Management Consultant

Position: Management Consultant, Iraq Microfinance

Location: Sulaimaniya, Iraq

Duration: 2-6 months starting immediately

About RI:

Relief International (RI) is an international relief and development agency with cross-sectoral programs bridging relief and development. Relief International began providing micro and small loans to disadvantaged men and women in Iraq in 2006. It now serves more than 9,000 Iraqis through its nine-branch network, with an outstanding loan portfolio of $10.2 million as of December 2012.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Enterprise Works Executive Director and the Headquarters Controller, the Management Consultant, Iraq Microfinance will assist Relief International in responding to urgent management issues, conducting internal audit activities and branch assessments, and providing input into strategic planning for the Iraq Microfinance Program. He/She will be responsible for working closely on the ground with the Iraq Operations Director/acting Country Director/acting MSME Director, and will be expected to travel throughout the program’s branch network (in Southern and Northern Iraq).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Work with the HQ supervisory committee and the Iraq Operations Director to identify and resolve urgent management and transition issues;
• Assist in the assessment of each branch, develop and communicate effectively a holistic description of each branch’s performance, revenue and expenses, and assist in implementing the agreed-upon action plans;
• Assess personnel needs, clarify decisions that need to be made and help the Iraq Operations Director in implementing them upon approval by the HQ supervisory committee;
• Assist the Iraq Operations Director in conveying decisions regarding the microfinance program to staff with authority, sensitivity, prudence and in compliance with RI’s standard operating procedures and local labor laws;
• Work with HQ Supervisory Committee to establish corporate governance infrastructure inclusive of executive, finance and internal audit functions;
• Help in ensuring that monthly monitoring and strategic item reports (quantitative and qualitative) are submitted to RI HQ, and that these reports are timely and accurate;
• Ensure program adherence to global microfinance best practices consistent with host country regulations and requirements;
• Assist in developing, evaluating and updating strategic plans, business plans, human resource development plans, technical assistance, and other support services and strategies;
• Be a resource for training and technical assistance as needed on issues concerning financial management, planning and budgeting, MIS, regulatory and legal requirements, human resources management, governance, advocacy and policy development;
• Lead and participate in microfinance related program development to secure additional funding for the expansion of microfinance operations and programming, as requested by the HQ Supervisory Committee;
• Upon request, represent RI and the Iraq microfinance program with legal, financial, government and other key players in micro-finance through RI representation/participation in key events or industry fora and conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment:

• Experience managing a commercial microfinance entity and/or a transformation process.
• B.A/Sc. in economics, finance or development, or other related field, MBA preferred
• Strong English and Arabic skills, additional Kurdish proficiency ideal
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, ability to highlight and explain relevant data.
• Knowledge of best practice MF standards and MSE lending, at least 5 years MF experience.
• Experience working with international financial partners
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work independently, and as part of a team

To Apply:

http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RI&cws=4&rid=440