create opportunities for new business models and to expand financial services to the poorest and most vulnerable communities; Produce timely reports on MF performance; Represent WARO at key MF events or forums; Identify regional MF policy and advocacy needs and then develop an appropriate strategy to address these needs. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Key Working Relationships: Internal: Regional Director, Deputy Regional Directors, MF STA in Nairobi, Country Representatives, other Technical Advisors, relevant HQ departments, PQSD, Audit, Finance, Fundraising, and key country program management staff. External: USAID, other donor agencies, MF advocates, MF practitioners, MF support facilities vendors, MF networks, CGAP, and SEEP. Qualifications: Masters Degree in agricultural economics, economics, business, banking, development, international relations, rural finance or a closely related field; Seven to ten years of field experience in microfinance institutional support or its equivalent in a related field; Fluency in English; Professional proficiency in French; Practical experience in training design and implementation, learning facilitation, business planning and forecasting, product development and marketing, accounting and financial management, internal controls, MIS design and implementation, fund mobilization, and advocacy; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in proposal development; Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize tasks in a timely manner; Demonstrated ability to work successfully in diverse geographic and cultural settings; Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills; Understanding and appreciation of CRS' commitment to work with and build partner capacity; Appreciation (or willingness to learn) the Catholic Social Teaching concepts; Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the work time. To apply for this position please visit the Catholic Relief Services website at www.crs.org/about/careers. Regrettably, email submissions can not be accepted.