Agriculture & Trade Finance Specialist

Position: Agriculture & Trade Finance Specialist

Opportunity Type: Full-Time Job

Connexus | www.connexuscorporation.com

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

About the Organization: 

Connexus Corporation is an international development consulting firm that provides consulting services in the areas of finance and enterprise development. Connexus’ mission is to provide high quality global consulting services to transform international development and build local capacity. Connexus is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

About the Job: Connexus is seeking an Agriculture and Trade Finance Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity. This is a preliminary position description and will be clarified after the Request for Proposal (RFP) is released.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Provide technical and management support to implement financial services capacity building activities of USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization.
• Conduct assessments of agricultural financial services, identify current market realities and service delivery gaps.
• Provide technical and management support to implement business development services, especially to help SMEs expand trade to overseas markets.
• Work closely with the Chief of Party to develop strategic approaches and work plans that address the needs of SMEs and trade partners.
• Work closely with the Chief of Party to develop strategic approaches and work plans that address the needs of the financial service delivery market, especially to access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and smallholder farmers.
•  Coordinate training of local financial service providers in cash flow analysis, risk management, new product development and delivery mechanisms, operational policies, systems, and processes, as well as other needs.
• Provide training and technical assistance to banks to improve lending processes to SMEs.
• Work with the local team to coordinate the effective provision of business development services, market linkages and information, as needed to facilitate finance to SMEs and agricultural value chain actors.
• Develop a network of providers that can offer products and services to increase SME efficiency and productivity, including for women, youth, and other disadvantaged populations.
• Monitor and oversee activities that improve access to financial services.
• Identify and contact key informants and key stakeholders in various small and medium enterprise (SME) agricultural value chains.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

•          Master's degree in business, finance, agricultural economics, or related field, and 5 years of experience in agriculture and trade finance or a bachelor’s degree in finance or business and 7 years of relevant experience.
•      Experience in programs related to facilitating finance for agriculture and trade-related SMEs in Sri Lanka.
•      Prior experience in management positions, preferably a USAID-funded project.
•      Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders, including the national government.
•          Excellent written communication skills, including ability to produce high-quality analysis and reports.
•      Fluency in English required and other local languages desired.
•          Must be authorized to work in Sri Lanka.

Deadline: April 30, 2024

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can send their resume and cover letter to careers@connexus.email with “Ag & Trade Finance Specialist – USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization” in the subject line. No phone calls please.