About Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme

Job Summary

The International Access to Finance Specialist will finalize development of the components of the program: (a) to deliver and improve access to finance for rural SMEs by establishing the systems and structure of this aspect of AREDP; and (b) to form Savings Groups (SGs) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and the their linkage to MFIs. Component (a) includes the structuring of the PRG Facility agreement with a Qualified Financial Institution to guide the loan/risk sharing facility for financial institutions (FIs) participating in the program and the delivery of SME lending products by selected FIs. In addition, there is a significant component of the assignment to finalize methodologies and delivery mechanisms to inform and educate SME borrowers how to increase their access to credit through a better understanding of the mechanics of credit, and also to inform clients of available lending products. The IAFC will also establish linkages with the Community Enterprise component of the program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the finalization of the systems, activities, and implementation methodologies and prepare the commencement of program operations for the following program components: Access to Finance Component (B3) and Community Access to Credit including SGs and VLSAs. This includes the development of an operations manual for the Access to Credit.
• Develop support mechanisms for financial institutions that are expanding their range of activity to rural areas.
• Formalize leniency arrangements for banks, financial literacy arrangements with Afghanistan Banks Association and provider.
• Implementation of the Partial Risk Guarantee facility.
• Develop comprehensive lending system for VSLAs; and registration of VSLAs.
• Develop ToRs for training providers for VSLAs.
• Develop and finalize the contracts, agreements, and MOUs with Qualified Financial Institutions, including, but not limited to, detailed implementation arrangements for the services to be provided by the Qualified Financial Institution.
• Analyze the current state of the enabling environment for lending and access to credit for SMEs (primarily a research-based activity), existing obstacles and blockages that need to be removed to improve and enhance opportunities to access credit; and prepare detailed recommendations for action by the Office of the Enabling Environment.
• Maintain the system to identify and update all lending products available in the country.
• Advise on new and creative techniques and interventions to provide credit to underserved communities.
• Contribute positively to all aspects of the overall development of the Program and the start-up of full AREDP operations.
• Contribute to design of new financial product by partner banks.
• Any other duties assigned.

Job Requirements

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The successful candidate will be able to work without direct supervision, pay attention to detail and will exhibit personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency, flexibility, respect for diversity, creative thinking and problem solving.

Knowledge/Experience
• At least ten years experience working in economic development programs in the areas of enterprise development, microfinance, or commercial banking;
• Experience in grants administration;
• Experience working in large and complex economic development programs;
• Knowledge and experience in providing presentations and written reports;
• Knowledge and experience in development of Islamic lending products desirable.

Qualifications/Skills
• Master’s degree in development economics, business, banking, finance, or a related field;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Proven organizational skills;
• Good computer skills for Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Excellent teamwork skills, including interpersonal and communication skills.
Abilities
• Ability to develop efficient and productive working relationships within a diverse team of national and international staff;
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
• Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member;
• Professionalism in appearance and demeanour;
• Willingness to enhance knowledge through training and personal initiative.

Reporting relationships:
Report to Access to Finance component manager, and to the AREDP Senior Management team.
Period of Assignment:
The assignment is for 12 months and may be extended if required.

AREDP now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (in addition to the educational qualifications, experience of similar assignments and country of work etc. should be incorporated in the CV to be submitted along with expression of interest/application).

Submission Guideline

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in section V of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (May 2004) revised in October 2006 and May 2010.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours [i.e. 0900 to 1600 hours]. Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours (0900 to 1600 hours Kabul time), from the Website (www.mrrd.gov.af), or by sending an E-Mail to: waris.barmak@mrrd.gov.af

Expression of interest must be delivered to the address below by 1600 hours on 21 March 2011 to:
Mr. Baseer Farahi, Human Resources Manager
Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development
House# 1071, Saraye Ghazni, Near Music High School, Kabul, Afghanistan

E-mail for applications: vacancies.aredp@mrrd.gov.af
Copy to: waris.barmak@mrrd.gov.af
Phone#: 0700337688
Website: http://mrrd.gov.af/aredp

Functional Area

Account/Finance

Countries

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