Senior Program Officer

Objective

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will work with programmatic staff to develop policy and program ideas under Component 1, which is focused on strengthening the policy environment for financial inclusion, and Component 2, which is focused on strengthening microfinance institutions and commercial bank capacity to provide services to unbanked communities.

In coordination with the Director, Financial Inclusion, the SPO will support the project in providing thought leadership related to financial inclusion within the Lebanese context. The SPO will develop and manage relations with stakeholders and clients, especially commercial banks, representing the project and its mission. This will include working with internal and external stakeholders to conceptualize investment strategies and value propositions that provide unbanked populations with access to accounts and a pathway to savings. With a focus on innovation and results, the SPO will examine and propose approaches and platforms to allow access to financial technology platforms, including mobile applications, digital financial products, and other technologies.

Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Chief of Party and Director, Financial Inclusion, the SPO will develop and design technical concepts and proposals for review by internal and external stakeholders and clients.
• Promote deeper understanding of business enabling environment for financial inclusion and identify opportunities to work on laws, circulars, and institutional policies and processes that will improve financial inclusion.
• Conduct work to strengthen financial inclusion to further implementation of the work plan.
• Support effective use of resources, on-time delivery of staff and partner deliverables, and compliance with USAID regulations.
• Represent the project professionally in external communications, events and meetings as may be required.
• Design, develop and draft value propositions, concept notes, scopes of work, and other technical products.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting

The Senior Program Officer will report directly to the Chief of Party.

Minimum Qualifications

• MA or higher in Finance, Development, Economics, or International Relations.
• At least seven years of experience with microfinance, financial inclusion, or equivalent.
• At least three years of experience on projects or materials with similar magnitude and complexity in developing countries.
• Experience with USAID or USG-funded international projects highly desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in taking programmatic concepts and turning them into results-oriented action.  
• Excellent professionalism and ability to represent the project with internal and external clients and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and excellent English skills.

This position is open to expatriate (non-Lebanese nationals), however Lebanese nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.