Custom websites are what I do for a living, and I’m certainly impressed with the result they came up with. I’m willing to bet that this site will convert web traffic to dollars raised at a much higher clip than their old site did. The design is nice and clean, and the home page it totally devoted to their desired user action of funding an entrepreneur in China. It’s obvious they’ve done extensive user research, some A/B testing, and/or have someone very capable on their team who oversaw this redesign.

Congrats to the team for the successful launch!

What (main event): Workshop Building Partnerships in Microfinance

This three (3) day training course is designed for management of a range of microfinance providers and other stakeholders, including MFIs, banks, insurance companies, NGOs and government agencies. The course content aims to:

• Raise awareness of the potential of partnership approaches in microfinance;
• Better equip managers of financial and other institutions to assess, enter into and maintain mutually satisfactory partnerships that enable them to better deliver sustainable and appropriate financial services to the poor.

When: February 20-22, 2012
Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia

What (side event): Invest in Mekong Region Marketplace

When: February 22, 2012 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia

It’s a bummer this event isn’t a month earlier given that I’m in Siem Reap right now. I plan to be in Chiang Mai starting on the 11th or 12th of February, but we’ll see if I can make it back here in a month to attend.

About Deloitte:
Deloitte Consulting’s Emerging Markets practice has worked with governments and donor agencies to build the institutions, legal framework, and policies required for effective economic governance and private sector growth since 1988.

About the Microfinance and SME Finance Specialist
Deloitte is currently looking for an experienced, senior level Microfinance and SME Finance Specialist for recurring short-term and medium-term deployments in developing and emerging markets to advise government agencies and other counterpart organizations on various aspects of Microfinance and SME policy.  Examples of work that may be undertaken include:

• Review of existing policy and tools/mechanisms and development of actionable recommendations to improve overall climate for microfinance and finance support for SMEs.
• Support with SME financing mechanisms to include development of lending, microfinance and guarantee products.
• Support for the development of business enabling environments, to include recommendations for the establishment of business accelerators/business incubators and diagnostic analysis on underperforming incubator systems.
• Support on trade litigation issues.
• Other related tasks as appropriate

Requirements for the Microfinance and SME Finance Specialists:

• Bachelor’s degree required;  Masters or higher preferred
• Minimum 10-years of professional experience, to include at least 3-years in a developing country context
• In-depth knowledge of USAID  programmatic, compliance and reporting requirements
• Superior written and verbal communication skills in English

To Apply
Qualified candidates please submit your CV with a cover letter to moc.ettioled@ettuhcsm.  No telephone calls please. Deloitte is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We appreciate all responses, but due to expected high volumes, we will only contact those applicants whose qualifications best match the position requirements.

Source: Devex.com

January 12, 2012, Washington D.C. – On December 20, 2011, MicroRate, with the support of LuxFLAG and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, launched Luminis™ the first web-based, analytical platform focused on microfinance funds, also known as microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs).

With the success of microfinance and the growing interest in impact investments that deliver both financial returns and social impact, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of global funds that invest in microfinance institutions (MFIs). Until now, there was no single resource to assist investors in identifying and analyzing the wide range of investment options in this growing category of socially responsible investments.

Responding to this need, MicroRate’s team of microfinance and capital market analysts developed a proprietary approach to analyzing impact investment funds, called PRSM™, to assess the funds’ performance, risk, social, and management components. This in-depth analysis forms the core of Luminis, which also provides investors with search and comparison tools, detailed fund profiles and reports, research, and relevant market news.

“MicroRate’s core mission has always been to facilitate the flow of capital-market funding to microfinance to promote the long-term sustainability of this poverty-alleviation tool,” stated Damian von Stauffenberg, founder and chairman of MicroRate. “Since 1996, MicroRate has rated MFIs to achieve this goal. Luminis will now provide unprecedented transparency on the investment-fund level, which will further develop the microfinance industry.”

The current Beta version of the Luminis site includes basic profiles on over 80 MIVs. Users can also preview samples of detailed fund profiles and reports that will be part of the full-release version of the site which is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2012.

“Luminis would not be possible without the cooperation of forward-thinking MIV managers, who have agreed to contribute the data that enable us to deliver clear and comprehensive reports to the investment community,” stated Luis A. Viada, Executive VP of MicroRate and Luminis Director. “Already capital markets investors have responded positively to the Luminis approach and see it as a key tool in researching and differentiating among social investment funds.”

According to Kenneth Hay, Chairman of LuxFLAG “We see the launch of Luminis as a critical step forward, providing the detailed and reliable industry information necessary for investors to evaluate MIVs as a valid impact investment option and a potential alternative asset class producing both financial and social returns.” Of the funds featured on Luminis, 15 hold the LuxFLAG Microfinance Label.

###

Luminis Background
The critical need to create transparency on microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs) was recognized both by MicroRate and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg who together in May 2010 signed a collaboration agreement providing public seed capital, through the Luxembourg labeling service, LuxFLAG, to help launch Luminis.

Each of the parties is a leader in the field of microfinance investments, which made the initiative a natural alliance. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a staunch advocate of microfinance and hosts the largest number of MIVs of any global financial center. MicroRate has a long-standing and respected reputation as the premier rating agency of microfinance institutions (MFIs). It is also the industry leader in microfinance investment vehicle evaluation.

Luminis is a service of MicroRate which developed the Luminis approach and is solely responsible for providing the analysis, deliberation, conclusions and opinions reflected in all reporting.

About MicroRate (www.microrate.com)
MicroRate is the first microfinance rating agency dedicated to evaluating performance and risk in microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microfinance funds, also known as microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs). As the oldest and most well-respected organization of its kind, MicroRate has conducted over 600 ratings of 200+ MFIs throughout Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. MicroRate is a leading social rater and has also become the largest MIV evaluator in the industry.

About LuxFLAG (www.luxflag.org)
The LUXEMBOURG FUND LABELLING AGENCY (LuxFLAG) is an independent, non-profit-making association created in Luxembourg in July 2006. LuxFLAG supports the financing of sustainable development by providing clarity for investors through awarding its Labels to eligible Microfinance Investment Vehicles (MIVs) and Environment-related Investment Vehicles (EIVs). Its objective is to reassure investors that the labelled investment fund invests most of its assets, directly or indirectly, in the microfinance or environment sectors. The MIV/EIV may be domiciled in any jurisdiction that is subject to a level of national supervision equivalent to that available in European Union countries.

Business Analyst Intern
Opportunity Type: Internship
Microfinance International Corporation
United States

About the Organization:
Microfinance International Corporation (MFIC) is a Washington DC based financial institution, providing affordable and professional financial services to markets where such services have previously been unavailable, are overpriced or disconnected from mainstream banking. MFIC offers a line of products and services that enable financial service providers, including banks, MFIs and non-banks, to deliver innovative services. MFIC produces advanced technology and collaborates with various entities, including technology companies, mobile carriers and NGOs to better meet the demands of various markets. Business partners of MFIC include US government agencies, leading banks in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, mobile phone operators, as well as development institutions. MFIC has helped MFIs globally to extend financial services with its proprietary remittance payment system and Point of Sale (POS) technology.

About the Job:
Microfinance International Corporation (MFIC) is seeking a Business Analyst Intern who will be involved in managing day-to-day operations for an innovative project targeted to low-income communities involving a multipurpose pre-paid card with international remittance, calling card and international top-up functionalities. The intern will gain valuable experience in managing and implementing at a retail level through the prepaid cards, monitoring and controlling product/personnel performance and helping develop new product lines. The position is expected to involve approximately 20 hours per week (part-time). The internship offers an opportunity to gain concentrated international business experience in offering innovative financial solutions, make contributions in a fast growing and entrepreneurial company environment, and work alongside seasoned professionals in financial services and regulatory compliance.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Be involved in managing day-to-day operations for the project;
• Monitoring and controlling product/personnel performance;
• Help in developing new product lines.

Qualifications:

• Strong academic performance (current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above);
• Excellent writing and communication in English. Spanish language is preferred;
• Strong desire to learn;
• Doer – not a manager, a coordinator, or an idea person – but someone who loves to get stuff done, and done well;
• “Go to” person because s/he reliable, creative, resourceful, a good decision maker;
• Accustomed to a small company environment including wearing many hats and managing way too many things at any given time;
• Articulate, persuasive, and tech savvy (this does not mean familiarity with Microsoft Office);
• MFIC has unusually high expectations of their people. Here are some characteristics that they value:
•      Self management: both hands are firmly gripped on the steering wheel;
•      Ownership: I’ve got it, you don’t need to think about it;
•      Initiative: getting things done without the slightest nudge;
•      Virtue: honesty, good deeds, kindness, and appreciation;
•      Problem Solving: nothing that can’t be solved and improved;
•      Team work: we before I.
• Please do not apply if the candidate:
•      Feels like a fish out of water without a well defined traditional corporate structure;
•      Considers taking out the trash as being below him/herself;
•      Accustomed to using the phrase “it’s not part of my job description”.

