Inclusive Finance Component Leader

Chemonics seeks an Inclusive Finance Component Leader for the anticipated USAID-funded Livelihoods and Inclusive Finance Expansion (LIFE) project in Lebanon. The purpose of the project is to improve economic opportunities and livelihoods of low income individuals and microenterprises in Lebanon by expanding and strengthening microfinance associations’ and member institutions’ services and enhancing entrepreneurs’ business skills. LIFE will improve livelihoods, strengthen microfinance activities and advance inclusive finance. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.   The primary objective of LIFE’s Inclusive Finance component is to bring about significant policy and institutional reforms that would expand national financial inclusion. Potential reforms would enable microfinance institutions (MFIs) to accept savings deposits; allow MFIs to borrow from the Central Bank or from commercial banks; facilitate the sharing of beneficiary credit information through a privately operated credit bureau information exchange; and/or broaden the capacity of MFIs to provide the type of financial inclusion services that offer new opportunities for improved livelihoods and resiliency to low income family microbusinesses.   Responsibilities include:  Work with the program’s Chief of Party to implement LIFE’s financial inclusion objectives Liaise closely with other component leaders to ensure overall project excellence Provide substantial project technical direction in financial inclusion, MFI regulatory policy, and financial institution capacity building and strategic planning Provide technical assistance and support to the Lebanese Microfinance Association and the Central Bank to bring about institutional/policy change Work closely with the Central Bank and the Lebanese Microfinance Association, as well as with other stakeholders, to collaboratively develop a shared vision of the role microfinance can play in increasing access to financial services. Supervise program staff to ensure appropriate strategy implementation Ensure that all activities comply with applicable USAID and Chemonics policies, practices, and procedures Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in law, public policy, finance, development, economics, or international relations; Master’s degree is preferred Minimum 5 years’ experience advising governments and/or institutions on financial inclusion reform Minimum 5 years’ experience on projects with similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries Demonstrated expertise in inclusive finance and public policy is required Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills Excellent English and Arabic language skills, both written and spoken, is required Experience managing international donor contracts and agreements; experience managing USAID contracts and agreements preferred Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and versatility