World Relief MICROFINANCE ADVISOR

Position: Microfinance Technical Advisor Immediate Supervisor: VP of International Programs & Chief Information Officer (CIO) Department: Economic Development Unit (EDU) Work Location: World Relief HQ – Baltimore, MD

World Relief is a faith-based organization committed to its mission of empowering the Church to serve the most vulnerable. Microfinance is one avenue through which World Relief achieves its mission. To learn more about World Relief visit www.worldrelief.org.

General Function

The Microfinance Technical Advisor will lead the coordination and delivery of technical assistance (TA) service provision across World Relief’s (WR) Microfinance Network and agri-business entities. Under the guidance of the SVP of International Programs & CIO, this position will support the unit in the following areas: information technology (IT), governance, technical assistance (TA), and general administration of the WR Microfinance Network. This position carries an approximately 30% travel requirement.

Specific Responsibilities

Information Technology (IT)

Improve the effectiveness of MIS/IT for the organizations ( networking, accounting, loan and savings management, CRM, security, and communication systems, software and equipment) by assisting in choice and procurement of, set up, management, troubleshooting, and general functioning and deliverable of the systems Train appropriate staff in the areas above, develop training plan for the same, and monitor the ability of the organizations to sustainably manage the MIS/IT functions on their own.

Assist World Relief MFIs in designing and implementing relevant and functional branch connectivity, and system security Assist MFI staff in the development of comprehensive MIS and IT Policy and Procedure Manuals Leverage appropriate technology to drive efficiency and cost effectiveness within WR MFIs Increase capacity of Internal Audit functions related to focus and effectiveness of IT/MIS audits Governance

MFI board membership (actively participate in quarterly MFI board meetings) Ensure MFIs are effectively carrying out WR’s mission, vision, and values Ensure MFIs adhere to microfinance industry best practice Recruit MFI Managing Directors and senior management Identify and cultivate relationships with suitable microfinance and agri-business donors and investors Assist in grant writing and proposal development processes

Technical Assistance (TA)

· Coordinate and provide TA to the WR Microfinance Network and WR agri-business entities, currently four principal ones (Hekima—DR Congo, Turame—Burundi, DANRE—Haiti, Zambiaworks Financial Services-- Zambia) and several entities in our network that require occasional relationship attention · Manage and coordinate other employees (currently 1, no others expected in the near term) and any consultants in the microfinance technical area · Coordinate and negotiate TA contracts with external TA providers on behalf of MFI management · Prioritize and deliver MFI board-mandated TA action items

Qualifications Masters Degree in Business/Finance/Microfinance/International Development/Banking/IT/Computer Science or equal experience in related fields At least two years of experience working or living in a volatile developing country Previous experience coordinating and managing technical assistance engagements Previous experience in managing partnerships Knowledge of microfinance industry best practices Knowledge of the MFI growth cycle Proven cross cultural communication skills Advanced software skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, SQL Server, Microfin, SEEP FRAME Tool, Loan Performer or other MIS software) or proven ability to quickly learn new software Advanced knowledge in computer hardware and networking technology Prior Board of Directors experience preferred Fluency in French or Kirundi preferred

How to apply:

Please apply online at http://worldrelief.org/Page.aspx?pid=1718