LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited is a pro-poor financial institution committed to the empowerment of low-income Nigerians through access to responsive financial services delivered on a sustainable basis. The institution was founded as a non-profit entity by Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe while working as a Rural Co-operative Officer in Delta State, Nigeria. In 2010, LAPO set up a microfinance bank and transferred the bulk of its microfinance operations to the new institutional vehicle.

LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd., in partnership with the German AFOS Foundation, and the German Catholic Entrepreneurs Association (BKU) is implementing a project co-financed by the German Government to strengthen LAPO’s capacity to promote qualitative growth and efficiently manage the quality of its services. Focus is on ensuring efficient management of resources, personnel development as well as improving LAPO’s capacity to provide further training to other microfinance institutions.

The project is seeking to recruit a trainee for the operations department.

Job Title: Management-Trainee for Operations Coordinator

Ref: LMGTC06
Job Location: Benin

Institution and Project Program Professional Background
Lift Above Poverty Organization Microfinance Bank (LAPO) MFB Ltd. in partnership with the German AFOS Foundation, and the German Catholic Entrepreneurs Association BKU are implementing a project co-financed by the German Government to strengthen LAPO with regards to its capacity, to promote qualitative growth and to efficiently manage the quality of its services. The focus is on the building and expansion of efficient management and personnel development and on improving LAPO’s capacity to provide further training also to other microfinance institutions.

One of the main components of the project is the Trainee-Program.

It is designed to cover a period of twelve months shared between:

On-the-job training (operations – Field, Branch, Region and Head Office) for about three months;

• Functional information and involvement in projects – about two months;
• Project Management and responsibility – about two months;
• Special training in the functional areas where the future job is planned – about three months;
• Formal training units in the form of seminars and workshops on relevant management skills – two months and continuous after the program.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Department for operations, the trainee is expected to rigorously complete the full Trainee-Program and acquire the relevant certifications.

The Trainee is expected to work in close collaboration with all the operation units of LAPO MFB within the prescribed timeframe and to support project delivery in areas and functions assigned.

Target of trainings
Next to the intensive academic trainings on general management, inputs on LAPO culture, strategy, structure and systems as well as on-the-job project management capacity building, the focus of professional training is to serve the following future responsibilities:

To coordinate the operational procedures and support activities for the operations department

Focus areas of professional training
To be trained to perform the following duties and tasks:

• Serve as a primary resource and information source regarding assigned division policies, procedures, objectives and operational functions.
• Ensure proper handle of confidential information, resolves complaints across the operations department.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the support staff as well as co evaluation of the selected staff.
• Coordinate committee and other meetings, conduct workshops and in service upon request of the line manager.\
• Assist in the preparation and management of the budget for the various departmental units
• Supervise the preparation of purchase order requisitions and budget revisions, maintain and monitor budget records.
• Assist in supervision of the major units in the absence of appropriate administrative staff.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the head of operations.

Education qualification

• The ideal candidate must possess either Bsc or HND from a reputable institution
• A post graduate degree and/or relevant professional qualification will be an added advantage

Other skills and competences

• Knowledge of industry and economic environment;
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills;
• Managerial and leadership skills;
• Integrity and firmness;
• Team building, people and conflict management skills;
• attention to detail and accuracy;
• Strong communication skills;
• Problem analysis;
• Sound mastery in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, ppt., Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
• Organizational skills, secretarial and office management competences;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Learning and sharing knowledge; encourage the learning of others.
• Accountable and transparent in all aspects of work;
• Readiness and ability to accommodate flexible working hours;
• Readiness to accommodate travels outside the regular work station (in particular travels to Benin City);
• Judgment/Decision-Making/Problem solving skills
• Stress Tolerance/Performance Under Pressure/Resilience
• Coaching/ influencing and supervisory disposition;
• Ability and readiness to work with people of different nationalities.

Experience

• Not relevant in the case of fresh graduates with the relevant academic qualifications; alternatively
• Minimum of three years in savings mobilization position.

Key performance indicators

• Timeliness in preparation of respective reports
• Establish and maintain complete records and files
• Timeliness in planning and organizing work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Professionalism in maintain positive and harmonious working relationship with employees.

Language: Fluency in English

Age limit: Between 25 and 30 years of age
Start Date: 1st April 2014
Duration of program: 12 months

Remuneration
Salary: Competitive and based on qualification

Mode of Application:
Interested and qualified candidates should
Click here to apply online

Closing Date: 5th of March, 2014