Program Manager, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Reports to: General Manager

Supervises: North Africa Field Officer, Middle East Field Officer, IT
Officer, Intern

Based: Dubai office

Position is for Grameen-Jameel Pan-Arab Microfinance Limited

Company Background and Mission:
Grameen-Jameel Pan-Arab Microfinance Limited is a for-profit limited liability company
jointly owned by Grameen Foundation and Abdul Latif Jameel Group. The company’s
core objective is poverty alleviation in the Arab world through microfinance. Grameen-
Jameel’s vision is to reach one million new active microfinance clients in the Arab world
by 2011. In order to achieve this, the company forms strategic partnerships with
microfinance institutions (MFIs) throughout the region who share its values:
commitment to reaching women and the poorest; aggressive growth plans; and financial
sustainability. Grameen-Jameel supports its Partners by delivering a suite of customized
products and services, and provides financing through its $50 million Grameen-Jameel
Guarantee Fund. Currently, Grameen-Jameel has 11 Partners in Morocco , Tunisia ,
Egypt , Lebanon , Yemen , and Saudi Arabia . The company is registered in Cyprus and is
in the process of setting up operations in Dubai .

Grameen Foundation is a global non-profit organization based in Washington , DC that
combines microfinance, technology, and innovation to empower the world’s poorest
people to escape poverty. Founded in 1997 with the support of Nobel Laureate Professor
Muhammad Yunus, GF provides financing, technology and management strategies to microfinance institutions and other local organizations across the globe.

Abdul Latif Jameel Group, based in Jeddah , Saudi Arabia , is one of the Arab world’s
most successful and respected business groups. Founded in 1945 by the late Sheikh
Abdul Latif Jameel, the company was granted sole distribution rights for Toyota vehicles
in Saudi Arabia ten years later, which it has maintained ever since. ALJ has a very active
community services program with emphasis on education, training and development.

Job Description:
The Program Manager is responsible for implementing and overseeing the program of
products and services provided by Grameen-Jameel to its partner microfinance
institutions (MFIs). Working with the General Manager (GM), the Program Manager is
also responsible for the development of new and strategic products and services to better
meet the needs of existing and potential partners. The Program Manager will develop a
team of associates (relationship managers) to manage the relationships with microfinance
partners in the MENA region.

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for overall relationship management with MFI Partners:
  • Manage and oversee partnership agreements (MOUs) and implementproducts and services commitments;
  • Work to achieve an in-depth understanding of MFI Partners’ business plans and requirements for support from Grameen-Jameel;
  • Responsible for ensuring that appropriate financing and products & services are provided to MFI Partners;
  • Ensure partners are satisfied with the quality of products and services;
• Identify potential new MFI Partners and initiate discussions:
  • Conduct due diligence of new partners as needed;
  • Create appropriate screening mechanisms;
• Enhance and develop the existing products and services to better serve the assigned
  and potential MFI Partners:
  • Work to develop new products, services and markets as directed by the GM
  • Introduce pricing scheme
  • Conduct annual Customer Satisfaction Surveys of Partners
• Prepare partner reports as required;
• Maintain knowledge on microfinance services, the regulatory environment, best
  practices and trends for each country in the assigned area and provide periodic written
  reports/updates to the GM;
• Ad hoc project management;
• Represent Grameen-Jameel at microfinance related events such as seminars,
  conferences, trainings and working exchanges; maintain working relationships and
  collaborate with other microfinance organizations in the region;
• Hire, train, evaluate and supervise Field Officers, IT Officer and Intern
• Participate in development and updating of organization’s strategic plan;
• Communicate all activities and challenges to GM on a regular basis;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic; French proficiency;
• Willingness and ability to travel to other countries in the Middle East & North Africa
  up to 60% of the time;
• Excellent interpersonal and inter-cultural communication skills;
• Superior relationship-building skills;
• Takes initiative and does not require constant supervision or instructions to get job
  done;
• Strong time management skills and ability to manage various projects in a start-up
  work setting;
• Knowledge of relevant industry developments and regulatory issues in region;
• Good team-building skills and leadership;
• Ability to manage and supervise direct reports based in the field;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook;
• Commitment to eradication of poverty in the Middle East & North Africa.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in International Development, Economics, Finance or other relevant
  subject;
• Seven or more years of work experience in supporting clients in a banking or finance
  related field; microfinance experience strongly preferred;
• Management experience and track record;
• Experience in Middle East/North Africa required;

Experience working for an international organization/company preferred.

Start Date: Immediate

To apply, please send the following items:
1) explain why you want to work for Grameen-Jameel;
2) explain how your skills and experience are a good match for this position;
3) cover letter; and
4) CV. Candidates who are missing any of these items will not be considered.

No phone calls, please .