About CRS:CRS is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality and works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Title: Regional Technical Advisor Microfinance EARO (Ref.2015/06)
Location: Nairobi/Kenya with travel to East Africa Country Programs

Grade: 9
Reports To: Deputy Regional Director Program Quality
Job Purpose:The Regional Technical Advisor (RTA) for Microfinance (MF) position will support the range of microfinance activities implemented in the East Africa Region (EARO), with a particular emphasis on savings-led microfinance activities. The RTA is part of the regional Program Quality (PQ) team that is led by the EARO PQ Deputy Regional Director. The RTA assumes responsibility in developing, coordinating and supporting microfinance initiatives, in accordance with CRS’ overall Vision, Mission and Objectives.

Specific Responsibilities:
Ensure that all MF activities, particularly the Savings and Internal Lending Communities Private Service Provider (SILC PSP) programs adhere to CRS’ program quality and implementation standards, as determined within toolkits, manuals and reference documents;
Ensure that CRS SILC programs implement best practices that are consistent with institutional learning to date and their respective countries’ operational reality.
Produce timely reports on SILC PSP performance to Supervisor, Country Program (CP) staff and other stakeholders (depending on current portfolio).
Help develop and coordinate the implementation of a regional learning and research agenda in collaboration with PIQA, in particular with their MF team, as part of the Ag Livelihood’s Strategic Program Area (SPA).
Strengthen EARO’s focus on innovations in microfinance, possibly including micro-insurance, agricultural finance, digital financial services and in particular for savings-led programming to expand the range of appropriate and affordable financial services to the ultra-poor and the most vulnerable communities.
Lead on the technical MF/PSP – SILC approach in the proposal design and development stage including integration of PSP – SILC and other financial solutions, including linkages, in a wide variety of integrated projects/programs; participate in proposal review and verify timing and adequate budgeting for the PSP – SILC and/or other MF components.
Work with partners, colleagues and CPs to fundraise for PSP – SILC growth through marketing and networking with donor agencies and other stakeholders; secure financing to support scale with quality strategy.
Design and implement capacity-building activities for country program microfinance staff, which may include leading a community of practice within the region or other avenues to share information.
Model and foster a culture of documenting, learning, and sharing among regional microfinance staff.
Document promising practices in the region and develop publications and other marketing collateral to support and promote the PSP – SILC model in all its aspects.
Identify regional policy and advocacy needs around financial services for the poor and develop appropriate responses.
Stay abreast of relevant developments in the microfinance industry, in particular the savings group sub-sector, i.e., SEEP Network, Savings Revolution, Center for Financial Inclusion, etc.
Represent and market CRS and the PSP – SILC model with other stakeholders in the African and international Microfinance industries, in particular the SEEP Network’s Savings-Led Financial Services Working Group.
Participate and collaborate with other regional RTA/STAs to support EARO’s regional strategy; represent EARO at key events and fora.

Key Working Relationships:
The RTA reports directly to the DRDPQ for EARO and collaborates closely with the regional EARO team, other senior MF staff and PIQA-MF to promote the CRS Microfinance Vision and work as one agency.
Internal: PQ Deputy Regional Director, EARO RTAs, EARO Heads of Programming, Country Program Microfinance staff, PIQA Ag/Livelihoods SPA team; any other RTA/STAs in MF, Business Development staff, Country Program key management staff.
External: USAID, other donor agencies, MF advocates, MF practitioners, MF support facilities vendors, MF networks, and SEEP.

Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in agricultural economics, economics, business, banking, development, international relations, rural finance or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience;
Five to seven years of field experience in microfinance with substantial in-country experience;
Fluency in English and professional proficiency in one other language relevant to area of assignment;
Practical experience in training design and implementation; learning facilitation; proposal design, development, and budgeting, ; fund mobilization; and advocacy;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize tasks in a timely manner;
Demonstrated ability to work successfully in diverse geographic and cultural settings;
Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills;
Understanding and appreciation of CRS’ commitment to work with and build partner capacity;
Appreciation of (or willingness to learn about) Catholic Social Teaching concepts; and
Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the work time.

HOW TO APPLY:
Written applications indicating the reference number of position applied for and CV including day-time contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references should reach the below-mentioned by Close of Business Monday May 4, 2015.

Human Resources Manager

Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program

E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org

Please indicate the Reference Number(Ref.2015/06) on the email subject.Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitments. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment