BACKGROUND:

Passing Gifts Private Limited (PGPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heifer International USA and it provides services in educating, consulting, training, advising, and providing professional and technical services to individuals, associations, and entities in India and abroad, particularly those who support or are working in the areas of social advancement and sustainable development. This position may also require service agreements, secondment agreements, between entities, etc.

PGPL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

FUNCTION:

The Program Manager – Access to Finance will lead PGPL project activities on connecting producer owned FPOs and self-help groups (SHGs) with financial institutions. S/he will lead the development and execution of the overall strategic vision, goal and objectives of the access to finance component. S/he will also work on the strategic relationship with Government and private sector supported finance schemes such as loans, entrepreneurs fund and other provision related promoting FPO business, farmers’ enterprises.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES: (including approximate percentage effort)

Access to Finance (70%)

• Expand Access to Financial Services

• Design and implement strategies to connect CBOs (FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, JLGs) and smallholder farmers with relevant financial institutions (banks, microfinance institutions, insurance providers, impact investors).

• Credit Onboarding and Capacity Building

• Facilitate smooth credit onboarding for CBOs and farmers, ensuring efficient loan application, approval, disbursement, and repayment processes.
• Conduct training and workshops for partner staff on financial literacy, loan application procedures, and financial management.
• Support FPOs and self-help groups in preparing loan proposals and accessing financial services.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among FPOs and other stakeholders.

• Partnership & Collaboration

• Identify and connect with relevant financial institutions (FIs) to offer financial products and services to FPOs and self-help groups.
• Build strong relationships with government agencies and private sector organizations offering finance schemes relevant to the target groups.
• Collaborate with FIs to develop and scale up financial products and services tailored to the needs of FPOs and farmers.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with project partners, financial institutions, and government agencies to maximize access to finance for target groups.

• Financial Needs Assessment & Solutions

• Understand the specific financial needs of FPOs and CBOs, and work with financial institutions to develop tailored, cost-effective financial products and services.

• Research & Analysis

• Conduct research on available financial products and services offered by FIs and government schemes.
• Analyze market trends and identify emerging opportunities in the access to finance sector.
• Prepare reports and presentations on research findings and recommendations.

• Data & Reporting

• Regularly analyze and report on key metrics related to loan applications, approvals, disbursements, repayments, and portfolio quality.

Monitoring and Quality Control (30%):

Monitor credit repayment performance at both institutional and individual levels, proactively address challenges, and implement effective recovery plans.

• Conduct regular field visits to ensure adherence to operational policies and procedures, reviewing field reports, MIS data, and bank reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain a high-quality portfolio by tracking and managing normal dues, non-starters, delinquencies, and fraud, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Support in follow-up on delinquent loans and implement effective recovery plans to improve repayment rates.
• Participate in partner review meetings and prepare regular reports on project progress, market development activities, and portfolio quality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Enterprise Development or other related field, plus seven (7) years of relevant experience, OR
• Master’s degree plus five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of financial products and services relevant to the rural sector.
• Experience in connecting FPOs and self-help groups with financial institutions.
• Experience in working with FPOs (farmer producer organizations) and associated business is highly recommended.
• Technical experience with financial sector, commercial sector, agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade, value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or agriculture development.
• Prior work experience in a Bank or financial institution would be an added advantage.
• Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
• Knowledge of enterprise development and linkages to poverty alleviation.
• Strong interpersonal/people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills a must.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations to achieve goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
• Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
• Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and to always maintain confidentiality.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Fluent in Hindi, English, and Local Language spoken as well as written.
• Have an interest in animals/agriculture community development.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web designing, collaboration platform and tools, and electronic mail software (Microsoft preferred).
• Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.