THRIVE2030 Regional Manager-LACRO, VisionFund International

VisionFund's work seeks to end intergenerational poverty through financial products and services. We're about the long-term change that ensures children can break free of the poverty cycle, for good.

By supporting people and communities living in poverty to develop and grow their livelihoods, VisionFund is catalysing sustainable economic growth to break the cycle of poverty, so that children can reach their potential as communities thrive.

Learn more about us: visionfund.org

Application Language: All applications should be made in English

Overview

VisionFund is World Vision’s microfinance provider serving vulnerable clients through loans, savings, and insurance. We enable families to grow their livelihoods in hard to reach, rural locations in 28 countries so that caregivers can create secure futures for their children. We believe in brighter futures for children; empowering families to create incomes and jobs; unlocking economic potential for communities to thrive. Join VisionFund as we seek to end intergenerational poverty through microfinance.

VisionFund is implementing the Thrive 2030 project in 11 countries including Guatemala and Honduras. A critical part of this is the roll out of the FAST (Finance Accelerating Savings group Transformation) loan product through VisionFund’s MFIs. This is VisionFund’s program to offer financial services to saving groups. The flagship product, the saving group linkage loan, follows a methodology, specifically designed to the target groups. This position’s purpose is to support and guide MFIs during the pilot and roll out of this product, focussing on countries in Latin America. We have already developed standards regarding product process, training materials and various guidance materials. The FAST managers are responsible for the implementation of the FAST product for the MFIs in the portfolio as per MFI plans. In addition, other credit products will be developed by MFIs to suit the needs of Thrive 2030 beneficiaries. The Regional Manager will ensure these are aligned well with the FAST product and meet Thrive 2030 targets and expectations.

The FAST manager will use the existing materials to support MFIs to increase their reach of savings groups through the FAST product. This will include capacity building among MFI staff, monitoring of operations both through field visits and through regular monitoring meetings, reports, etc, and developing new partnerships with NGOs. The priority countries of this role will be Honduras and Guatemala with the option of scoping other countries in the region as opportunity arises.

Key Responsibilities

• Support MFIs in the implementation of the Thrive 2030 Program in (Guatemala and Honduras) through capacity building; product pilot development for FAST and other credit products serving Thrive 2030 beneficiaries; product roll out support; and monitoring of implementation (including multi-year planning)
• Oversee and support the work of the local MFI FAST product manager and ensuring that other credit products in Thrive 2030 are implemented to meet program targets
• Coordination with World Vision and other NGO in the sensitisation of WV and other stakeholder of FAST & Thrive 2030 financial products; increasing the pipeline of SGs to be linked; and increase of the number of partners VF works with
• Provide advice on how training material can be improved for capacity building and network outreach
• Engage externally through speaking at events, webinars, conferences to share lessons learned with the goals being: contribution to knowledge sharing documentation and sharing of lessons learned; promotion of VFI visibility; and promotion of FAST visibility

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Required Professional Experience

• University degree in relevant field
• At least 5 years of professional experience in development work (preferably with saving groups / livelihoods / resilience / gender equality)
• Knowledge of Savings Group methodology
• Business-focused, with ability to improve annual operational plans and advise on product pilots, results analysis and workforce plans
• Proactive and adaptable, with experience of introducing new products or services
• Project management experience is required, including financial monitoring and reporting
• Must be fluent in English
• Must be able to travel for work in very remote/rural areas upto 35%
• Experience of delivering training virtually, as well as in person
• Must have a proven track record of engaging and influencing leaders externally and internally – e.g. building new partnerships, leading change, introducing new products/services and speaking at events, webinars and conferences

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only