Program Lead(Access to Finance)
Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Planning and Implementation:
- Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to improve MSMEs’ access to finance.
- Identify and evaluate funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and investments specific to MSMEs.
- Create comprehensive financial plans and models tailored for MSMEs.
Fundraising and Financing:
- Lead efforts to secure funding for MSMEs from various sources, including banks, investors, and government programs.
- Prepare and present funding proposals and business plans to potential financiers.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of financing agreements on behalf of MSMEs.
Financial Product & Instrument Design
- Design and structure innovative financial products (e.g., blended finance, guarantees, revolving funds, equipment leasing models)
- Work with financial institutions to co-create MSME-friendly financing solutions
- Pilot and scale tailored financing models for underserved segments (e.g., women-led businesses)
Financial Analysis and Reporting:
- Conduct financial analysis to evaluate the feasibility and impact of funding options for MSMEs.
- Monitor financial performance and report on the status of funding initiatives.
- Provide regular updates to senior management and MSMEs on financial health and funding activities.
Policy & Stakeholder Management:
- Build and maintain relationships with key financial stakeholders, including banks, investors, and grant providers.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align financial strategies with the objectives of MSMEs.
- Represent the program at financial meetings, conferences, and networking events.
- Engage with policymakers and regulators to address systemic barriers to MSME financing
- Contribute to policy dialogue and advocacy for inclusive finance
- Identify and address market system constraints affecting access to finance
Risk Management:
- Identify financial risks facing MSMEs and develop mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards relevant to MSMEs.
- Monitor the financial environment for changes that could impact MSMEs funding strategies.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Provide training and support to MSMEs on financial management and funding strategies in collaboration with identified Business Development Service Providers (BDSP).
- Develop and deliver workshops and seminars in collaboration with identified BDSP to improve the financial literacy of MSME owners.
- Ensure MSMEs have access to resources and tools needed to succeed financially.
Program Management:
- Oversee the implementation and management of financial access programs for MSMEs.
- Manage consultants and BDSPs delivering financial advisory services
- Develop frameworks to track and measure impact of access-to-finance interventions
- Document lessons learned and best practices
- Monitor program performance and make adjustments as needed.
- Report on program outcomes and impact to stakeholders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Banking Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MSc. Financial Management, CFA, etc.) preferred.
- 5–7 years of relevant experience in finance, fundraising, or related fields with a strong focus on MSMEs
- Proven track record of securing funding and managing financial programs for MSMEs, including experience in blended finance and impact investing
- Experience working with donor-funded programs (e.g., Gates Foundation, DFID, USAID)
- Strong understanding of the Nigerian financial ecosystem
- Prior experience working in a bank or microfinance institution as a Loan Officer (non-negotiable requirement)
- Demonstrated ability to assess business viability, make sound lending decisions, and manage loan recovery processes
Skills:
- Strong financial analysis and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with financial stakeholders.
- Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting.
- Project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Competencies:
- Results-driven with a focus on achieving business objectives.
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of integrity and ethical standards.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified? Go to Food Health Systems Advisory (FHSA) on fhsafrica.zohorecruit.com to apply