JOB DETAILS:
Background to ABC- UG project
The Africa Biodigester Component (ABC) Project seeks “to achieve a sustainable, stable and growing market for biodigesters that significantly contribute to achieving national sustainable agricultural production, energy access and climate targets, by following a market-based approach to triggering demand, promoting the supply of high-quality technology and services and improving the enabling environment.” Specifically, the project aims to facilitate a shift in the biodigester market from its pioneering to the expansion phase.
The project is implemented by a consortium between the SNV as lead Implementer, overseeing execution of the project strategies, stakeholder coordination, technical support to and in cooperation with Biodigester Solutions Uganda Limited (BSUL). GIZ a consortium partner drives the project’s enabling environment interventions for biodigesters in Uganda with technical backing of MEMD to inform relevant key initiatives for development of the Energy sector.

Job Purpose:
The Access to Finance and Private Sector Development Advisor should be with specialization in (Micro)-Finance, lending, portfolio risk-assessment, renewable energy. He/she will coordinate the Access to finance support pillar of the project and provide support to thematic implementers to deliver the requested Access to Finance (A2F) activities for the project. He/she will be responsible for developing and implementing the inclusive Access to finance component of the project. Will provide technical assistance to increase access to finance for BEs and farmers. He/she will design, organize and implement the Result-Based Finance Facility for financial institutions, design, organize and support the Trainings for financial institutions (FI’s). Advise biodigester enterprises on credit modalities, investment potential and support them in the development of alternative credit facilities. Provide support to thematic implementers to deliver requested Access to Finance (A2F) activities for the project.

Job Description
Duties and Responsibilities
Implement the Result Based Finance Facility and support measures for biodigesters
• Design, structure& operationalize the Result Based Financing (RBF) facility including the processing of claims.

• Support in the monitoring and verification of the RBF facility for FI’s.

• Manage the RBF facility data for FI’s, support the Independent Verification Agent (IVA) in the verification exercise including training of participating FI’s in data collection & sales monitoring.
• Engage with the BEs to expand value chain financing approaches.

Design, organize and support the Trainings for financial institutions
• Develop the curriculum for the training on biodigester for financial institutions (including credit officers), saccos in coordination with project team to increase their understanding of the Biodigester Technology.

• Implement the training in coordination with the project team and A2F implementer.
• Facilitate, business to business (B2B) linkages/networking for financial intermediaries.
• Collaborate with SNV sister projects such as INCLUDE to disseminate end-user financial literacy training integrating gender-sensitive issues related to Biodigester credit to farmers.

Advise biodigester enterprises, on existing on credit modalities and Opportunity
• Develop an A2F Strategy for the ABC – project considering farmers (referred to as clients), finance providers and BE’s
• Provide technical advice to BEs on credit modalities, investment potential and analysis, possible repayment

Subsidy and Financial Mechanism Development
• Work with FI’s e.g., UECCC, & other selected FI’s to design financial mechanisms for BEs’ and end -user credit for small holder farmers to install the biodigester technologies.
• Provide technical support on structuring financial models and incentives to encourage investment in household and commercial biogas systems.

Provide support to thematic implementers to deliver requested Access to Finance (A2F) for the project
• Facilitate effective partnership between ABC program and partner FI’s; support in the Identification of (eligible) SACCO’s that are potentially interested to become ABC’ partner financial institution to officer Biodigester credit to small holder farmers and BEs.
• Provide technical and business advisory services to BEs, focusing on improving business models, identifying their financing needs, scaling operations, and accessing financing with viable business plans and financial projections.
• Mentor biodigester enterprises on market development strategies, customer engagement, and quality assurance.
• Any other functions assigned by the project.

Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
• Master’s degree in economics, Banking, or Business Administration, preferably with specialisations in rural development, microfinance or agriculture economics with relevant expertise in providing business development services for financial institutions.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in Agri-finance sector working with SMEs, farmers & credit schemes.
• Proven experience working with commercial FI’s, preferably in rural communities.
• Strong communication skills; report writing, presentation skills and ability to work independently.