Training for Pakistan
CONSULTANT, MICRO-FINANCE LINKAGES DEVELOPMENT
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS PROGRAM
The World Learning Pathways to Success project is looking for a consultant or consultants specialized in micro-finance services, community development, and/or business development with proven qualifications and experience for a two month assignment to assist with the development of linkages between young women entrepreneurs and micro-finance or business support programs.
Background
As part of the World Learning Pathways to Success (PTS) program, World Learning and its partners in Peshawar, Karachi, and Gokti are positioning to connect the program participants (young women, aged 15-19) with micro-finance institutions (MFIs), governmental, and other business/start-up assistance programs to help the participants start up their local entrepreneurial initiatives. The consultant will coordinate and build on the efforts of PTS implementing partners (IPs), each of which have tried to work with local and national micro finance institutions within their provinces, but with little real or concrete success.
WL and its IPs have a total of 600 girls in the target districts who may be eligible for access to micro-credit to start/expand income generating activities (IGA) or small businesses. The biggest constraint these girls have to access the MFI services is the non-availability of a financial product for their age-group (15-19). The consultant will need to look into available options and find solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct an inventory of the various (national and local) microfinance products, financial services, and entrepreneur supports available in Pakistan, more specifically in Peshawar, Karachi and Gotki and analyze those that are relevant to young women aged 15-19.
- Consult with program beneficiaries/families, and PTS IPs and management to gauge/quality the actual demand for such start-up products
- Produce a report that identifies gaps and recommendations for advocacy and product development with MFIs to cater the needs of the target population.
- Convene micro-finance institutions at a workshop to review the gaps and recommendation to identify specific new products/adaptations to existing products, accessible to low-income adolescent girls and women.
- Facilitate linkages of select adolescent girls with MFIs/other agencies to kick-start their enterprises.
Reporting
This position is based at the Training for Pakistan Project office in Islamabad with frequent travel. The consultant reports to the Chief of Party and LGL-PTS Program Officer.
Qualifications
- A graduate degree holder in business, business management, finance or economics, development, or relevant field
- A minimum of five years of experience preferably in working in or with the banking sector with emphasis on micro-finance services
- An in-depth knowledge of microfinance institutes and products, and entrepreneurial support in Pakistan
- Good written and oral communications skills in English, Urdu; fluency in Sindhi a plus