6 Job Positions at Business Development Fund Ltd (BDF): (Deadline 20 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, 5^th 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 [email protected] or Hard Copies to BDF Office Reception at M.Peace Plaza,

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

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

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, 5^th Floor, Kigali.

4. Social Specialist 

Roles and Responsibilities

Generally, the Social Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that social aspects in the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for BDF; and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience are effectively implemented, monitored and reported throughout BDF operations. But specifically, the Social Specialist will do the following:

• Oversee all aspects of the implementation of the Labor Management Procedures (LMP), including ensuring contractors compliance.
• Review the BDF Human Resources (HR) Policy to address all LMP aspects as well as for procurement for services and works.
• Ensure the day-to-day compliance with specified safety measures and records of any incidents.
• Report minor incidents of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to HR department monthly and report serious incidents immediately to the World Bank.
• Keep records to ensure that labor conditions are met in accordance with national OHS regulations.
• Review records against actuals monthly and require immediate remedial actions and include them in the periodic reports to the World Bank.
• Ensure that a Labor Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) are established and operationalized within the BDF and are communicated to the staff.
• Review records on any grievance registered and treated monthly.
• Prepare Monthly grievance management reports and share with line manager.
• Ensure that the HR policy and manual does not include any process that could be reported as a sexual or other form of discriminations or exclusions in its process of recruitment and staff access to wages, awards and professional benefits.
• Ensure that the assigned workers are adequately trained and briefed with overall safety arrangement, use of equipment, GRM procedure, working conditions.
• Participate in Social screening of funding proposals from SACCOs and other beneficiaries as well, to review grievance redress mechanisms.
• Ensure inclusion of vulnerable potential beneficiaries in the access to funding including women, people with disability and the youth during proposal evaluation.
• Closely follow up the integration of social safeguard assessment information and completion of safeguards self-screening Checklist during the project/program development process.
• Provide technical support during proposal development, project design, appraisal process and resource mobilization plan.
• Closely aid and deliver training to the teams and beneficiaries to close knowledge/skill gaps and minimize the likelihood of risks to happen to projects.
• Assist in the development process of Social Safeguards guidelines in consultation with BDF management, to be used by line department/unit in the plan and implementation process of financed projects.
• Undertake Social risk categorization of proposals submitted to BDF and projects under implementation.
• Undertake follow up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to an agreed upon social issues mitigation implementation plan.
• Prepare social issues safeguards plan and ensure that such plans are approved by relevant authorities before implementation.
• Lead on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure safeguards policies are properly implemented in line with the guidelines.
• Compile quarterly, biannual, and annual reports on safeguards related issues as part of the M&E report.
• Provide advice on administrative measures and actions required for ensuring the compliance with requirements set regarding social issues safeguard measures prior to the validation and implementation of the project activities.
• Analyze Social developments and provide technical and substantive support in implementation.
• Handle any other duties as directed by the PIU Manager.

  Required Competencies & Knowledge

• 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

• Must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics/ Management, or any other related discipline with 5 years working experience in the same field or a master’s degree in the mentioned disciplines with 3 years’ working experience.
• The incumbent must have worked with world bank funded projects or any other development partner funded projects with strong knowledge of social issues and safeguards, monitoring and reporting guidelines.

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 [email protected] or Hard Copies to BDF Office Reception at M.Peace Plaza,

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

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

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, 5^th Floor, Kigali.

5. Environmental Specialist 

Roles and Responsibilities

Generally, the Environmental Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for BDF; and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience are effectively implemented, monitored and reported throughout BDF operations. Specifically, the Environmental Specialist will;

• Ensure that key departments and countrywide BDF branches have sufficient knowledge and skills to implement the requirements of ESMS, ESMF, ESCP and SEP.
• Ensure that the requirements of the ESMS, ESMF and SEP are integrated into the PFIs and firms through the participation and sub-loan agreements.
• Monitor performance and compliance of partner financial institutions (PFIs) with ESMS and ESMF requirements.
• Ensure compliance and management of environmental issues/risks across BDF.
• Conduct environmental assessments for project applications and proposals, including initial risk screening, review of concept notes and proposals, site visits.
• Provide overall endorsements of environmental screening and assessments related to projects applications and proposals.
• Ensure the coordination and integration of environmental risk management procedures across the organization and provide duly reports to the Project Implementing Unit (PIU) Manager for presentation to the Senior Management team/Chief Executive Officer.
• Report any major environmental issues to the PIU Manager for presentation to the Senior Management Team
• Develop & provide quality control of training materials for internal staff and for PFIs & delivery of training on environmental aspects to internal staff and PFIs and maintaining training records.
• Review and approve BDF’s annual environmental performance report to stakeholders (including lenders), environmental assessments and action plans.
• Conduct environmental monitoring as per requirements in the loan agreement.
• Ensure that appropriate environmental permits and certificates and management plans are incorporated in each client agreement and are implemented.
• Supervise financial institutions (FI) portfolio and on-going compliance with the applicable requirements on a regular basis, which may include:
  • Conducting site visits, monitoring the implementation of site specific environmental and social (ES) standards instruments such as environmental and social management plan (ESMP), environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) or Summary Project Report (SPR) for subprojects as specified in the ESMS and ESMF and adopted ESMS by the partner financial institutions (PFIs), reviewing PFIs’ annual reports, and recording PFI’s environmental ongoing performance.
• Resolving environmental issues in case of non-compliance, and where needed, preparing a time-bound corrective action plan with specific follow-up procedures.
• Handle any other duties as directed by the PIU Manager.

