Financial Inclusion (VSLA) Officer at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN)

Position Overview

• The Financial Inclusion (VSLA) Officer will implement and manage the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as part of CCDRN's broader initiative to enhance financial inclusion and economic empowerment among Borno and Yobe State vulnerable populations. This role focuses on building the capacity of community members, particularly women and youth, to engage in sustainable income-generating activities through effective savings and loan practices.

Key Responsibilities
Establishment and Strengthening of VSLAs:

• Facilitate the formation of new VSLA groups, ensuring a maximum of 25 members per group to foster trust and cohesion.
• Strengthen existing VSLA groups by providing ongoing support and capacity-building initiatives, including regular assessments of group dynamics and needs.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Organize and conduct comprehensive training sessions for VSLA members on financial literacy, savings, loan management, budgeting, and record-keeping.
• Utilize learner-centered instructional methods, including discussions, role-plays, and demonstrations, to enhance understanding and engagement among participants.

Mentorship and Support:

• Provide routine mentorship to VSLA groups, attending meetings to understand their needs and offer guidance on financial management and operational challenges.
• Assist groups in opening bank accounts and registering with government cooperative departments to ensure legal compliance and access to formal financial services.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct regular monitoring visits to assess the functioning of VSLA groups, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and evaluating the impact on members' livelihoods.
• Collect and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of VSLA initiatives, preparing detailed reports and presenting findings to the Project Manager for strategic decision-making.

Community Engagement and Sensitization:

• Engage with community leaders and stakeholders to promote the benefits of VSLAs and financial inclusion initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for program implementation.
• Conduct sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of savings and financial management among community members, utilizing local media and community events.

Collaboration with Other Project Staff:

• Work closely with other project officers, including the MSME Development Expert, to integrate VSLA activities with broader economic empowerment initiatives.
• Share insights and feedback from VSLA groups to inform project strategies and interventions, ensuring alignment with community needs and organizational goals.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant professional certification is an advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial inclusion, microfinance, or community development, particularly with VSLAs or similar initiatives.
• Strong understanding of financial management principles, data collection, and analysis, with experience in monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams, cultivate collaboration, and drive high performance. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fluency in English, and knowledge of local languages are advantages.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations and work under challenging circumstances. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

Reporting Structure:

• The Financial Inclusion (VSLA) Officer will report directly to the Project Manager and collaborate with other project staff, community volunteers, and local stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of VSLA initiatives.
• Damaturu, with frequent travel to project sites