188 - Microfinance Development Specialist - Ramallah

Application Type : External Vacancy
Job ID/Title : 188 - Microfinance Development Specialist
Category : Productive Capital & Poverty Reduction Team
Brand : UNDP
Post Level :
Application Deadline : 16-Jun-09
Duty Station : Ramallah
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Number :
(for 100 Series Contracts)
Languages Required :
Arabic, English,
Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)
Duration of Initial Contract : One year renewable
Expected Duration of Assignment :
Background:
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Microfinance Development Specialist analyzes political, social and economic trends and participates in the implementation of the project activities within a project portfolio.
 
The Microfinance Development Specialist will lead the implementation of the Microfinance Component in the project with the support staff and works in close collaboration with the Project Manger and the Project Team to develop manuals and implementation tools to achieve the best implantation of the project and achieve all of its Goals and Objectives.
 
The project that is implemented by UNDP/PAPP is seeking qualified candidates for the Microfinance Development Specialist Position. The vacancy post will be part of the UNDP’s Project Management Office (PMO) based in Ramallah and Gaza and under the direct supervision of the project manager.
Description of Responsibilities:
  1. Ensures implementation of project strategies focusing on achievement of the following results: 
·         To develop conceptual approach models for the Microfinance to be more effective mechanism in poverty alleviation, livelihoods and human rights approaches.
·         To develop the different tools and systems needed to synchronize, standardize, and reform the microfinance sector.
·         To develop new microfinance products and tools those are applicable for the National case.
 
  1. Participates and lead the effective implementation of the sub-component (Microfinance Component) of the Project within the practice area specialization assigned  focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the project achieving the following results:
 ·         To establish work procedures and business process systems for the partner MFIs, and other possible partners.
  • To monitoring and following up the field progress of funding agreements with MFIs in the West Bank and Gaza implementing the microfinance component.
·         To articulate and manage mechanisms within the project which will promote knowledge sharing among duty holders from government, civil society, private sector and donor communities to establish a think tank and consequently provide high quality feedback on national policies related to Microfinance Sector.
·         Promote the concept of poverty alleviation, livelihoods and human rights approaches within the procedures and systems followed by MFIs.
·         To ensure that the developed systems achieve the overall goals of UNDP as well as the project, for instance, produce new microfinance products which enhance women empowerment, the right of education, housing etc…
·         To ensure that systems which prove to be effective in monitoring or preventing poverty are well streamed in the work of partner MFIs institutions
·         Develop various intervention systems that facilitate the implementation of the project microfinance component and to demonstrate project achievements, developed tools and ways forward for stakeholders and other national and international communities
·         Preparation of inputs for reporting, including donor reporting and preparation of Annual Work Plans.
 
  1. Provides top quality advisory services, technical assistant and capacity building to the partner Microfinance Institutions / Government / and other stalk holders and ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
 
·         To Build the Capacity of the MFIs to be able to develop financial services that are geared to assist marginalized entrepreneurs and the poor who are seeking the fulfillment of the basic services.
·         Assist the Microfinance Institution to build business plan and financial analysis models.
·         Providing policy support and advice to duty holders in the civil, government, privet sector, MFIs, and Banks.
  • Coach implementing MFIs on the best practices and the suitable products to meet families’ needs, market and MFIs field of expertise.
  • Organization of training for the projects staff on project issues.
  • Any other duties as assigned by the project manager to achieve project goals.
  • Insure the Liaise with national and international stake holders.
  • Demonstrating DEEP achievements, developed tools and ways forward for all stakeholders and other national and international communities.
Impact of Results
  
The key results have an impact on the success of project within specific areas of cooperation. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets, and achieving the success implementation of the project sub-component to reach all project goals and objectives.

Competencies :
Corporate Competencies:
-       Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
-       Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
-       Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
-       Treats all people fairly without favoritism
 
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
-       Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
-       Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
 
Development and Operational Effectiveness
-        
-       Ability apply conceptual models in support of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Microfinance at DEEP project.
-       Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
-       Strong IT skills
-       Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
 
Management and Leadership
-       Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
-       Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-       Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-       Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
-Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Qualifications :
Education:                                
Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field.
 
Experience:     
Minimum of six years relevant work experience in a management-level position in the microfinance sector with Strong command of technical areas of strategic planning and capacity building for microfinance. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages and handling of web based management systems.
Experience with UN Agencies is an asset.
 
Language Requirements:          
Fluency in the English and Arabic. 
“ UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from men and women will be considered equally”