Microfinance Advisor Plan Canada

Position Status	Full-time Permanent This position is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Description             Responsibilities	Reporting to the Senior Advisor, International Programs the Microfinance Advisor will: support each Country Office in identification of new funding opportunities and the design and development of new programs; provide technical support, quality assurance, training and capacity building for existing programs in Latin America, Africa and Asia; and further Plan’s policy development, networking and research related to microfinance.   Program design and development   As a member of the Technical Team, this role will provide input and advice to projects that have a component on youth savings and loans, micro-finance or youth economic empowerment. This will include:   · Develop and design innovative Microfinance programs in line with Plan’s programmatic approach and principles · Develop and/or provide input on project proposals · Develop detailed project implementation plans (PIP) and subsequent work plans · Work in partnership with the marketing, corporate and the development teams in developing proposals for submission to Corporations and individual donors   Technical Support and Quality Assurance   Provide quality control, value addition and technical advice to Field Office staff, partners and other stakeholders for Plan Canada support projects related to Micro-finance as they become approved. This will include:   · Identify and evaluate the national, regional and internationally approved technical standards and benchmarks for microfinance programs and incorporate into Plan Canada’s programming · Provide technical support, advice and guidance to Plan staff in Canada and Plan’s overseas Country Offices on the implementation of programs · Participate in project related meetings as needed including project working groups and project steering committee · Provide training in the field on tools related to microfinance, often with a special emphasis on youth · Monitor and Evaluate projects/ programs and write reports based on findings · Design quality monitoring standards as well as tools for program monitoring and improvement   Thought Leadership · Lead and/or participate in various program events at regional and international level highlighting Plan’s program experiences · Participate and share program model, learning and experience with coalitions, donors and forums · Contribute to and/or create, policy papers related to portfolio of Microfinance within Plan Canada and Plan International · Present Plan International Canada Inc. experience in international conferences/forums etc. · Ensure Plan Canada is well connected to, and learning from, international and national networks related to microfinance both within the Plan Network and with other organizations in this sector
Requirements:	· Minimum 8 years program experience in international development; some of which should have been gained overseas · 5-6 years experience in microfinance, preferably with a focus on Youth Empowerment · University degree, post graduate in development or other relevant discipline · Strong analytical skills related to microfinance as well as group and organisational development skills · Strong technical capacity and practical experience of managing and designing international development programs and micro-finance programs · Solid experience in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming · Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations · Demonstrated ability to review, synthesize information and produce appropriate reports · Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point) and internet use · Bilingual capacity in English/French is considered an asset · A good knowledge of global development issues · Able to work in a team envioronment, “pitch in” attitude a must · A Valid Passport (expected travel to be 12 weeks per year) · Must be eligible to work in Canada
Competencies:	· Strong technical capacity in programming in the field of microfinance · Good familiarity, networking and working relationships with different donors and other partner organizations · Self-driven, organized and results-oriented · Good information gathering, assessment and presentation skills · Good listening skills and demonstrated capacity to work effectively with others · Proven skills in proposal writing, innovation and rights based programming · Proven skills in results based management approaches
About Plan Canada	Imagine working for a leading international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that’s dedicated to creating a better world. That’s Plan, a global movement for change, mobilizing millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries. Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.   Plan Canada is part of a global network of offices in over 65 countries. Our busy Toronto-based office undertakes fundraising, donor engagement and public outreach, as well as overseeing a wide variety of field programs led by our International Program Department, which includes experts in Health, Education, Microfinance, Gender equity, Child Protection and Humanitarian Assistance. We have a dedicated, passionate and diverse team of over 140 employees who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children. Join us and plan to change the world.   Visit our website: www.plancanada.ca
How to Apply	To apply for this position, please forward resume and cover letter, by November 16, 2012, with an outline of your skills, experience in confidence togethired@plancanada.ca Please reference Microfinance Advisor in the subject line.   Plan sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please.   Consistent with our Child Protection Policy the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.