Value Chain Lead Firm (VCLF) Financial Advisor

Program Description:

The present program aims to improve access to working capital financing for local VCLFs which improves the integration of smallholders into agricultural value chains, it anticipated that the present program funded by Mozambique Central Bank and other financial stakeholder and targets group of the agricultural enterprises(MSME) that play an important role in the value chain.

Position overview:

TechnoServe Mozambique is seeking a Value Chain Lead (VCL) to provide initiatives focused on strengthening agricultural finance, environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, this role will also ensure capacity-building in the financial sector. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, experience in agricultural finance within developing countries, and expertise in ESG compliance and capacity-building initiatives.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Support in the Creation of the Loan Pipeline:
• Assist VCLFs in preparing loan applications and necessary documentation.
• Ensure VCLFs meet financial, economic, and environmental criteria.
• Accompany VCLFs to meetings with banks and support loan contract negotiations.
• Support VCLFs in discussions with insurance providers and assist in insurance contract negotiations.
• Help VCLFs establish or enhance their accounting and monitoring systems.
• Conduct any other activities necessary to ensure VCLFs’ eligibility for working capital loans bundled with insurance.

• ESG Standards and Environmental & Social Management Systems (ESMS)

• Ensure all proposed activities comply with applicable exclusion lists, national regulations, and, where relevant, IFC Performance Standards (IFC PS), World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (WB ESS), and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.
• Review existing ESMS frameworks and capacities of VCLFs.
• Support VCLFs in improving ESG standards and implementing ESMS elements.
• Categorize and assess potential environmental and social risks related to VCLFs.
• Ensure VCLFs understand and comply with Environmental & Social (E&S) clauses in loan agreements.
• Assist VCLFs in implementing risk mitigation measures as defined by PFIs.
• Facilitate the use of grievance mechanisms for PFI loan clients, if necessary.
• Strengthening Relationships Between VCLFs and Smallholder Farmers:
• Support VCLFs in contract negotiations with smallholder farmers.
• Assist in discussions regarding insurance and premium subsidies, aligning with the activities of the Insurance Consultant.
• Provide VCLFs with guidance on adopting good agricultural practices by connecting them with relevant training opportunities.
• Program Coordination and Data Collection:
• Collect data for impact matrix indicators.
• Maintain regular exchanges with other program components and align efforts with ongoing and planned initiatives in the agricultural finance sector
• Expected Results

The incumbent is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

• Establish a pipeline of at least 10 VCLFs per year eligible for working capital loans.
• Ensure working capital loans are issued to eligible VCLFs, with at least one loan per year awarded to a women-led business.
• Deliver effective training and support to VCLFs to achieve:
• Strengthened relationships between VCLFs and smallholder farmers, leading to more stable turnover and revenue.
• Improved ESG standards and ESMS capacities among VCLFs.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to KfW as required by contractual agreements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accountant, Law, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related 7 years experience OR Master Degree plus 5 years’ experience
• experience working in developing countries, preferably in agricultural finance;
• Solid experience as a Team Leader or Project Manager in donor-funded initiatives.
• Experience in agricultural finance in developing country contexts, including experience working in Mozambique, ideally in the agricultural finance sector.
• Experience with ESG evaluations, ESMS implementation, and IFC Performance Standards in banking or finance, in capacity building and training of partners in developing countries, as well as in women-led business promotion.
• Preferably would also have experience in information dissemination, sensitization, and training on good agricultural practices.

• Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in agricultural finance and ESG compliance.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in Portuguese (working language).
• Residency in Mozambique is required.

• Additional Requirements
• Experience in monitoring, financial administration, and evaluation of similar programs.
• Experience in backstopping and providing technical support to project teams.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.

Required Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written Portuguese and English is required

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of Excel, Access and PowerPoint required
• Good management skills
• Knowledge of key donor compliance requirements;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to effectively motivate and manage teams in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and activities
• Ability to develop well written, cohesive analyses and reports