Required Competencies & Knowledge

• 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

• Must have at least a bachelor’s Degree in Environmental science, environmental Economics/ Management, or any other related discipline with 5 years working experience in the same field or a master’s degree in the mentioned disciplines with 3 years’ work experience.
• The incumbent must have worked with world bank funded projects or any other development partner funded project with strong knowledge of environmental issues and safeguards, monitoring and reporting guidelines.

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 [email protected] or Hard Copies to BDF Office Reception at M.Peace Plaza,

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

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

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, 5^th Floor, Kigali.

1. Bridge Lending Window Coordinator 

 Roles and Responsibilities

The Bridge Lending Window (BLW) Coordinator is expected to perform a full range of administrative and operational duties regarding the BLW. Specifically, the BLW Coordinator will do the following:

• Establish the BLW eligibility requirements, operational and reporting procedures, and systems. This will include a review of internal BDF rules and regulations in regard to the extension of credit to ensure alignment of the BLW with existing procedures and articulate the eligibility criteria for accessing the BLW.
• Assess applications submitted to BDF by the banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) for the MSMEs that have been affected by unprecedented events and need short term bridge loans.
• Develop and manage the insurance backstop product from private (re)insurance companies to protect BLW’s capital from depletion. This will include reviewing eligible insurance products available in Rwanda, collaborating with an insurance broker to support the structuring and procuring of a backstop product, and working with the insurance companies to oversee payouts into the BLW following severe shock periods/scenarios.
• Develop contract modalities between the various stakeholders involved in the BLW scheme.
• Participate in the planning, budgeting, and implementation of the bridge lending process through partner financial institutions (PFIs) including reporting on the projects financed through BLW.
• Develop proposal for data/indicators upon which to base disbursement decisions from the BLW.
• Develop mechanisms to increase awareness of the BLW among financial institutions and strengthen the working relationship with them.
• Conduct capacity building activities and provide technical assistance to PFIs on the BLW product and processes.
• Prepare, as per World Bank guidelines, monthly, quarterly, and annual status reports on financed MSMEs through BLW from different PFIs.
• Ensure that the banks and MFIs comply with BLW repayment schedules as stipulated in the participation agreement.
• Conduct internal control reviews and statements of bridge lending in conjunction with claims and disbursements eligibilities.
• Participate and provide feedback on audit reports/queries that may arise and work with the PIU to address queries regarding bridge lending where necessary and prepare appropriate letters for communication with the project implementing agencies.
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Competencies

• At least a bachelor’s degree in agri-business, agriculture economics, business management, finance and accounting, or business law from a reputable higher learning institution.
• A master’s degree in either of the above-stated disciplines is an added advantage.
• 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.

Specific Experience

• Extensive knowledge and at least 15 years of experience in public or corporate finance sector development, risk management, or consulting.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior management level position, with responsibilities in the design, planning and implementation of large-scale financial products.
• Substantial understanding of, and experience in, the private sector business environment, ideally in the agriculture and/or MSME sector (incl. rural business development, agriculture finance, micro finance and marketing, competitiveness, and value chain analysis).
• Excellent understanding of disaster risk management and risk financing policies and programs. Ideally experience in drought risk assessment and modelling (incl. analytical and research skills in hazard and vulnerability analysis).
• Experience in working with Ministry of Finance and/or Central Bank counterparts in the areas of financial policy, financial stability, long-term finance, and risk management (incl. expertise about public finance budget processes, accounting procedures, and reporting).
• Understanding of the function of and experience in carrying out institutional oversight and accountability function, including grievance mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to establish trust and create partnerships with government officials and private sector clients in emerging markets to ensure a collaborative approach to design and implementation of customized financial solutions that achieve development objectives.
• Ability to work constructively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders on a range of sensitive issues, and to anticipate, manage and respond to divergent views.

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 [email protected] or Hard Copies to BDF Office Reception at M.Peace Plaza,

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

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