Source: Microfinance Gateway

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The brand advisor will work with VisionFund’s global marketing and fund-raising director, marketing manager, and communications director to develop, review, manage, facilitate, advise, and implement the brand and re-branding of affiliated micro-finance institutions within the VisionFund network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop plans and executing projects and initiatives that support the broader short and long-term marketing strategy in relation to the re-branding efforts of the MFI network;
• Collaborate with various departments and entities to ensure brand integrity and one clear voice;
• Work with and manage vendor partners and communication agencies, and all aspects of their projects;
• Ensure that the brand remains intact and unchanged in context of many different needs and environments that will require unique responses;
• Educate staff and leadership on the brand;
• Advise and provide leadership in the development of micro-finance institution marketing plans when and where needed;
• Work with the marketing manager to assess and evaluate current branding needs at network level, and develop a strategy to implement the brand in a stepped process;
• Interview MFI leadership and create custom branding time line and strategy to fit and align with MFI and VFI goals and timing;
• Work with WVI legal department to update, assess, and create implementation process to ensure proper licensing and trademarking of brand in country;
• Assess collateral and signage needs at the MFI level and work with marketing manager to develop full suite of products to support the MFI within reasonable expectations and fiscal limitations;
• Evaluate physical signage and real estate needs at the MFI level, and provide an assessment and recommendation as to how the MFI can best re-brand its image within context of its physical space;
• Evaluate messaging at the MFI level, and work with MFI staff and the communications director to provide final messaging that lies within the network context, while meeting local objectives and needs;
• Assess MFI’s current marketing strategy and plan, and provide feedback, insights, leadership, and plan implementation so MFI can develop and execute a marketing plan in alignment with set goals and objectives. If marketing plan does not exist, work with the MFI to develop one.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelors degree in business or communications
• Prior brand management and marketing experience
• Understanding of branding methodology
• Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
• Communications background and/or ability develop succinct messaging

PREFERRED:

• Masters degree in management
• Preferably, experience working within the context of NGO, development, or MFI efforts. Travel and work within developing world, a plus.

Source: SeaMO

What is Kiva Zip?
Kiva Zip is an innovation of Kiva that will test new approaches in direct person-to-person microlending.

What is Kiva hoping to accomplish with Kiva Zip?
Kiva Zip (Zip.Kiva.org) shares the same mission as Kiva.org – to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.
Kiva Zip is testing new ways of realizing this mission with the goal of expanding our reach to unserved populations by using new technologies that also drive down costs to the borrower.

How is Kiva Zip different from Kiva.org?
Since its launch in 2005, Kiva’s mission has been to alleviate poverty by connecting people through microlending. By working with a global network of microfinance institutions (MFIs), Kiva.org has enabled people like you to make over $250 million in loans to nearly 700,000 borrowers around the world, with a nearly 99% repayment rate, as of December 2011.
Kiva Zip is testing new ways of realizing this mission with the goal of expanding our reach to unserved populations by using new technologies that also drive down costs to the borrower. Here’s a little more detail about each of these differences:

Unserved populations
The Kiva Zip pilot is intent on expanding financial access to borrowers who cannot otherwise be served by a bank or microfinance institution. This means Kiva Zip borrowers may have a different profile from Kiva.org. For example, in the U.S. it is becoming apparent that a lot of start-up businesses currently lack access to capital, and that these are prime candidates for Kiva Zip loans; whereas most of the U.S. businesses on Kiva.org are already established.

Use of new technologies
Through the use of technology, Kiva.org was the first-ever microlending website to allow any individual, with a computer and a credit card, to lend money to a low-income entrepreneur halfway around the world.
Kiva Zip is attempting to take the use of technology to the next level, such as mobile and electronic payments that enable the direct transfer of funds between lenders and borrowers. In the Kiva.org model, these payments are managed through Kiva’s microfinance partners. Kiva Zip still partners with organizations and individuals that work closely with borrowers (these are called “trustees” in the Kiva Zip model), but in Kiva Zip trustees never handle the loan funds.

Low cost loans
Low cost loans to borrowers is one of the main benefit of Kiva Zip being able to use new technologies to enable the direct transfer of funds. For the Kiva Zip pilot phase, Borrowers will be paying 0% interest rates. This differs from the Kiva.org model where borrowers do pay interest to the microfinance institutions in exchange for their administration of the loans, and a number of other important services that the MFI provides to borrowers (technical assistance, financial advice and training, etc.).

Increased risk to lenders
Another important difference is that Kiva Zip loans are expected to be even riskier than loans in the main Kiva model. Kiva.org has been operating for over 6 years now, and many of the kinks have been worked out over time. Because the Kiva Zip model is new, it is likely that there will be many learnings and changes as the pilot is launched over the next few months. For this reason, the repayment rate on Kiva Zip is expected to be significantly lower than the nearly 99% seen on Kiva.org today (as of December 2011). As due diligence methodologies are tested and fine-tuned, we are confident that repayment rates will continue to improve.

