About the Organization:
Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that is pioneering finance for grassroots businesses in rural areas of developing countries. It provides capital, financial education, and market connections to small and growing businesses that build sustainable livelihoods and transform rural communities in poor environmentally vulnerable places. Root Capital's clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods. It is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has associated offices in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Kenya.
About the Job:
Root Capital is looking for a Loan Officer (Independent Contractor). His/her job responsibilities will include identifying potential borrowers, making contact with loan leads and providing information on Root Capital’s credit services, analyzing loan applicants using rigorous financial, environmental, and social criteria, and presenting loan analysis to Root Capital’s internal and external credit committees for decision.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
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Business development:
- Develop a pipeline of qualified loan candidates in selected countries. Present Root Capital’s credit offerings to and invite loan applications from qualified businesses.
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Credit underwriting:
- Collect information about loan applicants as specified by Root Capital’s credit policies;
- Conduct financial and operational analysis of applicant companies;
- Structure loans, present analysis, and make credit recommendations to Root Capital’s credit committees for decision-making, following Root Capital’s credit underwriting policies.
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Credit risk management:
- Work with risk manager in Nairobi and loan monitoring staff in Dakar and/ or Nairobi to track performance of active loans;
- Lead communication with Root Capital clients to address identified deficiencies in active loans.
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Financial advisory services (FAS):
- Collaborate with the FAS coordinator in Nairobi to make technical assistance on financial management issues available to prospective and existing clients as necessary;
- Conduct needs assessment, help to develop a training plan, and work with local third-party trainers to ensure effective implementation.
- Organizational and administrative responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), finance, economics, or related field, or equivalent experience is desirable;
- At least 5 to 8 years of experience working in West Africa in agricultural or commercial lending, accounting/ auditing, small business management, and/ or business development services;
- Banking experience or investment analysis is necessary. Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and experience with small and medium-sized agricultural businesses;
- Ability to travel to rural areas of West Africa;
- Fluency in French, including strong writing skills and ability to make public presentations, is required. Advanced ability in English, including writing skills is required;
- Strong ability with Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary. Additional knowledge of financial and/or database management software is a plus;
- Strong interest in the field of environmentally and socially responsible investments.
Closing Date: 30 Sep 2012
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can send their resume and cover letter to
jobs+loivorycoast@rootcapital.org
Please mention "Loan Officer, Ivory Coast and applicant's name" in the subject line.
Contact:
Juana Velosa
jobs@rootcapital.org
955 Massachusetss Ave.
5th Floor
Cambridge
MA
02139
United States
Telephone: 617-661-5792
