Project Development Manager, Financial Inclusion

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Director of Financial Inclusion, support project development and new business development initiatives, write proposals and research papers, oversee program management, research, editing, monitoring and negotiating support functions. Manage relations with partners such as USAID, the World Bank and others.

WOCCU is the global association for financial cooperatives with a network of 68,000 institutions in 109 countries. We work with USAID, the UN and the World Bank in: Haiti - digital outreach and affordable housing; Ukraine - credit union revitalization & agricultural lending; Kenya, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guatemala - agricultural finance & digital innovation; and Colombia - financial inclusion.

Project Development:

• Writes proposals, strategic thought pieces, research studies and proposals support project development and new business development initiatives
• Manage relations with existing and potential partners and acquire new projects from private donors (e.g. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MasterCard) and bilateral and multilateral agencies (e.g., USAID, World Bank and the UN)
• Responsibility for achieving project acquisition goals
• Conduct research to identify potential project opportunities and funding sources including gathering country background and technical information required for project proposal preparation
• Expand impact of our active programs including: digital outreach and affordable housing in Haiti, credit union revitalization and agricultural lending in Ukraine, agricultural finance in Kenya, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guatemala and financial inclusion in Colombia.

Communications

• Write and edit marketing material: background statements, program briefs, and manage social media strategy
• Support the communications team in updating the website and overseeing social media outreach
• Drive WOCCU’s communications strategy for our international financial sector development programs, working with the Director of Financial Inclusion

Program Management:

• Manage overall contract management for small, high-impact projects, including delivering on budget and strategic objective targets; overseeing the contracting of consultants, including but not limited to preparing contract and budget, support and follow up
• Participate in project teams, perform research activities and draft specific sections of proposals and concept papers as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• 5-10 years related experience working in financial inclusion, digital finance, microfinance/micro-lending, technology for development, payments platforms.
• Master’s degree in economics, finance, international business, development, journalism, or related areas of study.
• Knowledge of and experience with donors such as USAID, the World Bank, United Nations and the Gates Foundation.
• Demonstrable experience in international development including work and/or living experience in emerging markets.
• 3-5 years’ experience managing international development programs preferred.

Language Skills: English fluency. Spanish and/or French fluency is preferred.

Computer Skills: Excellent Microsoft Office skills. Publishing and design software experience is helpful.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions extreme heat and/or cold and working in unusual places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit (occasionally for extended periods of time). The employee is frequently required to talk, hear, reach and stand; rarely required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision requirements include close, distance and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES: None.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position supervises the Project Development Officer.

TRAVEL: Up to 30 days per calendar year; domestic and international.

About the Organization

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions and savings and credit co-operatives. Our international development programs assist credit unions and their associations to promote economic development, providing access to financial services to improve health outcomes, foster micro, small and medium-sized enterprise growth, increase food security, advance educational achievement, develop mobile payment networks, support communities at risk and encourage legislative reform and regulatory systems development. World Council represents more than 235 million members of 68,000+ credit unions in 109 countries across the globe.