Financial Inclusion Officer Full Time NEW

Department: Programmes

Location: Kindo Kosha Woreda, Wolaita Zone

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract – 10 months (Renewable based on performance)

Reports to: Project Manager (Operational Line Manager)

Matrix Reports to: Financial Inclusion Adviser (Technical)

Required Qty: 1

About Self Help Africa and the Project

Established in 1984, Self Help Africa is an international development organisation that works through agriculture and agri-enterprise development to address hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impacts of climate change.

We believe that equitable economic development is key to lifting communities out of long-term poverty, empowering them to take control of their futures and improving their quality of life.

Our current five-year organisation strategy defines our mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community led, market-based and enterprise-focused approaches.

Our three core values are:

• Impact: We are accountable, ambitious and committed to systemic change.
• Innovation: We are agile, creative and enterprising in an ever-changing World.
• Community: We are inclusive, honest and have integrity in our relationships.

Self Help Africa is currently recruiting a Financial Inclusion Officer for the South Hub. This role is pivotal in the restructuring of our interventions, focusing on professionalising community-based financial institutions.

Job Purpose

The Financial Inclusion Officer will be responsible for the successful implementation of the financial inclusion and Business Development Services (BDS) components of the project in Kindo Kosha.

The primary objective is to support the informal and formal community-based structure and professionalise Village Economic and Social Associations (VESAs) and RuSACCOs, transitioning them from informal groups to sustainable, profitable, farmer-led financial institutions. This role requires a hands-on technical expert capable of auditing ledgers, training illiterate members in the local language, and linking agriculture with finance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning, Implementation, and Technical Support

• Oversees the preparation and implementation of financial literacy activity work plans and budgets in close coordination with the cluster coordinator.
• Provides specific technical support in financial inclusion planning and implementation activities.
• Develops and implements annual operational plans; monitors and evaluates project participants’ savings and small enterprises activities.
• Identifies training needs of VESAs/RuSACCOs and smallholder enterprises.
• Builds the technical and business capacity of project participants.

2. Institutional Strengthening (RuSACCOs & VESAs)

• Guides the building of capacity and skills for members and elected leaders.
• Coaches and mentors leaders and committee members on proper bookkeeping and financial management.
• Creates awareness among management committee members on their duties and responsibilities.
• Ensures RuSACCOs follow standard and appropriate accounting systems.
• Supports the establishment of standard operations and management procedures.
• Encourages and supports VESAs/RuSACCOs to record all transactions monthly.
• Supports maintenance of adequate liquidity reserves in accordance with regulations.

3. Business Development Services (BDS) & Market Linkages

• Develops a BDS development plan for VESAs/RuSACCOs and smallholder enterprises.
• Supports the development of updated business plans for operations and Income Generating Activities (IGA).
• Assesses project target beneficiaries, especially women’s need for market information.
• Supports participants with assets or working capital, linking with revolving funds or microfinance providers.

4. Monitoring, Control, and Compliance

• Monitors disbursement, saving, credit, and accounting activities in accordance with established policies.
• Undertakes strict follow-up on disbursed loans to protect against default.
• Reports irregularities such as forgery, theft, or misconduct immediately to the Supervisor.

5. Reporting and Data Management

• Prepares and maintains a database related to loan disbursement, repayment, and utilisation.
• Documents project activities for ad-hoc, monthly, and annual reports.
• Assists in documentation and dissemination of success stories and lessons learned.

6. Cross-Cutting Theme

• Conducts safeguarding risk assessments within activities.
• Ensures activities are safe, gender-sensitive, inclusive, and accessible.
• Maintains accessible complaints and feedback mechanisms.
• Delivers safeguarding briefings and training to staff and volunteers.
• Monitors field sites for safeguarding risks and takes corrective action.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• Project Manager (Line Manager)
• Financial Inclusion Advisor (Technical Lead)
• Roving Senior Financial Inclusion Officer (Technical Mentor)
• Agriculture Officer (South Hub – counterpart)
• SHA Ethiopia Country Office Team

External:

• Government Cooperative Promotion Agency (Govt)
• RuSACCO Unions and Primary Cooperatives
• Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)
• Other International and Local NGOs
• Private Sector Actors, Business Advisors, and Mentors

Desirables:

• Ability to analyse and interpret financial data.
• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge in the management of rural finance-related projects.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Safeguarding

Self Help Africa is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with. We prevent unwanted behaviour including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct. Recruitment includes criminal records self-declaration, references, and police/qualification checks. Self Help Africa participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Qualifications/Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Education: BA/BSc degree in Cooperative Accounting, Cooperative Auditing, Agricultural Economics, or a related discipline.
• Experience: At least three (3) years of relevant working experience, preferably in an NGO or Cooperative Union. Experience in BDS and microfinance is a distinct advantage.
• Technical Skill: Proven experience in Auditing and providing Business Development Services (BDS).
• Coordination: Capacity to establish and maintain links with government officials and RuSACCO Unions.
• Language: Fluency in Wolayttatto (written and spoken) is Mandatory. Candidates must translate complex financial concepts into the local dialect.
• English: Demonstrable good command of English (written and spoken) for reporting.
• Computer Skill: Proficiency in MS Excel and financial software packages; ability to learn new programmes.
• Ethics: Ability to handle sensitive financial matters with strict confidentiality.