VisionFund's work seeks to end intergenerational poverty through financial products and services. We're about the long-term change that ensures children can break free of the poverty cycle, for good.
By supporting people and communities living in poverty to develop and grow their livelihoods, VisionFund is catalysing sustainable economic growth to break the cycle of poverty, so that children can reach their potential as communities thrive.
Learn more about us: visionfund.org
VisionFund is committed to forging a new path that will help us achieve our goal of positively impacting the lives of children through our strategy, Our Livelihood Promise. Core to this strategy is listening to the voices of VisionFund clients to identify opportunities for maximizing our impact, using evidence to drive organizational decision making.
In light of the above, VisionFund International’s Network of Microfinance Institutions is hiring an Impact Specialist. The Impact Specialist will be responsible for driving insights through the collection, analysis and communication of impact related data across the Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). This role will focus on building capacity within MFIs, designing client surveys, conducting impact evaluations to support strategic decision making and communication in alignment with VFI’s strategy .
Key responsibilities
Work with and support MFI staff to collect, store, analyse, and use impact-related data
Good working relationships with MFI staff who have responsibility for impact data, which facilitate shared understanding of MFIs’ challenges related to impact data and to promote working in partnership to find creative solutions
Operational solutions are put in place to overcome problems with data collection within the MFI
MFI staff have access to coaching from the Impact Specialist to improve their qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills
MFI staff have access to coaching from the Impact Specialist to develop and improve impact-related reports
MFIs have access to best practices from the VFI network related to impact data and client service
A global Community of Practice for MFI staff actively sharing best practices and building capacity
MFI staff have access to information and can develop understanding of the relevance of impact to VF Strategy, to World Vision Our Promise Strategy, and to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and to WV FO CSIPs.
MFI field staff develop their understanding of the relevance of impact, which creates stronger staff engagement
Analyse MFI impact data to drive insights for decision making and evidence of impact for strategic communication
VFI GC has a regular source of impact-related “content” for strategic communications with key stakeholders including internal audiences, funders, local markets, etc
GC regional teams receive regular impact performance reports that include recommendations for change to increase MFIs’ impact.
Research and analysis of industry-related impact data and knowledge of developments in financial inclusion and economic development sectors is avail ble for improving relevance of all impact reports.
MFIs have access to tools that have been created to monitor and evaluate various initiatives within MFIs
Create and oversee client surveys and coordinate impact evaluations in MFIs
MFIs have access to tools that have been created to monitor and evaluate various initiatives within MFIs
MFIs are supported in designing small scale studies and surveys (questionnaires with appropriate methodology and resources needed, focus groups, etc) that can be used to a) obtain actionable feedback from clients that can be used to improve client service and product effectiveness and b) understand impact on clients and provide evidence of impact for use in marketing and communications, etc., for a wide variety of audiences.
Coordinate impact-related activities with WV and other partners
Partners and GC colleagues have a dedicated resource to assist with obtaining information from MFIs or about VFI impact globally, including information needed for WV or specific donor reports
External consultants have regular point of contact for projects related to evaluating impact
By working with other VFI GC Teams, evidence, learning and impact findings and organisational learning of the programmes and operations (especially best practices and lessons learned within VFI) are appropriately documented and disseminated at the different levels within the network and externally.
Required
Deep experience of working with microfinance clients or beneficiaries of humanitarian programmes in the global South
Demonstrable experience and understanding of best practices related to the collection, storage, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
Experience of measuring outreach and impact and analysing data to create evidence of impact.
Experience of creating and administering client surveys, analysing the results, and writing compelling and actionable reports/presentations about conclusions and recommendations
Experience of analysing data and information: (a) to identify areas for improvement and (b) to monitor progress against goals; (c) to create narrative that engages internal and external audiences.
Detailed understanding of microfinance operations
Experience of delivering training to groups and/or one-on-one coaching
Demonstrable skill at writing in English
Good understanding of the role of microfinance in economic development.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, in a globally dispersed team
Proven ability to manage projects and achieve through others
Deep experience of working with microfinance clients or beneficiaries of humanitarian programmes in the global South
Demonstrable skill at producing high quality reports and presentations for donors and partners
Ability to gather and collate data from multiple sources around the globe, relying on influence to ensure stakeholders meet quality standards and deadlines
Skilled with Excel, PPT, and Word and aptitude for learning new data management and presentation platforms
Preferred
Advanced degree in the social sciences or related research and evaluation field
Experience identifying and working with vendors on end-to-end research design and execution
Experience in the development of organizational Theory of Change and/or Logical Frameworks
Data analysis and visualization skills in PowerBI or similar platform a plus
Required travel and/or work environment accommodations (20%)
Applicant Types Accepted:
Local and International Applicants (IA's) Accepted