Project Manager, Microsavings Initiative, Ethiopia

Position Title:   Project Manager - Ethiopia, Microsavings Initiative
Status:   Long Term Consultancy or Full-Time, Project Employee (End date 12/31/2012)
Location:  Ethiopia (based in Bahir Dar)
FLSA:     Local Hire / Exempt
Date:     October 2009

Grameen Foundation is seeking a Project Manager to oversee on-site implementation of a three-year micro-savings project at Amhara Credit and Savings Institution (ACSI) in Ethiopia.  The project will enable ACSI to dramatically scale its voluntary savings products for the poor and is part of a broader multi-country savings project.  Keys to success in this role will be a strong understanding of savings products in the microfinance context and the ability to establish and lead productive relationships with the other project team members at Grameen Foundation and the MFI.

Job Summary:  As the front line manager based at the MFI, the Project Manager will have overall responsibility for planning and monitoring project activities and driving the success of the project at the institutional level.  S/he will be the primary liaison between the U.S.-based Project Director and staff, MFI management and staff, and visiting technical assistance providers.  The Project Manager will also serve as a technical expert on operational and financial issues related to scaling savings services at the MFI.

Reporting and Relationships:  Reports to the Project Director, Microsavings Initiative.  Project Manager will also be responsible for engaging the senior management at ACSI in accordance with the operating rules and procedures at ACSI. 

Availability:  This person is expected to work a standard work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done.  The position will require periodic domestic and international travel (20-30%).

Essential Job Functions:
• Work with MFI management to build and lead core savings team at MFI, recruiting externally where necessary. 
• Lead planning and execution of scheduled project activities to ensure project targets are met, including development of MFI-specific work plans in collaboration with GF and MFI staff.  Troubleshoot implementation activities, ensuring timely performance and accountability to achieve project success.
• Mobilize relevant internal and external technical resources to provide assistance to the ACSI savings team
• Ensure project activities are performed within the approved Savings Project budget and follow Grameen Foundation procedures to authorize expenditures
• Incorporate proposed savings strategy and products into MFI’s detailed financial projections and business plan
• Build MFI capacity to offer savings services through provision of direct technical assistance
• Liaise between MFI, Grameen Foundation project management, technical assistance providers, and local stakeholders (e.g., microfinance associations, regulators) to ensure necessary resources are in place to execute Savings Project
• Supervise any dedicated on-site savings project staff to ensure all stakeholders are aware of individual project targets and will execute as instructed
• Submit detailed progress reports and status updates as required by Grameen Foundation and ACSI
• Promote success and professionalism across the project by modeling leadership, teamwork, and promoting best practices.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• At least eight years of operational and management experience in international development, with an emphasis on rural microfinance and savings mobilization
• Experience planning and managing complex projects
• Strong team-building, facilitation, leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, organizational, and project management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the poorest, particularly in rural areas
• Working knowledge of Amharic, at a minimum, preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microfin business planning tool.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree international development, finance, economics, or related field or equivalent work experience.  Master’s Degree preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one and preferably more than one of the following critical functional areas related to savings services:  marketing and product design, financial literacy, liquidity management, automated MIS implementations

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comments:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org by February 28, 2010. Please put “PM-Ethiopia” in the subject line.  No calls please.