The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is currently in Year 3 of a 5-year, multi-country project funded by USAID under the Cooperative Development Program (CDP).
The CDP Technology and Innovation for Financial Inclusion (TIFI) project aims to increase finance for SMEs in Kenya, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Guatemala In Kenya, the TIFI team carries out the project in partnership with the Kenyan Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO), and particularly the Central Finance Facility (CFF).
TIFI also works directly with SACCOs that are pioneering development and pilot testing of a new SME Finance Toolkit.
The TIFI project has three objectives;
To improve cooperative business performance through introduction of an effective SME finance product;
To improve the enabling environment for SMEs and for cooperatives by developing partnerships and resources for business development services and by developing linkages with other cooperatives; and
To help build the cooperative movement by sharing knowledge and enhancing the development community’s support to cooperatives.
Overarching Goal of the Country Coordinator:
Ensure implementation of the Cooperative Development Program: Technology and Innovation for Financial Inclusion project in a way that strengthens cooperatives and increases finance and access to business development services for SMEs.
Responsibilities:
Program Leadership in Kenya:
Ensure development, testing, refinement, and marketing of an SME Finance Toolkit.
Connect SACCOs to unserved SME market segments in coordination with KUSCCO and participating SACCOs.
Oversee delivery of technical assistance and training to participating SACCOs in marketing and financial product development, credit management, general finance and reporting using the PEARLS monitoring system.
Team Management, Project Management and
Administration:
Advise HQ regularly of progress toward objectives, obstacles to be addressed, and lessons learned.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the WOCCU TIFI team including staff coordination and oversight, conducting regular employee performance reviews and feedback sessions, and
weekly work planning.
Ensure compliance with World Council and USAID policies, rules, and regulations.
Monitor expenditures in compliance with approved budgets, contracts, and partnership agreements.
Ensure collection of SACCOs’ financial and operational data monthly.
Oversee preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports, including an individual and consolidated PEARLS report for all participating SACCOs.
Oversee Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) reporting.
Ensure sufficient internal controls.
Other duties as assigned.
Strategic Development:
Develop strategies for the three objectives of the project, including
development and promotion of the SME Finance Toolkit;
strengthening SMEs and cooperatives through partnerships, particularly business development services; and
knowledge sharing and other activities to strengthen the cooperative movement.
Monitor the results of the project, identify lessons learned and implement project adaptations after consultation with HQ and key partners.
Identify any policy and regulatory constraints to the success of TIFI and recommend strategies to address those constraints.
Project Partnerships:
Collaborate and communicate regularly with KUSCCO as the primary project partner. Ensure KUSCCO is equipped and supported to lead a sustainable SME Finance product.
Ensure that the project effectively serves the needs of SACCO partners through needs assessment, signing of MOUs, monitoring and evaluating project performance, and adapting based on lessons learned. Strengthen linkages between SACCOs and County governments.
Develop new partnerships as appropriate to meet project goals.
External Relations:
Represent and advocate for WOCCU/TIFI at local events, including meetings with USAID, KUSCCO, CDP participants, and other stakeholders.
Ensure positive partnerships with County governments.
Host events for knowledge sharing, awareness building, and promotion of TIFI objectives.
Educational Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or another relevant field preferred
10 years’ experience in banking, finance, SME development, cooperative development, or related field
Strong background in risk and compliance management
Experience working within banks, SACCOs or other relevant financial service providers in Kenya
Management of diverse commercial portfolios
Financial analysis for SMEs and ability to train others in credit analysis
Loan structuring and negotiation
Trend analysis of financial statements
Knowledge of relevant regulatory agencies and regulatory environment related to SME finance, SACCO operations, and/or digital financial services
Positive interpersonal and management skills
Ability to travel up to 50% throughout Kenya
How to Apply:
If interested and meet the requirements, please send your CV and Cover Letter to
