Job Description

Job Title: Microfinance Specialist
Location:  Mareb 
REPORTING TO: Programs Manager
Deadline: 31/08/2024

Background

BCHR is a leading national non-governmental humanitarian agency with a global mission to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. BCHR is a non-profit and non-governmental organization aiming to provide health, nutrition, food security and protection services as a humanitarian response to the escalating socio-economic situation in Yemen since 2015.

About the Job:

The project Manager will manage the project and coordinate between the project’s team and UNDP.  

The Project Manager will oversee and manage the entire project responsibilities including the coordination and completion of project activities on time within budget and within scope. Oversee all aspects of projects including financial and program planning and reporting. Set deadlines, assign responsibilities and monitor and summarize progress of project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Microfinance Specialist will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Keep abreast on microfinance development in the country and worldwide, identify legal, regulatory and institutional challenges related to microfinance development;
• Serve as a resource person on microfinance development issues for project and UNDP, respective research coordinators, stakeholders and beneficiaries;
• Identify issues that may have a significant impact on MFIs, and recommend ways to address these issues;
• Analyze microfinance demand and estimate supply gap;
• Assist in development of the methodology for surveying existing MFIs and microfinance services;
• Contribute to preparation of the respective policy and strategy papers, project briefs and presentations;
• Coordinate project inputs and activities involving the Government, Central Bank, and other stakeholders;
• Provide assistance to international consultants and professional experts on establishing a conducive policy framework for microfinance covering areas of (a) supporting infrastructure such as credit guarantees, agriculture insurance, and credit information sharing; (b) development of professional network ( NAMOCU); (c) rules and regulations on microfinance; and (d) market-based mechanisms aimed at improving financial sustainability of MFIs;
• Prepare pilot-testing methodology for the new microfinance products;
• Establish criteria for participation in project activities for MFIs;
• Prepare a detailed plan for capacity building of NAMOCU;
• Help design training courses and train senior staff of CBU and NAMOCU;
• Organize the trainings for CBU and MFI’s;
• Provide information on options for oversight and reporting of the MFI;
• Supervise the working group on development of the concept note on Microfinance Development in Yemen;
• Supervise the work of team of national consultants to ensure they fulfill their terms of reference;
• Coordinate the efforts of donors in the joint microfinance activities; 
• Raise awareness of policymakers and the public about the importance and feasibility of microfinance; 
• Participate in roundtables and seminars organized for Oliy Majlis and government representatives, conduct focus group meetings with beneficiaries; 
• Perform other relevant duties as required.

Competencies

• Good knowledge about development issues and donor activities, especially related to microfinance development in the Republic of Yemen;
• Strong managerial and communication skills, ability to take decisions and to prioritize multiple tasks, results-orientated, ability to work in a team and stressful conditions;
• Initiative, analytical thinking, ethics and honesty;
• Skills in using ICT as a tool and data source;
• Fluency in English, and Arabic.

Required Skills and Experience

• University degree in economics, business administration, public finance and management (Master’s degree is preferred);
• At least 5 years of progressive work experience in banking and microfinance institutions, of which at least 3 years directly related to microfinance and microcredit institutions. Work experience in any development organization is an advantage;
• Good knowledge about development issues and donor activities, especially related to microfinance development in the Republic of Yemen; 
• Strong managerial and communication skills, ability to take decisions and to prioritize multiple tasks, results-orientated, ability to work in a team and stressful conditions;
• Initiative, analytical thinking, ethics and honesty;
• Skills in using ICT as a tool and data source;
• Fluency in English, and Arabic.