Partner Development Specialist, Middle East & North Africa

Position: Partner Development Specialist, Middle East & North Africa
Report to: Microfinance Partnerships Manager, Middle East & North Africa
Location: Middle East & North Africa (flexible on exact location)
Job Type: Part time or Full time contractor
Expected Start Date: April 2008

About Kiva
Launched in 2006 and named as one of the top ideas of the year by the New York Times Magazine, Kiva is the world's first online lending marketplace for the working poor. Kiva connects thousands of social investors with developing world entrepreneurs, via a partner network of microfinance institutions (MFIs). In the process, Kiva helps drive transparency, scale and outreach with participating MFIs. Kiva is governed and supported by experienced consumer Internet and microfinance leaders. Headquartered in San Francisco, Kiva is a well-funded 501(c)3 non-profit internet start-up that has a rare opportunity for dramatic growth and profound systemic impact. Visit us at www.kiva.org

Job Description
Kiva seeks to hire a Partner Development Specialist for Middle East & North Africa. As an experienced and highly driven microfinance professional, you will play a key role in shaping the expansion of Kiva's MFI network in the region. You will help Kiva develop its portfolio of microfinance partners by conducting marketing, due diligence and training for new partners, and providing on-going training, support and monitoring of current partners. You will work closely with key members of Kiva's California based Microfinance Partnerships team to help execute this mission. This paid position is based in the region.

Tasks / Responsibilities:

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of partners' business plans, financial projections and support requirements
• Maintain good communications with and provide regular updates to Kiva headquarters
• Represent Kiva in professional settings such as regional conferences, association and industry briefings

• Ensure portfolio quality through effective monitoring, evaluation and follow up
• Ensure due diligence through regular communications and partner site visits
• Strengthen partner capacity by providing training and support on Kiva's lending and reporting systems and policies

• Increase Kiva's portfolio of quality MFI partners by identifying, researching and marketing to potential partners
• Participate in developing partnership agreements and managing the launch of partnerships

Mandatory Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience with a internationally recognized MFI, bank, audit or development firm
• BS/BA degree in business, finance or economics, MS/MBA desirable
• Extensive network of professional contacts in the region
• Regional expertise (understanding of microfinance landscape, regulatory environment, major challenges faced by MFIs, etc.)
• Knowledge of microfinance best practices and familiarity with microfinance methodologies
• Experience with due diligence and portfolio management analytical tools and methodologies
• Ability to deliver results on multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Disciplined, detail oriented, and accountable
• Experience with developing staff and partners
• French language fluency; other local languages a plus
• Ability to interact effectively with people of other cultures, capacities, and organizations
• Strong interpersonal and speaking skills
• Ability to travel regionally up to 75% of your time, including rural locations
• Strong understanding of internet based services and Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel and PowerPoint)

Compensation

• Competitive salary, with growth potential based on performance.

If interested…

• Send email to jobs@kiva.org. Include in the Subject Line: Partner Development Specialist, Middle East & North Africa  
• Include resume / CV and brief cover letter explaining why you’re interested / qualified
• Please do not contact the office directly with any questions or follow-up inquiries

Due to the high numbers of applicants for this position, we regret that we can only respond to candidates that we would like to interview.