Project Manager, Microsavings Initiative, Philippines

Grameen Foundation is seeking a Project Manager to implement a three-year micro-savings project at CARD Bank in the Philippines.  The project will enable CARD to dramatically scale voluntary savings products to the poor and is part of a broader multi-country savings program at Grameen Foundation. 

Keys to success in this role will be a strong understanding of savings products in the microfinance context and the ability to establish and lead productive relationships with the other project team members at Grameen Foundation and CARD. 

Job Summary:  As the front line manager based at the MFI, the Project Manager will have overall responsibility for planning and monitoring project activities and driving the success of the project at the institutional level.  S/he will be the primary liaison between the U.S.-based Project Director and staff, MFI management and staff, and visiting technical assistance providers.  The Project Manager will also serve as a technical expert on operational and financial issues related to scaling savings services at the MFI.

Reporting and Relationships:  Reports to the Project Director, Microsavings Initiative.  The Project Manager will also be responsible for engaging the senior management at CARD in accordance with the operating rules and procedures at CARD.

Availability:  This person is expected to work a standard work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done.  The position will require periodic domestic and international travel (20-30%).

Essential Job Functions:
• Work with MFI management to build and lead core savings team at MFI, recruiting externally where necessary
• Lead planning and execution of scheduled project activities, including development of MFI-specific work plans in collaboration with GF and MFI staff
• Mobilize relevant internal and external technical resources to provide assistance to the CARD savings team; offer direct technical assistance when appropriate
• Incorporate proposed savings strategy and products into MFI’s detailed financial projections and business plan
• Identify technology or processes to enable efficient and low-cost execution of transactions in the field
• Liaise between MFI, Grameen Foundation project management, technical assistance providers, and local stakeholders (e.g., microfinance associations, regulators) to ensure all stakeholders are aware of individual project targets and will execute as instructed
• Monitor and troubleshoot implementation activities, ensuring timely performance and accountability to achieve project success
• Submit detailed progress reports and status updates as required by Grameen Foundation and CARD
• Promote success and professionalism across the project by modeling leadership, teamwork, and promoting best practices.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following critical functional areas related to saving services:  marketing and product design, financial literacy, field-based transactions, or treasury management. 
• Experience planning and managing complex projects
• Strong team-building, facilitation, leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, organizational, and project management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the poorest, particularly in rural areas
• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microfin business planning tool

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in international development, finance, economics, or related field.  Master’s degree, preferred.
• At least eight years of operational and management experience in international development or retail banking, with an emphasis on rural finance and savings mobilization. 

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comments:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org before Feb 28, 2010. Please put “MFIPM-Philippines” in the subject line.  No calls please.