How to get a job with FINCA International

If you envision a career focused on providing financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs, FINCA International may be one of the top organizations to consider as employer. FINCA stands for the Foundation for International Community Assistance. Established in 1984, the organization provides microcredit services to poor people - especially women - in Africa, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has program offices in the regions where it works. FINCA is always in need of motivated professionals with expertise in finance, human resources, law and auditing, according to Jean-Amiel Jourdan, the group’s global talent manager. Having technical skills and work experience in the banking, corporate and financial services sectors is a definite advantage. Senior- and mid-level professionals with more than five years’ work experience are often recruited for consultancy and permanent positions at headquarters or in the field. They are advised to consider the “core team” positions advertised on FINCA’s website. Senior field managers must have at least five years of experience in banking or finance. FINCA seeks the following in its job applicants, according to Jourdan: - A sense of commitment to and interest in the organization’s mission. - Working proficiency in a language other than English, particularly French, Spanish or Russian. - A minimum of three years’ work experience in finance or banking. FINCA posts details of its current vacancies in the career section of its website. Recruiting sites such as Devex may provide additional information on required skills. For less experienced job seekers, it is helpful to seek out internships, fellowships and volunteer work, which will help develop a specific skill set relevant to microfinance. A master’s degree in business is not required to work at FINCA, Jourdan said. Those with master’s in public policy or experience working with a big corporate finance department are often a good fit with FINCA, he added. Opportunities for career advancement within FINCA are also available, added Jourdan, and internal advancement is encouraged. He cited examples of FINCA employees who started as loan officers before moving on to become credit supervisers, branch managers, regional managers and even chief operating officers and country directors. Said Jourdan: “The organization is devoted to ensuring that all staff members are provided with access to development and growth opportunities.” Read more microfinance career advice: - How to Become a ‘Banker to the Poor’ - A Business School Focuses on the Poor - Microfinance Jobs for Beginners - Tourism Industry Veteran Leaps to International Microfinance - Kiva Fellows Connect Online Lenders with Borrowers Read more career advice articles.