A National Level Non-Governmental Organization is seeking applications from interested candidates to fill the following position urgently

Academic Qualification

A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Banking, Business Administration, Economics or a related field. Master’s degree will be considered a plus.

Experience in relevant field (No. of Years)

At least 5 years of relevant experience in a similar position, preferably within banking, access to finance, loans processing, or grant management, Proven experience in working with financial institutions and facilitating access to finance for SMEs, particularly in rural or underserved areas, Experience in enterprise development projects and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in accessing finance.

Skills/ TOR/JD/ Job Summary 

Section:     Program
Reports to: Project Manager
Reporting Line:
The position holder will report directly to the Project Manager.

1.   Objective:
The Access to Finance (A2F) Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve access to finance for project beneficiaries. This includes facilitating linkages with financial institutions, supporting the loan and grant application process and providing financial literacy and capacity-building support to entrepreneurs. The specialist will work closely with banks, microfinance institutions and other stakeholders to enhance the financial inclusion of potential SMEs.

2. Key Responsibilities/ Functions:
Strategy Development and Implementation:
Develop and implement an access to finance strategy that aligns with the project’s objectives, focusing on improving financial inclusion for SMEs. Identify and establish partnerships with financial institutions, microfinance organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to finance for project beneficiaries. 

Loan and Grant Facilitation:
Support entrepreneurs in the loan and grant application process, including the preparation of business plans, financial statements, and other necessary documentation, Work closely with financial institutions to streamline the loan approval process for project beneficiaries, Monitor and evaluate the disbursement and utilization of loans and grants to ensure compliance with project guidelines.  

Financial Literacy and Capacity Building:
Provide training and capacity-building support to entrepreneurs on financial literacy, business planning, and loan management, Develop training materials and resources to enhance the financial management skills of SMEs, Conduct workshops and seminars to motivate and guide entrepreneurs on accessing finance and managing their businesses effectively. 
Linkages and Networking:
Facilitate linkages between project beneficiaries and financial institutions, investors, and other sources of finance, Build and maintain relationships with banks, microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers to support the financial needs of SMEs, Advocate for improved financial products and services tailored to the needs of rural entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Monitor the progress of access to finance activities and their impact on the financial inclusion of SMEs. Collect and analyze data on loans, grants, and other financial services provided to project beneficiaries, Prepare detailed reports on access to finance outcomes and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
Skills:
Strong knowledge of financial products and services, including loans, grants, and microfinance, Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build relationships with financial institutions and entrepreneurs, Proficiency in financial analysis and business planning, Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Language:
Fluency in English, Urdu along with having command on local language will be an advantage is required.