Project Manager - Access to Finance
Heifer International
- Patna, Bihar
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Expand Access to Financial Services
- Design and implement strategies to connect CBOs (FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, JLGs) and smallholder farmers with relevant financial institutions (banks, microfinance institutions, insurance providers, impact investors).
- Credit Onboarding and Capacity Building
- Facilitate smooth credit onboarding for CBOs and farmers, ensuring efficient loan application, approval, disbursement, and repayment processes.
- Conduct training and workshops for partner staff on financial literacy, loan application procedures, and financial management.
- Support FPOs and self-help groups in preparing loan proposals and accessing financial services.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among FPOs and other stakeholders.
- Partnership & Collaboration
- Identify and connect with relevant financial institutions (FIs) to offer financial products and services to FPOs and self-help groups.
- Build strong relationships with government agencies and private sector organizations offering finance schemes relevant to the target groups.
- Collaborate with FIs to develop and scale up financial products and services tailored to the needs of FPOs and farmers.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with project partners, financial institutions, and government agencies to maximize access to finance for target groups.
- Financial Needs Assessment & Solutions
- Understand the specific financial needs of FPOs and CBOs, and work with financial institutions to develop tailored, cost-effective financial products and services.
- Research & Analysis
- Conduct research on available financial products and services offered by FIs and government schemes.
- Analyze market trends and identify emerging opportunities in the access to finance sector.
- Prepare reports and presentations on research findings and recommendations.
- Data & Reporting
- Regularly analyze and report on key metrics related to loan applications, approvals, disbursements, repayments, and portfolio quality.
- Conduct regular field visits to ensure adherence to operational policies and procedures, reviewing field reports, MIS data, and bank reports for accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain a high-quality portfolio by tracking and managing normal dues, non-starters, delinquencies, and fraud, implementing corrective measures as needed.
- Support in follow-up on delinquent loans and implement effective recovery plans to improve repayment rates.
- Participate in partner review meetings and prepare regular reports on project progress, market development activities, and portfolio quality.
- A bachelor's degree from a recognized university in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Enterprise Development or other related field, plus seven (7) years of relevant experience, OR
- Master's degree plus five (5) years of relevant experience.
- Strong understanding of financial products and services relevant to the rural sector.
- Experience in connecting FPOs and self-help groups with financial institutions.
- Experience in working with FPOs (farmer producer organizations) and associated business is highly recommended.
- Technical experience with financial sector, commercial sector, agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade, value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or agriculture development.
- Prior work experience in a Bank or financial institution would be an added advantage.
- Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
- Knowledge of enterprise development and linkages to poverty alleviation.
- Strong interpersonal/people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills a must.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
- Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations to achieve goals and deadlines.
- Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
- Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.
- Ability to work with sensitive information and to always maintain confidentiality.
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
- Fluent in Hindi, English, and Local Language spoken as well as written.
- Have an interest in animals/agriculture community development.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web designing, collaboration platform and tools, and electronic mail software (Microsoft preferred).
- Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.