Jobs at FINCA International in Uganda - Energy Program Manager

Job Title: Energy Program Manager (Long-term Consultant Position)
Location:     Uganda
Job Code:     1167
# of openings:     1
Description

FINCA International, one of the world's leading microfinance institutions, provides financial services to more than 950,000 clients through 21 wholly-owned and operated subsidiaries in Africa, Eurasia, Latin America and the Greater Middle East.

FINCA seeks an Energy Program Manager to launch and manage a large-scale micro-energy business (“FINCA Energy”) in Uganda and eventually surrounding countries. FINCA will launch a new program to undertake the sales and distribution of renewable energy products, with FINCA subsidiaries providing consumer and supply chain financing. This new venture would set up micro-entrepreneurs as retailers and engage in other activities to strengthen the overall supply and distribution of renewable energy products in the market.   

The Energy Program Manager will be based in Uganda, would report to the Senior Manager, Research and New Business Initiatives, at FINCA International in Washington, DC.   The Program Manager position would be structured as a long-term consultancy of at least 1 year.   Start date is no later than April 30, 2013.



MAIN ACTIVITIES



    Launch the FINCA Energy program and manage daily operations
        Recruit and manage logistics, marketing, sales, and finance staff
        Develop policies and procedures covering all aspects of operations: transport and storage of inventory, employee compensation, customer servicing logistics, etc.
        Implement an inventory management MIS and oversee all logistical activities
        Negotiate supplier agreements
        Develop and implement a cohesive merchandising strategy that includes marketing activities, sales messaging, advertising, signage, product display
        Develop and deliver sales and technical training to staff and to retailers
        Determine criteria for recruiting retailers; provide ongoing training and support to retailers
        Implement reporting system to track the performance of the business and report progress to FINCA management
        Determine compensation and incentives for staff and retailers
    Develop strategy for expansion into new geographic areas
    Develop good working relationship with FINCA subsidiaries for purposes of coordinating on financing and sales activities.  Develop service level agreements (SLAs) and internal MOUs as necessary.
    Manage supplier partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders in the market: government agencies, testing facilities, World Bank/ UN Foundation initiatives, donor agencies, etc.

    Initially manage 2- 3 sales staff.   Manage an organization of approximately 20 managers and field agents within three years as program scales.



PROFILE:



Education & Experience            

    Advanced Degree in relevant field (banking, business, finance)
    At least 7 years of relevant work experience
    Experience launching, staffing, and managing new ventures to offer products and services targeted at the bottom of the pyramid
    Experience in supply chain management. Ideally, candidate has successfully  set up sales, distribution, and customer servicing networks, particularly in rural areas in East Africa
    Familiarity with microfinance (preferred, not required)
    Familiarity with sales and distribution of solar products (preferred, not required)
    Process mapping skills (preferred, not required)



Language Skills:  Fluency in English required.

Computer Skills                                                    

    Expert in Microsoft Office.  Able to generate financial models using Excel,  able to create board and investor presentations using Power Point
    Prior experience using inventory management MIS a plus
    Comfortable using Visio or other process mapping software



KEY DELIVERABLES

    Within 6 months, launch FINCA energy program in Uganda, with strong staff and a sound operational foundation
    Meet 6-month targets for product sales
    Set program on a path to achieve break-even in 2 years
    Develop strategic plan to scale up within region



TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Availability to travel up to 25% of time within Uganda, and eventually within E. Africa.



APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Only individuals may apply for this long-term consulting assignment, and should have an interest in working with FINCA as full time staff after the end of the consultancy.   Individuals should submit their CVs and dates of availability, as well as their expected annual compensation. 



How to Apply:
http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp;jsessionid=D0F2CEE3F9D3F0F9735B7645BBC51002.NA10_primary_jvm?org=FINCA&cws=1&rid=1167

Closing Date; 14/06/2013