Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Settings

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR for Somalia and the direct supervision of the Emergency Coordinator, the Village Savings and Loan specialist will be responsible for designing FAO Somalia work on village savings and loans schemes for vulnerable rural populations. S/he will contribute to define and operationalize FAO’s approach on VSLA; designing training materials, building capacity of FAO’s implementing partners in saving schemes and conveying more knowledge and skills that will help partners train FAO beneficiaries to initiate and manage businesses effectively.

The VSLA expert reports directly to the emergency coordinator.

He/She will support design and implementation of FAO Somalia scheme on savings and loans. The specialist will provide technical guidance including designing of training materials for implementing partners, train the implementing partners, design monitoring and evaluation material to assess impact, and assist implementing partners in trainings of beneficiaries in accessible locations in Somalia in the inception phase of the scheme.

• Design training materials (on VSLA) to train FAO implementing partners in Somalia adopting methodologies suitable for adult learning and using a mix of facilitation skills and tools suitable for the purpose of the training

• Train all FAO implementing partners on VSLA and build their competence and understanding on the need for commitment to VSLA participation

• In close coordination with the M&E team, design monitoring and evaluation Tools to be used to assist the impact assessment and evaluation of the VSLA schemes

• In close coordination with the M&E team, ensure capacity building of IPs in monitoring VSLA schemes and ensure effective use of monitoring and impact tools.

• Build the capacity of the implementing partners to train the beneficiaries on the procedures and regulations that must be upheld to result to successful saving schemes and loans associations

• Build the capacity of the implementing partners to equip the beneficiaries with the various knowledge and skills in ensuring sustainable business initiatives

• Assist in conducting the field training of beneficiaries for the initial phase of the project

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements

· Advanced University degree in political science, economics, institutional development, social anthropology , rural development or other relevant social sciences;

· Five years of relevant experience in designing and giving community based trainings with focus on VSLAs and small business management in Somalia or similar contexts

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions and more specifically in the horn of Africa is desirable;

• Excellent writing skills

• Knowledge and experience in socio-economic development and small business management

• Experience is writing training materials

• Experience in facilitating trainings and training of trainers

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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