The microfinance sector is growing, and so are opportunities for those interested in building a career by helping the poor access financial services on equitable terms.
But, starting in microfinance can be daunting since the maturation of this industry has lead to greater competition for jobs and demand for advanced skills. Jobseekers may also be overwhelmed by the different types of “nonprofit” and commercial “for-profit” entities that serve the working poor.
The Mix Market, an online platform for microfinance stakeholders, currently lists 1,337 microfinance institutions along with hundreds of organizations that fund and support their mission. The PlaNet Finance Group reckons that more than 10,000 MFIs serve an estimated 150 million people globally.