Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Access to Finance Manager, Sri Lanka

ACDI/VOCA is seeking an Access to Finance Manager for an upcoming economic modernization activity funded by USAID. The program will improve economic competitiveness through an improved business enabling environment, increased small and medium business export competitiveness, and upgraded workforce capacity.​

The Access to Finance Manager will establish working relationships with finance institutions and assess their perceptions, limitations, and concerns regarding extending access to finance to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a conduit of information on financing opportunities in support of SMEs and link participants to existing programs designed to facilitate access to finance for SMEs
• Identify obstacles to accessing finance that is encountered by various actors that are working along the targeted value chains (producers, processors, and buyers)
• Develop financing strategies and influence the development of new financial products in coordination with microfinance and commercial lenders, that are tailored to financing needs for a range of market actors
• Identify alternative financing mechanisms, such as diaspora related investments, to stimulate increases in exports
• In collaboration with government entities, organize roundtable discussions on extending access to finance to farmers, producers, and processors and/or influencing policies that influence trade/export oriented financing
• Coordinate activities that provide training and direct technical assistance to producers, traders, processors, and suppliers to increase financial literacy, develop business plans, make credit applications, and improve financial records and bookkeeping needed to support credit applications
• Participate in the collection of data regarding indicators focusing on access to finance
• Collaborate with the program team to identify activities related to improving access to finance and assist in developing Annual Work Plans

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business studies, development studies, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in finance, banking, agribusiness, or related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing access to finance programs for SMEs preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID and/or other international Donor programs’ rules and regulations.
• Experience working in Sri Lanka preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Sri Lankan nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.