Jobs – Agricultural and Rural Finance Specialist at GOAL

Job Title: Agricultural and Rural Finance Specialist

GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest of the poor. We are a non-denominational, non-governmental and non-political organisation. GOAL Uganda country project focuses on two of GOAL’s three strategic sectors: Health (including WASH and health accountability programming); and Livelihoods. GOAL Uganda mainstreams HIV, gender, child protection and the environment/DRR across all programming. GOAL works on a district focused approach, and uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with local civil society organisations, private sector partners and District Local Government to give effect to our mission.

Job Summary: The Agricultural and Rural Finance Specialist (ARFS) will be responsible for implementing all aspects that support farmer access to and utilisation of formal financial services under the current GOAL Uganda livelihoods programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out regular analysis and provide advice on agricultural finance and related market development.
• Collect, manage and maintain a database on financial service providers, their range and quantity of financial services they provide.
• Mentor and train GOAL staff on rural and agricultural financing options.
• Build and maintain strategic linkages with a wide range of stakeholders including relevant DLG departments, banks, microfinance.
• Disseminate new financing opportunities for market actors; that focus on building and maintaining investment opportunities
• Work in liaison with the Market Development Specialist to prepare business cases for off-farm businesses and provide business skills training.
• Support farmers, Producer Organisations and off farm businesses in developing viable business plans for financing; ensuring that they are guided by business principles and informed by the needs of the market.
• Actively facilitate linkages to existing micro and formal finance institutions to facilitate access to credit.
• Monitor / mentor loan repayments and support Farmers to work closely with the FSP.
• Document and disseminate case studies, best practices on value chain financing activities and lessons.
• Contributing to annual work plans/budgets and other technical reports.
• Work with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations to ensure support for and acceptance of GOAL Uganda’s market based programs.
• Support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our project participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate should preferably hold a first degree or equivalent qualification in finance, accounting, business or other related field.
• A minimum of five years’ experience working in financial services, either with a development bank, private financial institution or consulting firm.
• Prior experience in agricultural and rural finance sectors
• Excellent analytical skills, financial analysis, risk management, project implementation and Strong networking skills
• Strong communication and report writing skills with fluency in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge and skills in computing is a must.
• Willingness to work with rural and vulnerable communities in remote areas of Uganda.

How to Apply for the job:

All qualified and interested applicants who meet the requirements should submit their applications /CVs which must include at least four reference contacts (2 professional, 2 character references, including your supervisor and the most recent/previous employer), and daytime contact number to; The Human Resource Manager, GOAL Uganda via E-mail to: AdminKampala@ug.goal.ie.

NB: Please Do Not Attach Certificates.

Deadline: Monday, 1st September 2014.