Вакансія: SME Finance Specialist

 The Investment for Business Resilience Activity (formerly known as the Financial Sector Reform Activity) in Ukraine is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by DAI Global LLC (DAI). The purpose of the activity is to transform the country’s financial sector into a sophisticated, well-functioning, competitive market that is aligned with European Union (EU) standards and integrated into international financial systems. This transformation will mobilize private finance for sustained economic growth in Ukraine.

The IBR is looking for candidates to fill in the SME Finance Specialist position, LTTA in Kyiv or Lviv.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: 

IBR is seeking to hire an SME Finance Specialist that will provide technical management of a co-financing grants program to support private small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to be managed in partnership with Ukrainian financial institutions and with the aim of increasing sales and exports and providing job opportunities in Ukraine. IBR is looking for professionals that have financial sector experience providing financing to private Ukrainian businesses, especially SMEs. The role of the SME Finance Specialist is to build partnerships with Ukrainian financial institutions that can then provide co-financing to high growth potential Ukrainian business alongside other loan and SME financing products alongside IBR grants. The SME Finance Specialist will also monitor bank and business performance, maintain regular contact to provide support and ensure the accuracy of reports and data they provide. The SME Finance Specialist will also work closely with IBR’s Component 3 Financial Sector Intermediation team to engage financial institutions to assist in identifying and referring their clients to the program. The SME Finance Specialist is also expected to establish relationships with business associations, chambers of commerce, and government and donor business support programs and other relevant organizations to identify businesses for the grants program.

 IBR is seeking at two to three SME Finance Specialists, one senior and two mid-level with bank or financial institution experience, ideally supporting SMEs. While it does not have a strict sectoral focus, sectors of interest include those that have existing of high future export potential (e.g., agri-business, food processing), that contribute to the resilience and rebuilding of Ukraine (manufacturing, tools, construction, ICT, energy), and can absorb returning Ukrainian citizens (ICT, business services, commerce, health).  

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES: 

• Assist the IBR Component 5 team lead in designing and marketing the co-financing grants program and solicitation, including through financial institutions, chambers of commerce, business support programs and other organizations to identify and engage with high potential businesses.
• Assist the IBR component 5 team to develop bank/financial institution partnerships that will allow IBR to provide a con-financing grant alongside a loan or other SME financial product. Bank partnerships may include grant due diligence and other services.
• Work with the IBR Component 3 Financial Sector intermediation team to establish and implement a business referral system with financial institutions to identify high potential businesses.
• Review SME applicants for co-financing grants program, evaluating business proposals and identifying the strongest applicants.
• Conduct in person and/or virtual discussions with businesses assess viability of their plans, determine ability to achieve the results proposed and contribute to achieving IBR’s targets and other evaluation criteria. Identify any pre-conditions to co-financing grant funding.
• Work with business applicants to develop clear milestones tied to sales, exports and job creation for performance-based co-financing grants.
• Work with the IBR team to prepare recommendations for USAID approval.
• Manage and oversee a portfolio of business grantees, maintaining regular contact and tracking progress. Review and analyze reports and performance data from business grantees to verify for accuracy.
• Propose strong-performing grantees for follow-on renewal grants.
• Provide regular feedback to IBR leadership on how to adapt co-financing grants program to improve outcomes and efficiency and financial institution partnerships. Provide regular feedback to the IBR on policy, legal and regulatory issues that constrain grantees’ ability to grow and create jobs.
• Work with IBR Communications Team to develop press releases, stories, case studies, videos and other material on supported businesses, working with businesses to secure the needed information, Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to conduct portfolio impact surveys and studies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have an advanced degree in one of the following areas: finance, economics, management, finance/corporate law, and audit or in a speciality linked to a business sector (e.g. agriculture, ICT, engineering).
• At least 5 years of professional experience working in or with Ukrainian financial institutions onlending to or working with private businesses.
• Experience with financial institution loan origination, due diligence and KYC processes and approvals.
• Experience with donor-bank partnerships not required, but highly desired.
• Experience in reviewing business plans, marketing and sales strategies or plans.
• Experience with development projects similar in scope either directly or as a consultant or beneficiary is an advantage.
• Proven experience building linkages among private sector businesses.
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s financial sector, private sector, government, and donor business support landscape, including management consulting firms, business and export support projects and chambers of commerce is an advantage.  
• Solid and persuasive interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written Ukrainian or Russian required. Strong oral and written English preferred.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please submit Cover Letter and CV to [email protected] by March 20, 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please include “Application for SME Finance Specialist: your name and surname” in the subject line.