Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE
Duty station: Will be based in Nairobi and support activities in Kenya
Internship period: From (1st June 2018) to (31st August 2018)
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
Access to finance plays an important role in any business. In the context of 2SCALE, access to finance also plays a critical role in ensuring commercial viability (and financial sustainability) of target value chains, and of the piloted/ promoted inclusive business models within these value chains. The 2SCALE program pro-actively promotes financial inclusion, i.e., the delivery and effective use of a full range of (formal) financial services at affordable costs to all (bankable) households and targeted small- and medium-scale companies, including the disadvantaged and low-income segments of society, in the value chains that we support. Based on feasibility analyses the Financial Inclusion Intern will learn the 2SCALE Financial Inclusion strategies by participating in implementing the following tasks. Assist in implementing strategies of financial inclusion for west Africa partnerships.
TASKS
Participate in organizing financial literacy trainings to the targeted SMEs and smallholder farmers in Kenya.
Document the financial (partner) institutions and the financial services activities getting implemented for specific client groups (households, small- and medium-scale enterprises) in target value chains.
In close collaboration with the Financial Inclusion Specialist and Country Coordinator, participate in the design, pilot-testing and scaling of practical solutions and innovative practices to improve financial inclusion within target value chains.
Support Financial Inclusion Specialist to monitor and evaluate financial inclusion of target stakeholders, as well as the commercial viability and financial sustainability of target value chains and piloted/ promoted inclusive business models; whenever needed propose measures to strengthen financial arrangements.
Document experiences and lessons learnt from financial inclusion pilots; and analyze the factors that determine success, failure, and the challenges within specific ABCs and/ or VC to promote financial inclusion.
Any other assignments that the management deems necessary for the success of the program.
Reporting
The Financial Inclusion Intern will report to the country coordinator.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
An undergraduate degree with a focus on finance, economics, international development/business or similar
Preference will be given to candidates from financial inclusion and aid effectiveness related fields such as microfinance, financial institutions, conditional cash transfers and emergency cash transfers
Young professional with
Ability to conduct and summarize thorough and accurate research
Fluency in English and Strong writing skills
Excellent analytical skills, ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
Effective communications and interpersonal skills.
Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively
Knowledge of Microsoft suite (Office, excel and PowerPoint)
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
IFDC Africa Internship Policy applies for interns working at IFDC offices in Africa.
The Internship Program operates on a monthly flat-rate stipend of $100 paid in the local currency equivalent. Costs and arrangements for approved in-country travel, and accommodation is provided by IFDC.
The purpose of the Internship Program is not to lead to further employment with IFDC but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
IFDC accepts no responsibility for the intern’s medical insurance or for costs arising from illness during the internship.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ABOUT THE PROJECT
From 2012 to the end of 2017, the consortium was comprising IFDC, the Base-of-the-Pyramid Innovation Centre (BoPInc.), as well as the International Centre for development-oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA). This is called the 1st phase of 2SCALE. From January 2018 to the end of 2018, the consortium is comprising IFDC and BoPInc. This year is called the extension phase.
During the extension phase IFDC and BoPInc. will together develop a proposal for the 2nd phase of 2SCALE. The 2nd phase, if approved, is expected to run from the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2023.
