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.

We are firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We encourage all qualified persons to apply for posted position.

Job Title: Management-Trainee for Rural Finance

Ref: LMGTRF03
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.

The project is seeking to recruit a trainee for Rural Finance in operations department

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Agricultural lending Unit, 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 the entire operation units of LAPO MFB within the prescribed timeframe and to support project delivery in areas and functions assigned.

Target of training
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 initiate effective strategy for developing and building the bank’s business in the area of agricultural loan

To ensure effective implementation of the strategy through the instrument of appropriate loan and credit operations.

Focus areas of training

• Conduct market research to determine and understand the needs of small, medium and large holder farmers which the bank seek to serve.
• Determine or device loan and credit products that would appropriately meet their needs
• Ensure that the policies and procedure of granting agricultural loans are effectively are effectively communicated to all branches
• Ensure full implementation of agricultural loan activities in branches
• Collate and review weekly and monthly report of agricultural loans across branches
• Ensure that all branches and operational staff adhere to stipulated policies and procedures for the administration of agric loan products
• Ensure full data capturing by loan officers and MIS staff according to prescribed format relating agric business of the bank
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of required reports
• Conduct clients farm location and verification as appropriate and carry out pre-loan training for new both old and new farmers
• Recommend innovative means and strategies for continuously growing the niche market
• Appraise subordinates promptly and objectively, and follows up on action points resulting from the appraisal
• Take responsibility for the training, coaching and mentoring of subordinates
• Initiative on Value Chain Financing
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by Head of Operations

Education qualification

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

Other skills and competences

• Sound knowledge of best practices in financial management;
• Knowledge of relevant accounting packages;
• Knowledge of existing regulatory framework;
• 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;
• information and task monitoring;
• 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 and cultures

Experience

• Not relevant in the case of fresh graduates with the relevant academic qualifications; alternatively
• 0-3 years of work experience

Key performance indicators

• Volume of agricultural loan disbursement relative to target
• Profit generated relative to target
• Portfolio quality at minimal rate relative to target
• Degree of compliance with policy and regulatory requirements
• Customer satisfaction rating

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