The predecessor of the Lao Microfinance Association (LMFA), the Microfinance Working Group for the Lao PDR (MFWG), was founded in May 2007 by a group of microfinance practitioners as an informal platform to exchange experiences, represent microfinance sector interests and coordinate donor activities. In October 2013, the MFWG obtained its temporary license as a non-profit association (NPA) from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). As a consequence, its name changed to Microfinance Association (LMFA). LMFA got its permanent license by middle of August 2018. MFA works under the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), Financial Institutions Supervision Department (FISD).

LMFA is promoting financial inclusion for low-income populations through consolidation and professionalization of the country’s inclusive finance sector. LMFA is currently working with ADA and Lux-development to strengthen village financial institutions through a process of formalization and capacity building in 4 provinces: Bokeo, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Khammouane. With this objective, the LMFA is currently looking for 2 microfinance and Village Credit Scheme (VCS)Advisors.

Starting Date: As soon as possible until 31 December 2021 (extension possible)

Working Place: 1 for Bokeo province and 1 for Khammoune province

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Executive Director of LMFA and in close cooperation and coordination with the management team as well as with the other MF/VB advisors, the MF/VB advisor will perform the following tasks:

• Ensure the finalization of the Village Credit Scheme (VCS) set up in order to provide financial services to village members
• Provide continuous support and monitoring of VCS for Bokeo province in the absence of NSO
• Ensure proper integration of the Village Credit Schemes (VCS) to their respective NSO and registration of the NSOs as SCU entity under the BOL (give advice, prepare and accompany the registration processes)
• Support to ensure the sustainability of the networks: product adaptation and financial growth (support the revision of regulation according to demand needs):   
• Ensure that regulations/guidelines that lists tasks and actions at Village Credit Scheme (VCS) level and NSO level (strategic, guidelines, manuals and working tools) implement on the right way
• Identifying training and development needs of SCUs/ MFA-ADA Network Support Organizations (NSO)’s staff, managers and Board of Directors as well as MFA_ADA supported Village Banks’ Committee Members and Village Banks’ members by conducting a needs analysis, interviews and regular consultation with MFA-ADA
• Designing, adjusting and expanding trainings and development programs based on the needs of the SCUs/ MFA-ADA NSO’ staff, managers and Board of Directors as well as MFA-ADA supported Village banks’ Committees and Village Banks’ Members and when needed of the sectors’ stakeholders
• Update training materials, handbooks for in-house courses and other training courses (if needed)
• Conduct training follow-up support to member/target project MFIs/SCUs (individual coaching/in-house capacity building) on technical topics of relevance to SCU operations, especially for the SCUs/NSO of MFA/ADA project
• Work in the field closely with the board of directors and management and staff of the new established SCU/NSO

• Monitor about progress of SCU/NSO and VCSs weekly and report back to MFA ((both accounting/financial and technical)
• Maintaining good knowledge of the microfinance sector by reading relevant journals, going to meetings and attending relevant courses
• Developing a strong network with government agencies and other organizations and agencies
• Translate technical training documents as required from English into Lao and vice versa
• Other related tasks as requested by the supervisors

Qualifications/Experiences/competences:

• College or university degree preferably in banking, economics, business administration or related areas
• Solid microfinance/VB expertise and understanding of the Lao microfinance sector and its challenges

• At least 3 years training experience in microfinance and or village banks and knowledge of policies affecting microfinance institutions
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of participatory training methods
• Able to establish excellent working relationships with different microfinance stakeholders (microfinance practitioners, donors, bi/multi-lateral agencies, (I) NGOs, service providers, policy makers, Government authorities/line ministries, etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English & Lao)
• Strong negotiation, advocacy and consensus-building skills
• Strong interpersonal, networking skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a team and to motivate people
• Computer literacy
• Be able to work and travel to provinces

Interested applicants should submit a full application to: Lao Microfinance Association (LMFA)

Unit 14, Amone Village, Hom 23 (23/3), Saysettha District, P.O. Box: 4030, Vientiane Capital, Lao P D R

Email: mfa@laomfa.local , Web: www.laomfa.local   Office Tel: +856 30 9481265  

Only shortlisted will be notified.  Application closing date is 26.01.2020.