Team Leader, Microfinance Coordination Unit

Maxwell Stamp PLC (MSP) is currently running the Prosper Finance & Administration Unit (PFU) which coordinates the Prosper microfinance programme on behalf of DFID in Bangladesh.  The Prosper programme is built on the premise that the microfinance sector in Bangladesh has the potential to offer greater access to diversified financial services for the poor and for micro and small enterprises.  As a result of the mid-term review of Prosper, the role of PFU Coordinator has been enhanced and MSP is seeking a candidate to undertake that enhanced role.

The Coordinator will be responsible for running the PFU.  The PFU’s primary mandate is to support i) the successful completion of the overall Prosper programme and ii) DFID in taking forward day-to-day operational activities related to the programme.  The PFU does not have a direct management role with the implementing partners (Bangladesh Bank, PKSF, the Microcredit Regulatory Authority and the Institute of Microfinance).  However, in specific areas outlined by DFID and agreed with the partners, the PFU has oversight roles on behalf of DFID.  Mostly, the PFU works closely with the various partner orgnanisations to provide technical inputs and facilitate overall delivery of the project activities.

The PFU Coordinator will be assisted by a Field Officer and a Finance Manager.  The position will be begin in April 2012 and run to June 2014 (with the possibility of an extension).

This is a challenging role that combines the need for excellent administrative skills with hands-on experience of microfinance:

- Excellent administrative and management skills with a demonstrable track record (10 years+) in large scale, international project coordination

- Technical knowledge of microfinance, gained in a project environment

- Experience of managing substantial project funds

- Previous project experience in Bangladesh

- Fluency in English (oral and written)

- A working knowledge of Bangla would be an advantage

- Excellent interpersonal skills.