SCOPE OF POSITION

The Inclusive Finance Program Manager provides strategic leadership and program management of Good Return’s activities to promote sustainable and inclusive finance through partner Financial Service Providers (FSP) in the Asia-Pacific. The program seeks to contribute to organisational change in partner FSPs through a commitment to and implementation of more responsible, inclusive and sustainable practices.

This is done collaboratively and with a respectful cultural approach, through the delivery of projects using a range of tools and approaches, including technical assistance, staff training (including elearning) and financial stimulus via loans and loan guarantees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and deliver Good Return’s Inclusive Finance strategy (10%)

With the support of Regional Managers and Program Director, and aligned with Good Return’s vision, mission and theory of change:

• Refine the strategy for achieving systemic changes in the delivery of financial services to marginalised and excluded populations, combining Good Return’s Sustainable Inclusive Finance and Access to Finance programs
• Each year, articulate and deploy the strategy through the annual business plan, with associated budget
• Report on Annual Business Plan and Strategy implementation
• Ensure the strategy and deployment activities are understood by and shared within the Program team.
• Adjust as needed the Theory of Change for the Inclusive Finance Program.

KPIs

1. Clear 3-year strategy and theory of change available at any time
2. Annual Business Plan and related budget prepared by 30 April each year
3. Reporting on strategy and Annual Business Plan implementation on time and of good quality
4. Regular internal communication on the above

2. Design and implement Good Return projects with partners (50%)

With the support of in-country Program staff and the cross expertise team, and in alignment with Good Return processes, develop and maintain a portfolio of partner projects. This includes, for each partner:

• Lead comprehensive partner due diligence and capacity assessments, including compliance with Good Return standards.
• Negotiate and formalise partnership agreements and project briefs, typically comprising a mix of technical support and financial stimulus.
• Manage the implementation of projects and ensure the quality of deliverables
• Ensure a high level of communication internally and externally
• Support the team and the Program Impact & Effectiveness Manager in implementing the Inclusive Finance Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework
• Monitor financial and social performance of partners and recommend actions

KPIs

1. Complete set of partner and project documentation per program manual
2. Achievement of project deliverables within allocated budget
3. Systematic capturing and reporting of project monitoring data/insights with high quality
4. Partner surveys indicate high satisfaction with support provided

3. Design and maintain a suite of technical assistance and financial tools (30%)

Good Return has developed a variety of tools we use to support our partners. They are focused on social inclusion and safeguarding (Organisational Gender self assessment, PSEAH technical assistance, etc.), training (RIF Academy elearning platform) and finance (loan program, loan guarantee fund). With the support of the Cross Expertise, Asia and Pacific teams, the Inclusive Finance Manager has responsibility to:

• Ensure the overall suite of support meets evolving partner needs
• Continuously refine and improve existing tools
• Create new tools and approaches based on partner needs and demands
• Ensure monitoring and reporting processes are conducted meeting needs of donors, investors and regulatory bodies

KPIs

1. Partner surveys indicate Good Return support is highly relevant to their needs
2. Set of flexible tools that covers all areas of Sustainable Inclusive Finance Theory of Change and is aligned with the 3-year strategy

4. Thought leadership and project development (10%)

• Stay abreast of sector developments and provide thought leadership in the area of sustainable and inclusive finance, representing Good Return at conferences and via publications and sector bodies
• Lead and/or participate in proposal writing related to Inclusive Finance. Develop and maintain good relationships with a range of current and potential funders
• Explore potential extension of the Inclusive Finance Program to different countries and supervise the adaptation of SIF tools to new contexts

KPIs

1. Lead at least 6 dissemination activities per year (articles, conference presentations, sector working groups etc.)
2. Contribution to at least 4 proposals per year, for an overall amount for at least AUD$1 million

5. Other Duties as required

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Essential:

• A commitment to Good Return’s vision of a world without poverty
• Experience in a senior management role in a financial service provider in the Asia Pacific region, with a solid understanding of business drivers and ability to negotiate effectively with FSP C-suite leadership
• Tertiary qualifications in banking, finance, economics or a related field
• Strong strategic, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong project management skills, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to pursue income targets from partners, bilateral, and multilateral donors
• Strong financial analysis / investment analysis skills.
• Willingness to undertake regular international travel

Desirable:

• Demonstrated thought leadership in the inclusive finance sector
• Proven ability to raise funding and investment
• Extensive networks in the finance and development sectors, particularly in Asia-Pacific
• Strong track record in effective training delivery, capacity building and organisational change

Personal Attributes

• Culturally sensitive and able to work effectively in diverse environments
• Highly motivated, proactive, and results-oriented
• Strong ethical standards and integrity
• Commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion and cultural diversity

ABOUT US

Good Return's mission is to enable those living in poverty to achieve economic empowerment through responsible financial inclusion and capability development. We do this by engaging with partners across the Asia Pacific, where two-thirds of the world’s poor live. We help them deliver better financial services and economic opportunities to those living in poverty.

Our work focuses on promoting responsible inclusive finance, building financial capability & consumer empowerment, and providing access to credit through our micro lending platform and impact investment programming to support SMEs in the agricultural sector.

Good Return is the registered business name of World Education Australia, an Australian Aid accredited agency and member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). We hold Australia Financial Services License granted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Visit www.goodreturn.org.au for more information.

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

We have been working in partnership with various Financial Service Providers across the Asia Pacific Region since 2010. Our current partners are located in Cambodia, Indonesia, PNG, Nepal, Philippines, Myanmar, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, and Australia.

Our partnerships are based on a shared mission to provide responsible and inclusive financial services to people living in poverty as well as build the financial capability of consumers.

Our microfinance partners are committed to improving their social performance management systems, which include implementing the seven client protection principles.

Please visit our website (www.goodreturn.org.au) for further information on our partners.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please click "Apply Now" and provide a CV and a cover letter that addresses the selection criteria listed.

Applications close: Please apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed continuously.

Location: PHNOM PENH OFFICE OR REMOTELY FROM ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

Level of Effort: Full-time

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Good Return is an inclusive organisation. We strive to build a team that truly represents our diverse society and those of the Asia-Pacific communities we operate in. We actively encourage all applicants, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability and sexuality, to apply. If you require adjustments to the recruitment or interview process to accommodate your specific needs, let us know and we will try to provide them.
• Good Return is a child safe organisation. Our recruitment processes reflect our commitment to the protection of children from abuse; successful candidates will need to comply by our Child Protection Policy and undergo pre-employment checks.