Post Title: Microfinance Advisor (NPPP-2)

Date of First Publication 13 January 2009

The UNDP and UNCDF supported "Enhancing Access to Financial Service Project" is looking for experienced and qualified Nepalese Citizens for the following positions:

Post Title: Microfinance Advisor (NPPP-2)
Number of Position: One
Duty Station: Kathmandu, with frequent travels in the districts throughout Nepal
Duration: Initially one year/renewable


MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager (PM) and Resident Chief Technical Advisor (RCTA), the Microfinance Advisor will support for the efficient and effective implementation of the Fund for Inclusive Finance (FIF). The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Prepare draft strategies and guidelines, policies and procedures, eligibility and selection criteria.
• Requests for Applications and application formats, formats for appraisal, approval, execution, disbursement, monitoring, reporting and completion of grant investments to retail FSPs/MFls and grants to business support service providers, including professional networks, for adoption by the Investment Committee (IC) related to FIF for NRB review Ensure timely publication of FIF request for and screening of applications
• Ensure that funded FSPs/MFls have a MIS that can produce relevant and accurate on-time portfolio and financial data and meet FIF reporting requirements
• Monitor progress of recipient institutions by reviewing and verifying quarterly reported results through field visits, prior to facilitating the posting of participating FSPs/MFIs' results on the MIX Market website (www.themix.org).
• Prepare annually multi-year projections for NRB estimating country demand and supply for financial services by the lower segment of the market, including analyses of any gaps in meeting funding needs (loans, grants, technical assistance and equity) of FSPs/MFIs and business services providers.
• Present options for NRB to catalyze sector development for the consideration of the Investment Committee. Identify areas where specialized TA is needed by FSPs/MFIs and arrange for in-country trainings and on-site, short-term TA from regional or international experts. Provide technical assistance as needed to funded FSPs/MFls and business services providers, based on their progress against targets to be met in funding arrangements.
• Implement the activities related to (i) prepare inventory of SCGs, (ii) ratings of SCGs, (iii) develop the capacity of SCGs, (iv) policy support to NRB on SCG linkages, (v) technical support to concerned UNDP/GOs/NGOs programme and (iv) technical support to selected FSPs/MFls to implement the SCG Linkage banking scheme.
• Identify UNDP/GOs/NGOs projects to be supported for SCG linkages exercises in close consultation with Project Manager (FIF) and present in Project Executive Group and Outcome Board meeting for approval.
• Develop and disseminate a brief monthly progress report format to SCG linkage focal points of the concerned projects. Hold joint monthly meetings as per the need with SCG linkage focal points.
• Compile monthly SCG linkages focal point reports into a quarterly progress report and a final report.
• Serve as secretariat to SCG linkages initiatives and ensure that policy and operational level complications in the linkage process are suitably addressed in consultation with key stakeholders including UNCDF, UNDP and project staff.
• Provide regular briefings and facilitate technical orientation and training of UNDP/GOs/NGOs projects management, SCG linkage focal points in international good practices and principles of microfinance.
• Perform any other relevant work, as per the requirements of the task or as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILL:

• Master degree in economics, finance or related social field from a reputable University.
• At least 5 years practical working experience on micro finance. Working experiences in national / international organization in the areas of micro finance, micro enterprise development and micro finance policy research or poverty reduction. A dynamic, results-oriented and self-motivated personality with a sense of initiative
• Deep technical knowledge and experience in Microfinance Good Practices, including linkage banking scheme;
• In-depth familiarity with facilitation of SCGs capacity building and Self-Help Group based micro-lending methodology. Strong commitment and believe on SCGs led community based microfinance operation.
• Demonstrated experience in development project planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Strong inter-personal and human resource development skills - training and facilitation skills will be a distinct advantage.
• Excellent organizational, communication and administrative skills, including solid experience in financial projections and management.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, excellent computer skills.
• Familiarity with UN, UNDP and UNCDF rules and procedures is an advantage.


Applications should be submitted no later than 1 February 2009 by email, to: hrmu2.np@undp.org or in a sealed envelope to:

UNDP Operations Department
(Ref: UNCDF/UNDP -RC),
UN House, Pulchowk,
P.O. Box 107,
Kathmandu, Nepal

(Only Applicants who are short-listed will be contacted)

Applicants must submit the updated standard UN Personal History Form available at the UNDP webpage http://www.undp.org.np/vacancy

Work experience and/or academic knowledge in relation to gender and social exclusion will be an added advantage.

Women, Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, people with disabilities, and other minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Note: Published in the Kantipur Daily Newspaper
Date: 13/01/2009