Access to Finance Officer

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance.  Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Provide overall strategic direction for the Access to Finance (A2F) component, ensuring it contributes to the project’s goal of improving food and nutrition, security and resilience.
• Lead the design and implementation of inclusive finance strategies that align with SNV’s market-based approach and the CDRD project objectives.
• Act as the primary technical advisor on financial inclusion, guiding county teams and partners on best practices and innovations in rural finance

Inclusive Finance Development

• Conduct market assessments to identify gaps and opportunities for financial services within targeted value chains (cereals, fruits, vegetables).
• Develop and implement mechanisms to strengthen linkages between financial institutions (MFIs, banks, SACCOs) and value chain actors, including producer groups, SMEs, and agribusinesses.
• Promote and pilot innovative financial products such as savings schemes, microcredit, and digital finance solutions tailored to rural households, women, and youth.

Planning, Budgeting & Performance Monitoring

• Prepare detailed annual work plans and budgets for the A2F component, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Establish monitoring systems to track progress against targets, including outreach, loan uptake, repayment rates, and gender/youth inclusion.
• Produce timely and accurate reports for internal and donor requirements, highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

Innovation Fund Support

• Lead the technical and financial appraisal of business plan proposals submitted by SMEs and producer organizations seeking support through the Innovation Fund.
• Provide coaching and capacity-building to partners and SMEs on financial literacy, business planning, and risk management.
• Develop practical tools and templates to strengthen financial management and sustainability of supported enterprises.

Gender & Youth Inclusion

• Ensure that all financial solutions and interventions actively promote participation of women and youth, addressing barriers such as collateral requirements and financial literacy gaps.
• Design targeted initiatives (e.g., youth entrepreneurship programs, women-led savings groups) to enhance inclusivity in access to finance.

Investment Climate Improvement

• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners, to advocate for policies and practices that improve the agricultural investment climate.
• Facilitate dialogues and partnerships that encourage financial institutions to expand services to rural and underserved markets.

Collaboration & Integration

• Work closely with other thematic leads in the CDRD project—nutrition, youth employment, gender, and inclusive value chain development—to ensure integrated approaches and maximize impact.
• Represent SNV in national and regional platforms on financial inclusion, sharing insights and building strategic partnerships.

Basic qualifications:

• A relevant master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Business Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in value chain finance, SME finance, and rural microfinance, preferably in rural Africa.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing innovative financial products in collaboration with financial sector partners.
• Strong track record in networking and facilitating dialogue with private and public sector actors.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity development for SMEs, producer groups, and financial institutions.
• Excellent communication skills, including reporting and presentation.
• Strong team player with ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Contract Type: National
• Duty Station: Juba
• Contract Duration: 24 months with possibilities of extension
• Expected Start Date: Jan 1, 2026
• Travel: Regular field visits, regular visits to field project locations.