VSL AND MARKETS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR – SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Company Description

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organization that applies practical knowledge to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy, and WASH to local contexts. SNV has over 1250 staff in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organization that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org
In anticipation of funding, SNV is recruiting for the position of Village Savings & Lending and Markets Advisor.

Job Description

In anticipation of funding, under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the VSL and Market Development Advisor provides technical assistance, operational support, and advisory services on Village Saving and Lending and market development. S/he will contribute to defining and operationalizing SNV’s approach on VSLA and market development; designing training materials, building capacity of SNV Field Officers, VSLs and Producer and Marketing Group, facilitating market linkages and public–private sector – producer engagements to address key value chain issues. The Advisor identifies opportunities and areas for improvement, to ensure quality delivery.

Advisory Services

Acts as a technical expert for the Project Managers and aims to create an enabling environment (by sharing knowledge, and understanding stakeholders and environment) for the implementation of a project, for the project to meet its objectives. S/He is responsible for the following:

Village savings and loans

Designs and develops work plans for field operations in the microfinance and VSL sectors in association with field office staff.
Ensures that implementation of field programs proceeds according to approved plans and that timely corrective actions are taken.
Facilitates VSL and Producer Groups linkages with MFIs.
Develops capacity of project staff on operation of Village Savings and Loan Associations and related initiatives.
Oversees the scheduling and delivery of training to local Village Savings and Loan Associations to build local level capacity in microfinance for development.
Orients staff on VSL methodology and conducts TOT on VSL methodology for SNV staff.
Compiles and submits monthly VSL project summary reports including VSL MIS, to Agriculture and Livelihoods Manager
Provides technical input into VSL monitoring and evaluation (M&E) issues such as development of M&E tools.

Value Chain and Market Development

Serve as the technical lead for designing, implementing, and monitoring value chain and marketing activities,
Coordinate partners including private enterprises, Producer and Marketing Groups and VSL groups working on value chain and market development interventions,
Provide technical support for the formation of producer groups/cooperatives and other associations along the key value chains,
Coordinate capacity development activities in the areas of organizational development, agribusiness, value chain and marketing development including the development of training modules,
Support Market-based SME development and establish linkages with business development services,
Strengthen market linkages (local and international) through the concerted value chain and market analysis/review of producer and marketing organizations,
Facilitate public, private and producer partnership forums (value chain actors, implementing partners) to address key value chain issues,

Knowledge Development

Contributes to internal and external knowledge development, ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice and represent the project on VSL and Market development expertise network.
Initiates/ coordinates the review process and evaluation of advisory services in order to collect lessons learned, proposes corrective measures and ensures identification of follow up assignments.
Participates in knowledge development/expertise groups and in internal and external networks.

Project and process development

Identifies and proposes technical process improvements to the project team.
Acts on improvement areas within the local internal organisation and processes and gives feedback. Ensures lessons learned are applied in daily practice.
Reviews project evaluation reports, compile and share lessons for future project design considerations.
Participate in rapid assessment or pre-testing of ideas as part of program development.

Positioning

Identifies and analyses market opportunities and threats and ensures relevant colleagues are informed.
Actively participates in strategic positioning meetings and acts as a knowledgeable face of the project to partners, project participants and stakeholders.
Analyses, understands and develops networks with relevant stakeholders, private sector companies and service providers.

Business Development

Builds, maintains, and utilizes relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Represents SNV and identifies opportunities for Business Development policies and procedures.
Initiates assignments on a local level, supports proposals, and develops technical processes during the inception phase of projects.

Qualifications

Degree in Agricultural Economics /Development Studies/Business Studies/Economics/Social Sciences or equivalent
4-5 years’ experience in Community development with Village Savings and Lending, Value Chain and Market development
Knowledge and experience in socioeconomic development
Experience in developing training materials
Experience in facilitating trainings and training of trainers
Understanding and demonstrated commitment to the importance of gender and youth issues in food security, Livelihood and resilience programming.
Proficiency in computer skills including experience of MS Word, Excel, and VSL MIS
Ability to work independently and within a team
High analytical skills and strong attention to deal
Excellent writing skills
Excellent people management skills
Pro-active problem-solving and organizing skills
Strong attention to detail
A clean class 4 driver’s license is a prerequisite.

Additional Information

Contract duration: One year, national contract.