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ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER, RURAL FINANCE

1. BACKGROUND
The Kenya Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) programme, FSD Kenya, was established
in early 2005 to support the development of financial markets in Kenya. In its recently
defined strategy for 2011-2015, our strategic objective is spelt out as:
Increased use of a broad range of quality financial services provided by a
stable and competitive financial system in a way which benefits the
livelihoods of under-served lower income groups.
Working in partnership with the financial services industry the programmes goal is to
significantly expand access to services among lower income households and smaller
scale enterprises. It operates as an independent Trust under the supervision of
professional trustees, with policy guidance from a programme investment committee.
Finance is provided by a number of development partners working with the
Government of Kenya (GoK).
Current funders are the UKs Department for
International Development (DFID), the Swedish International Development Agency
(SIDA), the Bill and Melinda the Ministry of Trade and Industry through the Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Competitiveness project funded by the World
Bank and the Ministry of Finance under the Micro-Finance Sector Support Credit
Programme (MFSSC), financed by Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). FSD
provides support in a variety of ways from commissioning research and dissemination,
through providing technical assistance to institutions and investment by way of grants,
loans or quasi-equity in promising initiatives to increase financial access. The
requirement for support in all cases is the potential for strategic impact on the long-term
development of inclusive financial markets in Kenya.
Under its new strategy, FSD has identified four theme areas: which provide a focus for
our work. The rural finance (poverty impact) theme area aims to build access among
geographically or economically marginalised populations which mainly constitute rural
populations. While there has been a marked improvement in overall access in the
recent past, rural Kenya continues to report lower levels of financial inclusion
compared to the urban. Work covered under this theme area includes agricultural
finance, community-based finance and microfinance. FSD aims to identify and support
interventions that would make a significant contribution to improving financial
inclusion, mainly using a sectoral approach, to ensure effectiveness. FSDs current
interventions in this area includes support for agricultural value chain finance, index
weather based insurance, warehouse receipts system, savings groups, and savings and
credit co-operatives (SACCO) reforms.

2. OBJECTIVES
The Manager, Rural Finance will assist the Head, Rural Finance to support the creation
of a platform for inclusion through provision of rural finance.

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3. SCOPE OF WORK
Working closely with the Head, Rural Finance the Assistant Manager will:
3.1

Identify opportunities for financial market development

Identify opportunities for FSD project investment in line with its five year
strategy (2011 2015) and current business plan

Market FSD Kenyas programme to high potential partners across the private
sector, non-profit institutions and government

3.2

Support project development and implementation in the theme area

Support development of appropriate projects in line with FSDs strategy and

business plan

Provide oversight and technical support to partners in implementation of

projects

Undertake regular (quarterly) project monitoring to maximise project

performance, swiftly identifying and resolving implementation challenges. This
will include generation of project monitoring sheets (PMS) and other reports as
necessary.

Manage project resources for effectiveness this will involve developing terms
of reference and participating in procuring resources in line with FSDs policies
and procedures

Represent FSD in relevant project and other stakeholder forums

3.3

Dissemination of results from projects

Identify creative ways of disseminating project results to maximize impact on

financial markets development

Work closely with the Communications Officer to develop appropriate

materials and ensure the results effectively disseminated to target audiences

Communication of project activities and results to FSDs internal audience (staff)

through briefings where opportunities present

3.4

Participate in effective management of wider FSD programme

Support the efficient and effective operation of the Trust at all times in a manner
consistent with the terms of FSDs Trust deed, funding agreements with donors
and the defined policies and procedures

Participate in all routine FSD programme management meetings

Take all reasonable steps in execution of the role to:

avoid financial losses to the Trust,
control fraud both internally and externally,
comply with operating policies and procedures,

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ensure full transparency and accountability to Trustees,

maintain and protect key financial records and data,
safeguard confidential information, and
avoid damage to the public reputation of the Trust

4. CONDUCT OF THE WORK

The Assistant Manager Rural Finance (AMRF) will work as a full time member of the
FSD Kenya team, reporting to the Head, Rural Finance (HRF). An initial appointment is
envisaged for a period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance, which
will be reviewed on an annual basis by the HRF. There is a six month probationary
period and the position will be subject to the general employment terms of the FSD
Trust as set out in the Trusts policies and procedures. This includes provision of 30
working days annual leave and flexible working hours.
5. OUTCOMES AND DELIVERABLES
The AMRF will be responsible for the effective identification and management of
projects and other activities which contribute significantly to the achievement of FSDs
mission under the rural finance theme area. Although there might be some level of
overlap in the theme area activity, the AMRF will be the project lead for a portfolio of
projects and fully responsible for delivery on them. Formal internal project reporting
requirements must be met on time and to the highest standards.

6. REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following requirements:
Mandatory requirements
Relevant professional qualifications (minimum of first degree)
Experience working in the financial services sector (at least 5 years work experience)
A good understanding of rural finance
Strong project management skills
Excellent communication (written and oral) ability and analytical skills

Short-listed applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

Assessment criteria

Weight

Relevant skills & qualifications and depth of experience relevant to the position

20%

Strength of communication (written and oral) ability and analytical skills

20%

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Assessment criteria

Weight

Demonstrated track record in managing projects/ assignment to deliver high

quality results on time

20%

Relevant aptitudes/orientation: innovation/entrepreneurial flair, decisiveness,

team working and motivation

20%

Remuneration expectations

20%

Total

100%

Applicants should submit contact details for references from credible organisations and
individuals willing to provide feedback to FSD on the performance of the applicant on
relevant work undertaken in the past. An example of an original piece of written work
will be required (preferably in a field relevant to FSDs programme) to demonstrate
written communication skills and analytical capacity. The applicant should be the sole
or primary author.

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