Access to Finance Lead, Macedonia

Overview

Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Access to Finance Lead, Macedonia

ACDI/VOCA is seeking an Access to Finance Lead for an anticipated activity in Macedonia funded by USAID.​ The activity will increase MSMEs productivity by introducing new technologies and innovations (including digitalization), improving regional economic integration, and creating demand driven professionals, supported by easy access to affordable finance and a business-friendly ecosystem as a result of a collaborative public private dialogue.

The Access to Finance Lead will establish working relationships with finance institutions and assess their perceptions, limitations, and concerns regarding extending access to finance to SMEs. The program is anticipated to start in 2023 and this position will be based in Skopje, Macedonia.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead implementation of MSME growth and financing strategies including commercial and innovative financing mechanisms such as commercial debt finance, NBFI finance, equity, quasi-equity, venture capital, and digital financial tools

Support MSMEs to improve financial management capacity and adopt best practices

Increase MSME awareness, and utilization of alternative financial instruments

Promote financing to support innovation, digitalization, export, and competitiveness

Serve as a conduit of information on financing opportunities in support of SMEs and link participants to programs designed to facilitate access to finance for SMEs

Develop financing strategies for SMEs that have well-articulated growth strategies for which they need financing

Facilitate investments for SMEs, including making tailored pitches to Financial Service Providers (FSPs)

Identify and establish collaboration with investment funds interested in expanding their portfolio to the geographical area of interest for this activity

Identify obstacles to accessing finance that is encountered by various SMEs working along the targeted value chains (producers, processors, and buyers)

Support FSPs in developing the proposed products commensurate with the risk/return profile

In collaboration with government entities, organize roundtable discussions on extending access to finance to SMEs

Coordinate activities that provide training and direct technical assistance to producers, traders, processors, and suppliers on the development of business plans, making credit applications, and keeping appropriate business records needed to support credit applications

Work with the MEL Specialist to identify feasible M&E indicators and target results that speak to finance accessed by participants via various mechanisms supported

Participate in the collection of data regarding indicators focusing on access to finance

Collaborate with the program team to identify activities related to improving access to finance and assist in developing Annual Work Plans

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business studies, development studies, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.

7 years of experience in the promotion of access to finance to MSMEs or similar programming.

Knowledge of and experience with USAID and/or other international donor programs’ rules and regulations.

Experience supporting MSMEs in financial management and accessing finance.

Demonstrated knowledge of the financial sector in Macedonia including financial institutions, NBFIs, beneficiaries, laws, and regulations.

Proven ability to facilitate high-value partnerships with communities, private and public-sector stakeholders.

Fluency in English required.

Macedonian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.