Senior Operations Officer, Microfinance

Title: Senior Operations Officer, Microfinance Job Stream: Technical Assistance & Advisory Services Location: Washington, DC Close Date: 04-Nov-2011

Background / General description: The International Finance Corporation: IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve people s lives. In addition to its investment work, IFC provides a number of advisory services funded through different donors as well as its own income-generating activities, by developing targeted programs and projects to strengthen financial institutions and markets. IFC & Microfinance: Financial inclusion encompasses the range, quality and availability of financial services to the underserved and the financially excluded. Some 3 billion adults – almost 70 percent of the population in developing countries – have little or no access to formal financial services. IFC s financial inclusion efforts focus not only on the financially excluded but also on the underserved micro-and small enterprises amd low-income populations in developing countries. Formal financial services such as savings, loans, and money transfers enable poor families to invest in enterprises and improve their nutrition, living conditions, and the health and education of their children. IFC is leading global investors in terms of volume. In FY11, IFC committed US$382 million in 42 projects with financial institutions. Also, as of June 2011, IFC had a committed microfinance portfolio of US$1.2 billion. And an additional US$55.1 million in grant funding, representing 67 projects. Combining investment capital, strong governance and Advisory Services, IFC s focus is on creating and supporting commercially viable microfinance institutions that can attract the private capital needed to scale up and respond to unmet demand. IFC Microfinance Advisory Services The Access to Finance Advisory Services Department (A2F), under the Vice Presidency of Business Advisory Services, is a joint World Bank/IFC group that caters to both policy and project related advisory work on financial markets, financial institutions and financial infrastructure. A2F Global Microfinance Advisory Product supports the implementation of IFC s microfinance strategy across IFC s regional programs by providing technical expertise in the design of Microfinance Advisory interventions; facilitates cross-learning and the sharing of best practice approaches through knowledge management platforms; and supports innovation of new products in collaboration with other Product Lines, including Retail Payments, SME Banking, Leasing, Agrifinance & Insurance. The Product also supports the implementation of IFC s Responsible Finance agenda for microfinance. Duties and Accountabilities: IFC is seeking to recruit a highly-motivated Senior Microfinance Specialist, with extensive hands on experience in designing and managing commercially-oriented microfinance operations globally and ideally a prior experience as a provider of microfinance and/or financial services consultant. He/ She will be part of a global team responsible for asserting IFC s position as a knowledge leader in Microfinance, promoting and supporting IFC s Microfinance programs and contributing to the design and implementation of knowledge management tools and standards. He/she will actively participate in the dissemination of best practices in Microfinance globally. The Senior Microfinance Specialist will be based in Washington, DC and will be part of the Access To Finance Retail and Micro group. He/she will report to the Global Product Leader for Microfinance. Specific tasks/responsibilities include: Global Microfinance Advisory Program: Provide technical expertise in the design of the implementation strategy for the Program s activities. This includes liaising with the Risk Management Group to develop appropriate risk management and corporate governance advisory interventions for the microfinance industry, and contributing to the implementation of the Responsible Finance initiative. Global Portfolio Monitoring: contribute to the design of global portfolio reviews, prepare quantitative/qualitative reports on the performance and facilitate the dissemination of lessons, best practices and new ideas. Knowledge Management: lead the design of flagship technical publications, design training programs to enhance microfinance expertise within IFC operations staff and contribute to enhancing IFC s contribution to the industry by serving as a Senior Technical Specialist in external microfinance forums. Technical Advice on Projects: Support regional and country teams by serving as a technical specialist supporting the design and structuring of Advisory interventions. This will include conducting detailed appraisals/ evaluations of microfinance projects operations, preparing technical reports which include recommendations for internal and client use, identifying and selecting short-term consultants/ firms and reviewing the deliverables of third parties, supporting the implementation of projects to ensure overall quality control in line with corporate monitoring and evaluation requirements. Product Development: in collaboration with other specialists, including Retail Payments, SME Banking, Leasing, Agrifinance, Housing & Insurance, design sound approaches for the diversification of financial services for the micro client segment. Selection Criteria: MBA or equivalent and senior operational experience in both developed and emerging markets, with at least 10 years in managing commercially oriented financial services for microenterprises, small business and low-income populations. Experience in designing country- and region-wide microfinance advisory programs in emerging markets. Internationally recognized leadership in the banking, consulting or development finance community particularly in the field of microfinance and SME banking. Technical expertise in microfinance tools, products and methodologies in developing countries, including conflict affected regions. , Strong familiarity with international best market practices and global trends in the microfinance sector, with specific expertise in Retail Payments/Mobile Banking, microsaving, microinsurance and/or microhousing. Willingness and ability to travel extensively. Experience in due diligence exercises for investments in emerging markets banks. Fluent English, spoken and written; French, Spanish and/or Arabic desirable. A keen interest in development finance and in working in a multicultural environment. Strong client relationship management skills and ability to establish strong credibility among senior clients. Ability to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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