Job Description

Posted on December 30, 2022

Short Term Technical Assistance
Credit Guarantee Consultant
Under
USAID Zambia Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity
Funded By
USAID
Performance Period: January 1 – June 30, 2023
Approximate Level of Effort (LOE):  45 days
Application submission deadline: December 31, 2022
Location:  Lusaka, Zambia
BACKGROUND
Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development, and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. For more information, go to www.acdivoca.org
The USAID Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity seeks to increase the profitability of agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by addressing their key constraints including limited business management skills, use of technology (including IT), access to local and regional markets, and affordable finance. EDGE targets SMEs that work in Central, Eastern, and Lusaka provinces in the following value chains: horticulture (to include annual fruits and vegetables), honey, poultry (to include layers, broilers and village chickens), aquaculture, groundnuts, animal feed (maize, soya beans, sunflower). EDGE’s key performance contract targets are: 1) Increase sales by at least 20% by June 2023 and another 20% from June 2023 to June 2025; 2) Increase profitability by at least 15% by June 2023 and another 15% from June 2023 to June, and 2025; 3) EDGE SMEs must independently access finance.
OBJECTIVE
EDGE seeks support in providing technical leadership to our partner, The Zambia National Advisory Board for Impact Investment (NABII). NABII is a non-profit organization created to accelerate the growth and effectiveness of the impact investment ecosystem in Zambia. NABII has recently signed an MOU with the Bank of Zambia regarding the establishment of a Credit Risk Guarantee Scheme (CRGS).  The project is still at design stage and the consultant will play a key role in developing the CRGS’ design and implementation roadmap.
SPECIFIC TASKS
1. Technical design of CRGS

Lead technical design of the CRGS
Engage with NABII and stakeholders to identify key success factors for the CRGS and how those can be included in the design
Liaise with all the key stakeholders as necessary to ensure CRGS is appropriately placed within market (financial institutions, central bank, BDS providers, etc.)
Liaise with technology providers and aggregators providing services to interrogate the feasibility of connecting SMEs in the informal sector with the formal finance sector
Assess other credit risk guarantees in Zambia and suggest how the CRGS can build on lessons learned and identify new areas of opportunity
Identify key success factors for the CRGS including the role of BDS and any potential risks

2. Submits design to NABII and stakeholders for approval

Present design to NABII and stakeholders for approval
Where necessary, incorporate feedback from NABII and stakeholders into the design

3. Create an implementation schedule for CRGS

Upon approval of the technical design, develop a detailed roadmap for implementation for the CRGS including approximate timeline
Identify necessary manpower/womanpower necessary for implementation
Identify any other costs related to establishing the CRGS

4. Submit implementation plan to NABII and stakeholders or approval
DELIVERABLES
The consultant will provide the following deliverables, with payment contingent on EDGE’s acceptance:
No. / Description  Period/Due  / Payment terms
1. Approved technical design(Covers Tasks 1 and 2) – 30 days-50%
2. Approved implementation roadmap(Covers Tasks 3 and 4) – 15 days-50%
QUALIFICATION

A degree in finance, economics, business studies, or other relevant qualifications
At least 5 years of relevant experience
Experience in Zambia’s financial sector, including identification of key bottlenecks to financing
Understanding of how de-risking tools are used in finance, including familiarity with guarantees
Strong experience in facilitating investments for SMEs
Experience in agricultural lending and familiarity with common financial products used
Ability to provide a sample of previous work in this area will be an added advantage
Understanding of the use of technology in SME de-risking will be an added advantage

REPORTING
The consultant will report to the EDGE COP and shall work closely with the Access to Finance Director, as well as relevant EDGE staff, NABII and key stakeholders.
APPLICATION
The interested consultant should submit the following to [email protected] by December 31, 2022: 1) CV specifically responding to required qualifications
Only shortlisted candidates considered for an interview and proposal presentation will be contacted.
ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.
Remark: The consultant will be bound by terms and conditions of ACDI/VOCA upon contract signing.