Finance Services Coordinator

Total LandCare (TLC) is a registered non-governmental organization founded in 1999. With its headquarters in Malawi, TLC is also registered and operating in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

TLC’s mission is to transform the livelihoods of rural households from subsistence to prosperity and self-reliance. Achieving this goal involves building the capacity of organized groups of farmers and cooperatives to integrate sustainable agricultural and natural resource practices with initiatives to strengthen livelihoods and value chains linked to micro-finance and markets. The ultimate aim is to increase farm productivity, diversification, profitability and resilience with lower input costs and sound management of the landscapes for current and future generations.

With funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), TLC in partnership with Winrock International is implementing The Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities (MTENGO) project. MTENGO is a five-year USDA-funded project which is implemented in the Northern and Central regions of Malawi, specifically in Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhata-bay and Ntchisi districts. The project uses a farmer-first approach grounded in market incentives to increase resource-efficient, reliable production from Malawian agriculture in the face of climate unpredictability. MTENGO’s approach will enable farmers to:

1. Diversify and achieve stable returns from their farming portfolio through climate smart farming by responding to market demands with diversified production;
2. Increase access to water for productive purposes through improved water management practices;
3. Make ecosystem services work for farmers by improving farmer access to, and collective management of, water, soil, and forest products; and
4. Increase access to markets and finance so farmers can make climate smart investments.

MTENGO Project aims to enhance access to finance for rural communities, particularly farmers and cooperatives, by establishing and supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and facilitating access to finance through various loan programs developed for farmers and farming businesses. The project supports cooperatives and farmers in accessing finance to increase agricultural productivity and grow their businesses. The Finance Services Coordinator will play a crucial role in monitoring and supporting these financial components to ensure they function effectively.

TLC is therefore seeking a dynamic and experienced Finance Services Coordinator who will be responsible for effective monitoring and support of the project’s access to finance component, including the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and the loan program for farmers. The Finance Services Coordinator will provide oversight through regular visits to cooperatives, and other MTENGO partners, monitor the progress of savings associations, and ensure that farmers are actively applying for and receiving loans through the available programs.

Key Responsibilities

The Finance Services Coordinator will perform the following tasks and responsibilities:

Monitoring and Support of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)

• Conduct frequent monitoring visits to VLAs and cooperatives to assess their functionality and sustainability.
• Ensure that VSLAs are operating according to the established guidelines and that they are serving their members effectively.
• Identify challenges faced by VSLAs and provide technical assistance or escalate issues to the project management
• Collect and analyse data on savings and lending activities within the VSLAs.

Monitoring the Loan Program in partnership of formal financial institutions

• Regularly track the progress of the loan program, including the number of applications, disbursements, and repayment rates.
• Work closely with MTENGO partner financial institutions, cooperatives, and farmers to ensure a smooth loan application and approval process.
• Identify bottlenecks in the loan program and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency.
• Support awareness campaigns to encourage more farmers to apply for loans.

Capacity Building

• In consultations with District Coordinators and Field officers provide training and technical assistance to cooperatives and VSLA members on financial management, loan applications, and repayment strategies.
• organize workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to strengthen the capacity of VSLAs and cooperatives in managing their finances.

Reporting and Documentation

• Conduct regular monitoring and prepare detailed and accurate reports on the performance of VSLAs and the loan program, including data on loan uptake, repayments, and overall financial health.
• Prepare success stories, challenges, and lessons learned in the implementation of the finance components.
• Report any issues or risks identified during field visits that could affect the project’s outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience working in financial services, preferably in rural development or microfinance projects.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating financial programs, particularly savings groups and loan programs.
• Strong understanding of cooperative models, savings associations, and loan structures.
• Experience working with rural communities and farmers is an asset.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse financial data and identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including cooperatives, farmers, and financial institutions.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in monitoring and reporting financial data.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to proactively identify and address issues related to the project’s finance components.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with project staff, cooperatives, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, online business tools, and other relevant business tools.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE POST

A competitive salary package will be provided to successful candidates, reflecting their qualifications and experience.

The contract is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance and funding availability.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Those interested and qualified, both male and female, are encouraged to apply. TLC is an equal opportunity employer encouraging women and the youth to join its professional workforce that can deliver on this MTENGO project. Send your application which should include a cover letter, a detailed CV with three traceable and verifiable professional references, photocopies of certificates, and a copy of their National ID to the address below or via email to tlc_humanresources@tlcmw.org by October 18, 2024. Applications sent through the Post Office should clearly indicate the position title as advertised and sent to the address below. Only those selected for further consideration will be notified.

Total LandCare
Plot #12/520, New Area 12,
P.O. Box 2440,
Lilongwe
MALAWI