Primary Role And Responsibilities

• Define the program’s strategy to deliver innovative and fit-for-purpose financial products/services, and expand growth of financial institutions related to East Africa’s agricultural sector
• Design and operationalize blended finance mechanisms to mobilize private capital for agricultural SMEs in East Africa.
• Provide technical leadership to increase access to tailored financial products and stimulate for blended finance instruments.
• This may include overseeing the provision of technical assistance to financial services providers (banks and non-bank intermediaries) to enhance their products and services, structuring incentive schemes to enable financial institutions to expand into new sectors and value chains, among other activities.
• Represent the program’s financial intermediary-related activities in meetings with public and private sector actors including country governments, non-governmental organizations, business associations, among others
• Supervise implementing partners, sub-contractors, and grantees as they undertake tasks relating to expanding and supporting Fis and blended finance initiatives
• Travel to various regions of East and Southern Africa as needed
• Any and all other project-related tasks as required by the Chief of Party and Palladium HQ

Key Competencies Required

• Advanced knowledge of the blended finance, financial sector, and financial institution interventions in East Africa, including key stakeholders and existing products and services
• Robust networks within the region’s financial sector
• Proven track record working with financial intermediaries (including bank and non-bank financial institutions, funds, and technology-enabled firms) to enhance their products and services focusing on the agricultural sector,
• Experience working on USAID or other donor-funded programs of a similar size
• Excellent communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements preferred
• Experience working for large donor organizations such as USAID preferred
• Written and oral proficiency in English required