Unitus is an international nonprofit organization that works to reduce global poverty by increasing access to life-changing microfinance services. We partner with young, high-potential microfinance institutions (MFls), helping them build capacity, attract capital, and achieve exponential growth.
Through this leveraged approach, Unitus seeks to empower millions of the world's working poor while transforming the financial systems that will facilitate this.
Our portfolio reaches more than 6 million families through 23 partners in Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and Kenya. Our goal is to reach more than 15 million of the world's working poor by 2010.
Unitus is already working with two institutions in East Africa and is currently expanding its operations in the region. Our focus will be accelerating the growth of early stage microfinance providers through training, consulting, and capital.
To kick off operations, we are looking for professional individual who will be based in Nairobi to fill the following positions.
DIRECTOR, EAST AFRICA
Reporting to the Vice President at the Head Office in Seattle USA, the Director will lead a small team based in Nairobi. You will be expected to lead strategy development and execution in East Africa, provide advisory services to MFIs at a strategic level, oversee training and guide the selection of partners. You will be the face of Unitus in the East Africa region and thus represent the organization to multiple stakeholders in the region.
REQUIREMENTS;
You will be a self-driven, independent, entrepreneurial, strategic thinker with a passion for developing the micro-finance sector that is evidenced by your accomplishments. You will also be a proven leader with strong communication, presentation and influencing skills and the ability to develop and maintain mutual relationships at various levels i.e. from development partners, government departments and micro-finance institutions at varying growth stages.
In addition, we will be looking for:
- High level experience in the private sector as an entrepreneur, operator, or investor with good exposure in the East Africa region
- Sound understanding of economic development issues; expertise in microfinance will be a definite advantage
- Experience of selecting and managing multiple partners which includes advising senior executives on key business challenges
- Proven leadership and people management skills in a multi-cultural environment
- 10+ years working experience and ideally a post-graduate degree
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.
The Manager, East Africa reports to the Director and will be responsible for the design, implementation and management of the Growth Centre, an exciting learning program designed to accelerate the growth of micro-finance providers through workshops, networking, and mentoring. You will also manage relationships with the MFIs and provide advisory services to them.
REQUIREMENTS:
You will be a creative and strategic thinker who is entrepreneurial and has experience of working independently. You will also have solid project and relationship management experience with exposure to the East Africa region. Experience in the microfinance sector or economic development is preferred.
Other requirements include:
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 5 years working experience; MBA or similar degree preferred
- Demonstrated project management skills, gained in the commercial or non-profit sector
- Strong relationship management skills, demonstrated through a track record of managing cross-geographical and cross-cultural relationships
- Ability to work cross-functionally at all levels of the organization and to manage multiple stakeholders and projects simultaneously
- Strong presentation skills, including delivering presentations to diverse audiences Q Ability to travel up to 30% of time
requirements. It should include an up-to-date CV, the names and addresses of three referees, current and expected remuneration package, a daytime contact telephone number and a valid email address.
Closing date:5th December 2008
Adept Systems
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
P 0 Box 6416, Nairobi GPO, 00100
e-mail: recruit @ adeptsystems.co.ke
website: www.adeptsys.biz
Unitus is an equal opportunity employer Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
