Closing date: 31 Jan 2010 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Somalia
Mogadishu and Southern Somalia
Overview:
This position, based in “to be determined” locations throughout Somalia, is a rather unique one in that our Dubai-based Micro-lending banking client is looking for an individual(s) who is interested in joining a very important microfinance development project which will provide critical funding to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Somalia including areas in the southern region of Somalia including Mogadishu.
We prefer an individual with experience, but an individual with a passion for Somalia’s cultural, historical, and Islamic culture is more important. If you have a burning desire to put critical funding in the hands of the Small Business Owners in Somalia, this position is for you.
This individual will be a critical local resource for re-building the financial infrastructure and providing hard currency to the small business owners in Somalia. Developing and maintaining relationships with the local population and coordinating with local clan and business leaders is essential for our client. The successful candidate will be someone comfortable operating at the grass roots level out in the field AND also with their executive counterparts.
Position Requirements:
1. Must have lived, studied, or worked previously in Somalia
2. An understanding of unique Somali trust-based credit sharing mechanisms, known as “hagbed”, is a plus. Somali receives more than $1 billion per year from remittances from abroad.
3. Must be able to facilitate relationships and solve local issues with local clan leaders is essential
4. An understanding of Shari’a law and local regulations is a plus;
5. Be of Somali cultural heritage
6. The ability to speak and write in English is a plus;
7. Single marital status is a plus since some limited travel within and outside of Somalia is required
8. A track record in community organizing is a plus
9. Experience in living, working, or studying in the United States or Europe is a plus
10. Experience working with financial service/banking officials is helpful
11. Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision
12. Must have a strong academic background and credentials
General Duties:
1. Communicate directly to overseas executive counterparts;
2. Identify suitable small business and/or entrepreneur candidates/customers in Somalia in need of microfinance funding
3. Perform a sales and customer service function in interfacing with new and existing customers
4. Work as a community organizer in small villages where the financial need is greatest
5. Conduct related supply/demand surveys at the grass roots level
6. Travel to village locations and develop new relationships with both clan leaders and local commercial business enterprises
7. Hire and train local workers;
8. Supervise operations and overall project implementation
9. Travel throughout Somalia solving operational problems with local workers and ensuring that the project is on schedule;
Benefits:
1. Build and grow an organization;
2. Work for one of the world’s largest financial services firms
3. Utilize leadership skills – be a leader of men;
4. Build and develop a unique network of local and regional decision-makers that will last a lifetime
5. Work with a multi-national firm recognized worldwide
6. Make an important contribution to the people of the region and give something back to the community – do something very important.
7. Create a legacy – be the person responsible for financing small micro businesses in desperate need of funding.
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience; generous benefits
Reference Code: RW_7Y9KXX-3
