Credit and Microfinance Advisor

Assignment Type:

South-South International Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to individuals who hold citizenship of a low or middle income country other than the country where the assignment is based

Assignment ID:

VA-106961

Assignment Title:

Credit and Microfinance Advisor

Partner:

Associated Center For Agro-Based Development

Country:

Malawi

Duration:

7 months

Time Commitment:

Full-time

Assignment Context

Are you passionate about improving livelihoods for young people and for rural farming communities globally ? Do you have microfinance skills to share? 

As the Credit and Microfinance Advisor with Associated Center For Agro-Based Development (ACADES) in Lilongwe, Malawi, you will support microfinance initiatives by developing financial products, managing risk, and ensuring clients receive the necessary resources to start or grow small businesses.

Apply today to have an impact on youth in agriculture in Malawi!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work with the team to assess financial management capacity gaps, develop an effective financial management system, and train staff on accounting, budgeting, and financial management tools.
• Design and refine financial products that balance profitability, affordability, and social impact, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with organizational goals.
• Support and mentor staff in implementing financial policies, recordkeeping, credit risk management, and financial reporting to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the team to conduct market research to identify client needs and industry trends, using insights to enhance financial product offerings and inform strategies.
• Support management team to analyze lending risks, develop risk management frameworks, and provide tailored advice on credit options to foster institutional growth and minimize financial risks.
• Use an intersectional lens to ensure the inclusion and participation of young women and other marginalized youth, as well as their representation, in all activities related to monitoring and evaluation
• Ensure that an environmental sustainability lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activities (e.g. data collection tools, etc)
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment
• Ensure that a gender equality lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activities
• Support partners to empower young women and promote a culture of gender sensitive representation in all activities and program benefits
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree and/or training in finance, accounting, business administration, business management or other related field 
• Minimum 2 years of experience in microfinance, finance or a related field 
• In-depth understanding of credit analysis, lending practices, and relevant financial regulations
• Familiarity with financial software, credit scoring tools, and loan management systems
• Knowledge of the of agriculture sector is an asset
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Partner Description

Associated Center For Agro-Based Development (ACADES) is a social enterprise which invests in the most rural and disconnected communities of smallholder farmers, especially youth and women. Its mission is to create sustainable wealth for smallholder farming communities through provision of tailor-made service packages consisting of agriculture financing, ethical market and farmer capacity development. Over the past 5 years, ACADES has organized and reached over 22,000 farmers with essential products and services.

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!

WUSC’s Safeguarding Policy

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification.

WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge.