Project Manager, Microsavings Initiative, India (based in Varanasi)

Position Title:   Project Manager - India, Microsavings Initiative
Status:   Long Term Consultancy or Full-Time Project Employee (End date 12/31/2012)
Location:  India (based in Varanasi)
FLSA:     Local Hire / Exempt
Date:     October 2009

Grameen Foundation is seeking a Project Manager to implement a three-year micro-savings project at CASHPOR, an MFI headquartered in Varanasi, India.  The Project Manager will work directly with the Managing Director of CASHPOR , using his authority to oversee the project, which will enable CASHPOR to dramatically scale provision of voluntary savings products to the poorest through the development of a sustainable, scalable business model for banking correspondence.  This project is part of a broader multi-country savings program at Grameen Foundation. 

Keys to success in this role will be the ability to manage multiple stakeholders with varying objectives and to establish and lead productive relationships with all project team members and stakeholders. A strong understanding of retail banking and the operational and technological aspects of offering savings products in the Indian microfinance context will also be essential.

Job Summary:  As the front line manager based at the MFI, the Project Manager will have overall responsibility for planning and monitoring project activities and driving the success of the project at the institutional level.  S/he will be the primary liaison between the U.S.-based Project Director and staff, MFI management and staff, the partner bank, and visiting technical assistance providers.  The Project Manager will also serve as a technical expert on operational and financial issues related to scaling banking correspondence services at the MFI.

Reporting and Relationships:  Reports to the Project Director, Microsavings Initiative.  Project Manager will also be responsible for engaging the senior management at CASHPOR in accordance with the operating rules and procedures at CASHPOR.

Availability:  This person is expected to work a standard work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done.  The position will require periodic domestic and international travel (20-30%).

Essential Job Functions:
• Work with MFI management to build and lead core savings team at MFI, recruiting externally where necessary 
• Lead planning and execution of scheduled project activities to ensure project targets are met, including development of MFI-specific work plans in collaboration with GF, MFI staff, partner bank and partner technology provider
• Mobilize relevant internal and external technical resources to provide assistance to the CASHPOR savings team
• Ensure project activities are performed within the approved Savings Project budget and follow Grameen Foundation procedures to authorize expenditures
• Incorporate proposed savings strategy into MFI’s detailed financial projections and business plan
• Build MFI capacity to ensure a profitable business model through provision of direct technical assistance; this will include designing appropriate incentives for all parties
• Create processes and procedures that to efficiently utilize separate information systems for savings and credit products and aggregate the resulting financial and social data
• Liaise between MFI, Grameen Foundation project management, partner bank, partner technology provider, technical assistance providers, and local stakeholders (e.g., microfinance associations, regulators) to ensure all stakeholders are aware of individual project targets and will execute as instructed
• Work with partner bank and partner technology provider to ensure a “win-win-win” business model is achieved and project will scale according to targets
• Monitor and troubleshoot implementation activities, ensuring timely performance and accountability to achieve project success
• Submit detailed progress reports and status updates as required by Grameen Foundation and CASHPOR
• Promote success and professionalism across the project by modeling leadership, teamwork, and promoting best practices

Required Skills and Knowledge:
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following critical functional areas related to banking correspondence services:  market research and product design, enabling field-based transactions, business process mapping, MIS, internal controls, liquidity management
• Experience planning and managing complex projects, including success working with technology providers and Indian banks
• Strong team-building, facilitation, leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, organizational, and project management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the poorest, particularly in rural areas
• Fluency in Hindi and English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microfin business planning tool

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in international development, finance, economics, or related field.  Master’s degree, preferred.
• At least eight years of operational and management experience in international development or retail banking, with an emphasis on rural finance and savings mobilization. 
• Experience working in or with an Indian public sector bank preferred.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comments:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org before February 28, 2010. Please put “PM-India” in the subject line.  No calls please.