Jobs: Project Officer. 20th August 2021

JOB ADVERT

RECRUITMENT FOR ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE (AFIRR) PROJECT

Background

Business Development Fund (BDF) Ltd is a nonbanking institution that was established in 2011 with a core mandate of facilitating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access finance. BDF promotes alternative financing avenues by providing credit guarantees to viable projects, direct financing to start-ups, SACCO refinancing, and matching grants.

BDF is implementing a Five-Year World Bank financed project titled Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience (AFIRR). The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase access to finance and support recovery and resilience of businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Project design includes three main components namely (i) Liquidity and Recovery Facility to alleviate the financial constraints of firms and help them adjust their business to the post-COVID-19 scenario; (ii) Risk-sharing Facility aimed at enhancing, scaling up and expanding existing risk-sharing solutions such as partial credit guarantee (PCG) and insurance schemes with the objective of reaching MSMEs in sectors most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic; and (iii) Institutional Strengthening and Implementation Support which will aim at strengthening firms’ capability through the provision of tailored Business Development Services (BDS) and enhancing the capacity of institutions involved in the implementation of the project through provision of technical assistance support. Given the specificity of this project, BDF is setting up a Project Implementing Unit (PIU) that will oversee overall project implementation (coordination, monitoring and evaluation) over the next five years. Therefore, BDF seeks to hire six (6) competent and qualified staff   with a contractual term of 5 years, which is the project period.

Job Location

 All the positions will be stationed at the Headquarters of the Business Development Fund (BDF) located in the Central Business District at M-Peace Plaza, 5th Floor, Kigali.

3. Project Officer 

Roles and Responsibilities

 Generally, the Project Officer will closely work with the PIU team to carry out due diligence, project review, project analysis, preparation of all necessary paper works for investment committee, and presentation of the projects for approval. Specifically, he/she will:

• Carry out project management work in respect of world bank programs (operations) and contribute to advisory and technical assistance tasks. This will include, but not limited to, assessing the adequacy of project management arrangements for new and ongoing projects, monitoring compliance with the Bank’s project implementation policies and procedures, ensuring that World Bank-financed projects are carried out in accordance with applicable World Bank guidelines, policies, procedures, and instructions; and supporting analytical work on projects and public financial accountability.
• Perform a full range of project management duties and will take a leading role in the following tasks:
• Create a strong pipeline through identification of new projects in line with project objectives and targeted eligible beneficiaries including partner financial institutions (PFIs) through visit, government agencies and other selling avenues to increase absorption of the project funds.
• Act as a liaison person/ officer between BDF and beneficiaries of world bank Project during Implementation activities for both new and existing projects that need improvement, supervision and assessments of ongoing operations covering project implementation process,
• Continuously engage all stakeholders involved in project management and ensure compliance on policies and procedures of World Bank.
• Consolidate all monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on project implementation from other components to make a comprehensive report to share with World Bank.
• Monitor borrower’s compliance on world bank project policies and procedures.
• Coordinating all project activities and work with entire team to facilitate smooth implementation process.

Required Competencies

• Excellent computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good analytical and negotiation skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment.
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance or accounting), Business Management, Economics, or any other related field. A master’s degree in a related field is an added advantage.
• At least three years’ working experience in the banking industry, specifically in credit/investment analysis.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English language.

How to apply: Please submit your application letter with Curriculum Vitae, notified copies academic and professional certificates, copies of Identity card, and contact details of three references to Info@bdf.rw or Hard Copies to BDF Office Reception at M.Peace Plaza,

5th Floor , attention of Human Resource and Administration Manager not later than Friday, 20th August 2021 at 11:00 AM.

 NB: BDF will contact only those who will be shortlisted.