Access to Finance and Investment Manager
Banking / Insurance / Financial Services
About the Employer
Job Description
Title: Access to Finance and Investment Manager
Program: USAID Sri Lanka Economic Modernization
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Expected Duration: Five years with an anticipated award date of September 2024 to September 2029
IESC - the International Executive Service Corps - is a U.S.-based nonprofit that seeks private enterprise solutions to problems of poverty in developing countries and around the world. By providing a mix of technical assistance and volunteer expert support, IESC works with emerging industries, financial institutions, and governments to stabilize economic environments, increase opportunity, and promote growth. We have completed over 25,000 projects in more than 130 countries worldwide.
IESC is seeking an Access to Finance and Investment Manager for the USAID-funded Sri Lanka Economic Modernization project in Sri Lanka. The project will serve as USAID/Sri Lanka's new Economic Modernization indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) and, through its subsequent Task Orders, will provide a broad range of technical assistance and support services to support the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL), small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other stakeholders to improve the business enabling environment, and performance of small and medium businesses, that contribute to the economic competitiveness of Sri Lanka. The activities anticipated under this IDIQ will focus on the following objectives:
- Objective 1. Improved Business Enabling Environment: Provide support to GSL to create favorable conditions including regulatory frameworks to facilitate the establishment, growth and success of businesses in Sri Lanka and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIS) to the country.
- Objective 2. Enhanced SME Export Competitiveness & Growth: Provide small and medium businesses with resources, tools and support to compete in international markets and expand their export capabilities, overcome barriers and take advantage of opportunities in the global marketplace.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Financial Access Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka, including identifying financial products and services that meet the needs of local businesses.
- Investment Promotion: Facilitate investments in SMEs by engaging with local and international investors, venture capitalists, angel investors, and financial institutions to attract capital to the sector.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, investment promotion boards, business associations, and other relevant organizations.
- Capacity Building: Design and deliver capacity-building programs for SMEs, focusing on financial literacy, investment readiness, and business planning to improve their ability to secure funding and investment.
- Partnership Development: Establish partnerships with financial institutions and investment networks to create opportunities for SMEs to access funding, ensuring alignment with the project's objectives and USAID's priorities.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation processes to measure the impact of access-to-finance initiatives, providing regular reports to project leadership and USAID.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all finance-related activities comply with USAID regulations and local laws and implement risk management strategies to safeguard project resources.
- Innovation and Best Practices: Research emerging trends and best practices in access to finance and investment for SMEs, ensuring the project employs innovative approaches to support economic modernization in Sri Lanka.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with other project team members to ensure integrated program implementation and share information related to finance and investment opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
- Experience: At least 7 years of experience in finance, investment, banking, or a related field, with a focus on supporting SMEs and promoting economic growth. Experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects is a strong advantage.
- Financial Expertise: Strong understanding of financial products, services, and markets relevant to SMEs, including loans, equity investments, and alternative financing options.
- Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including financial institutions, investors, government agencies, and SMEs.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and investment trends to develop effective strategies and recommendations.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts to a diverse audience.
- Cross-cultural Competence: Experience working in a multicultural environment and demonstrating sensitivity to cultural diversity.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is a strong advantage.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project needs and priorities, demonstrating a proactive and problem-solving approach.
- Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations and commitment to ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines and standards.
This position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This position is contingent upon IESC winning the award and approval by USAID.
Send the applications to [email protected] and ensure to include the Job Title you are applying for
