DUTY STATION: Nairobi with frequent travel to the field within Kenya
BACKGROUND
About Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW)
The Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) is a registered, feminist non-profit women rights organization founded in 1998 with a Vision of a just society where women and girls are valued, respected and enjoy full rights and live in dignity while our Mission is to transform the lives of all women and girls through championing gender equality, rights and social justice.
CREAWs areas of focus are on (1) Addressing violence against women and girls (2) women and girl’s participation in leadership and decision making (3) Advancing comprehensive sexual reproductive health rights (4) Investing in women and girl’s economic empowerment (5) Strengthening localization of resources for women rights organizations, movements and collectives.
CREAW is implementing a Mastercard Foundation program titled Jasiri Program: Empowering Marginalized and At-Risk Adolescent Girls and Young women to Participate in the Economy. The program has a component on access to finance dubbed the Jasiri Fund which targets young women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and those at risk, with an aim to improve their financial inclusion and economic empowerment. The program will among other things provide affordable and accessible financial products and services to young women entrepreneurs and small business owners as a pathway to dignified and fulfilling work and to enable them contribute to the economy.
JOB PURPOSE
CREAW is seeking a dedicated and results-driven Loans Officer to join the team and play a key role in implementing the Jasiri Program. The primary role of the Loans Officer is to manage the loan application process, evaluate loan applicants, monitor loan portfolios, and provide financial guidance to program participants to ensure successful loan application, utilization and repayment.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Jasiri Fund Loans Officer will be responsible for:
I. Outreach and Promotion:
- Conducting outreach activities to promote the Jasiri loans to women entrepreneurs.
- Assist in organizing informational sessions and workshops on financial literacy and loan application processes.
II. Safeguarding
- Ensure compliance to the Jasiri program safeguarding strategy.
- Ensure adherence to the Jasiri program Data privacy, protection and management strategy.
III. Loan Processing
- Assisting applicants in completing loan applications and ensuring all necessary documentation is provided.
- conduct due diligence, and make recommendations for loan considerations
- Evaluating loan applications.
- Presenting loan applications to the loan committee and making recommendations for approval.
IV. Loan Disbursement and Monitoring:
- Following up on loan disbursements to approved borrowers.
- Monitoring the use of loan funds to ensure they are used for the intended purposes.
- Conducting regular site visits and follow-ups with loan recipients to track progress and provide support.
- Support program evaluation and learning activities to assess the effectiveness and impact of the Jasiri Program.
V. Reporting and Record-Keeping:
- Maintaining accurate records of all loan applications, disbursements, repayments, and follow-up activities.
- Preparing regular reports on the status of the loan portfolio and program impact.
VI.Capacity Building:
- Providing financial literacy education and training to women entrepreneurs.
- Offering guidance and support to loan recipients to help them achieve their business goals.
VII. Diversity and inclusion:
- Ensure diversity and inclusion in the program interventions specifically for persons with disability and refugees.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in financial services, micro-finance, or economic empowerment programs.
- Strong understanding of loan management, credit risk assessment, and financial analysis.
- Experience working with women entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, or marginalized and vulnerable communities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and provide mentorship and support to program participants.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications and experience with loan management software is desirable.
- Knowledge of gender issues, women’s empowerment, and social entrepreneurship is an advantage.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth, is preferred
- Experience in fundraising, proposal writing, and donor reporting is desirable.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experiences to https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/grK9d4wo by 12th July 2024.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. CREAW is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and individuals of all backgrounds and diversities.
CREAW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of women and girls and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check.
Young women who are qualified are highly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
