Mercy Corps drives high quality, analytical work in tough places. We’ve been operating in Haiti since 2010 and currently manage a range of programs in Canaan and Carrefour-Feuilles regions with funding from foundations and other international NGOs. We focus our work on economic development - through enhancing employability and job creation, improving access to business development services and credit options to expand micro, small and medium business, and promote innovative, social solutions for economic development. We also promote holistic approaches to build resilient agro-ecosystems to both increase food security and reduce risks to natural disasters in poor rural populations. Our work is market-oriented and consistently innovative, dynamic and unique. We seek team members who fit this profile in kind and who can think creatively and critically to drive our work forward.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The position holder will provide support to Mercy Corps’ economic development program, focusing on Canaan, a recent urban community that has experienced exponential growth since the earthquake in 2010. The program seeks to design and execute innovative business development services, increase access to financial services such as scale-up and start-up credit, and strengthen job skills and employability for residents, particularly women and youth. The Financial Services Specialist will be responsible for improving access to financial services to producers, agribusinesses and enterprises in the project areas. S/he will be responsible to assess the existing capacity of Financial Institutions the program is working with including their training needs and propose actions to build their management capacities. The Specialist will conduct assessments and research regarding service delivery, product appropriateness, extension needs, institutional arrangements, markets for financial services, accessibility of services and new opportunities and models, among other responsibilities, across the financial sector in the project area.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• In partnership with the Sr. M&E Officer, design the required assessments related to the provision of financial services in Canaan including: KAP survey on financial services (knowledge, attitudes, and practices), assessment of market demand for different financial products and their viability
• Analysis of assessment data in a format that can be disseminated and discussed externally.
• Data from assessments and ongoing monitoring are continually used as a basis for decision making and adjustments to approaches and activities.
• Participate in baseline and endline evaluations.
• Ensure ongoing gender analysis of context and activities.
• All financial services field staff are continually receiving capacity building and professional development in market systems mapping and analysis, gender analysis, employability and job creation, and business development services.
• Ensure highest quality interventions based on primary data and information in accordance with industry best practice and Mercy Corps program quality standards.
• Facilitate design sessions and regular (no less than monthly) team meetings to reflect on progress, challenges, and any necessary adjustments.
• Provide leadership on the integration of financial services into other sectors in Mercy Corps programs
• Meet regularly financial institutions, private sector actors, and entrepreneurs active in Canaan to ensure coordination and leveraging of initiatives and that services are corresponding to demand and capacity of institutions and clients.
• Potential private sector investors in financial services are identified and engaged.
• Presentations to donors and government as required.
• Provide contributions to reports required by the donor.

Organizational Learning
• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries
• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agriculture, Business administration or relevant field, Master’s preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in economic development, business development, value chain, or entrepreneurship.
• Understanding of particular challenges and needs specific to women and youth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills, specifically in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills;
• Familiarity with M&E, information, communications and knowledge sharing technologies and use of innovative approaches on digital financial services
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills as well as familiarity with financial accounting required;
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory;
• Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
• Advanced level French or English (both preferred), Creole a plus

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Masters in economics, business development, finance, or entrepreneurship with at least 3 years of field experience or Bachelors with at least 7 years of field experience.
• Demonstrated experience in designing interventions or initiatives (non-profit or private sector) resulting in the successful delivery of sustainable financial services.
• Understanding of particular challenges and needs specific to women and youth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills, specifically in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills;
• Familiarity with M&E, information, communications and knowledge sharing technologies and use of innovative approaches on digital financial services
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills as well as familiarity with financial accounting required;
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory;
• Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
• Advanced level French or English (both preferred), Creole a plus

The successful candidate will be a people and tech-savvy individual with experience in design and delivery of financial services for enterprises in a range of sizes and levels of maturity. Creativity and entrepreneurial spirit will be vital in designing and adapting strategies for increasing financial access for high-risk communities and individuals. The candidate should be an exceptional communicator, with the ability to develop rapport with a diverse range of program participants, partners, local stakeholders and government officials, as well as produce clear, concise, and compelling communications. In addition, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in economic and international development, and be dedicated to Mercy Corps’ mission of helping to build more secure, productive, and just communities.

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