We are excited to begin this first Kiva Zip pilot, and we know that there will be a number of other smaller trials and experiments on the Kiva Zip website. For example, there are plans for borrowers on Kiva Zip to be able to make comments and updates directly on their own loans; different loan sizes might be explored, or displaying loan amounts in Kenyan Shillings; and the look and feel of borrower profiles will differ from those on Kiva.org. It is our hope that many of these experiments will prove successful, and we will be able to apply our learnings to Kiva.org to continue to deliver the best experience and outcome for all lenders and borrowers.

“Supporting 2,000 students in 12 countries, Seattle non-profit recognized for Empowerment through Technology.
Efforts to increase global access to education received a big boost today: Google.org, making $40 million in end of year grants across three categories, announced that it will support Vittana, a non-profit that combines the massive reach of microfinance with the transformative power of education by building the world’s first student microloan programs with MFIs in developing countries. Vittana, whose website allows users to make loans directly to students, will use Google’s $250,000 grant to build 24 additional programs by 2013. Vittana aims to ignite a global market for education microfinance-one that will reach 1 million students by 2015. [Read More]“

About Freedom from Hunger
Founded in 1946, Freedom from Hunger is a pioneer in the integration of microfinance, adult education, training and health protection services to achieve family food security.  Hunger is the most extreme form of poverty. Families who are not food-secure cannot afford to meet their most basic need for food.  People who are poor — so poor they are at constant risk of hunger — are eager to help themselves and their families.  Microfinance, especially for groups of women, can support their self-help efforts. But the poor need more than money to transform their lives.  Freedom from Hunger is an international development organization working in nineteen countries across the globe. Freedom from Hunger is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, nonsectarian organization.

Position Summary
The Director, Development and Communications is responsible for increasing the visibility of Freedom from Hunger through strategic fundraising, marketing and communication initiatives.  Working closely with the President and the Leadership Team, the Director will develop and implement integrated fundraising strategies, leading identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship for individual giving.  Managing a team of five, the position develops and directs communication and marketing through websites, social media, email, direct mail, speaking engagements, publications and mass media, consistently enhancing brand recognition, professional reputation and donor response.
This position reports to the President and works full-time from the International Center in Davis, CA.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce and implement a strategic and sustainable individual fund development program; establish goals, benchmarks and metrics for evaluation of fundraising procedures;
• Implement and manage the annual communications plan, integrating websites, social media, email,  direct mail, speaking engagements, publications and mass media;
• Amplify the visibility and influence of Freedom from Hunger’s achievements through a new website; increase online fundraising and information dissemination with up-to-date information in an audience-centric approach;
• Ensure that the External Affairs department has a strong fundraising and marketing infrastructure, and that its staff is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and effective, providing leadership and consistent feedback to team members; support staff will include two in communications/marketing, two in fundraising, and one administrative assistant;
• Direct, coordinate and execute all private fundraising activities, including individual donor solicitations, holding special fundraising events, and fostering strong, long-term relationships with donor constituencies;
• Partner with the President and Board of Trustees to manage their role in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors;
• Conceive of and implement all aspects of Freedom from Hunger’s digital and social networking strategies, including producing cross-channel content, managing online engagement and tracking resulting offline action;
• Conduct ongoing research to explore the characteristics, assumptions and preferences of current and potential audiences for Freedom from Hunger communication;
• Direct, coordinate, produce and disseminate information on Freedom from Hunger and its programs, including developing materials that tell the clients’ stories and program successes to internal constituents, general public, media, and individual and institutional donors worldwide;
• Design and write marketing collateral and communication pieces for websites, social media, email, and direct mail, as well as for major donors, institutional grant makers, technical conferences and mass media;
• Seek out and respond to media requests for information, interviews and public appearances and to marketing opportunities to enhance our brand recognition and reputation;
• Work closely with Leadership Team providing guidance on setting policy, initiatives and plans to guide the work of the organization;
• Manage consultants to ensure the timeliness and relevance of their projects;
• Prepare and manage annual department budget.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Prior Experience

• Seven to ten years professional experience in the non-profit development field, with a history of progressive leadership and successful fund development;
• Minimum five years professional experience in strategic planning, brand marketing, communication strategies, and/or business development;
• Bachelor’s degree or higher;
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing tactically;
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to gather, synthesize and present information in a professional, practical and compelling manner;
• Demonstrated presentation skills with ability to speak to a variety of audiences, including potential donors, current donors, foundations, the public and professional peer organizations;
• Strong staff management experience, with the ability to lead, mentor and supervise;
• Attention to detail, strong execution skills and ability to organize multiple projects and priorities;
• Demonstrated ability and experience orchestrating social media and email marketing campaigns;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of individuals and diverse management styles in a collaborative, team environment;
• Ability to prepare and manage expenditures in accordance with approved budgets;
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; experience with Salesforce preferred;
• Desire to work in a mission driven organization;
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% annually.

General Job Competencies

• Positive “can do” attitude;
• Passionate about the mission of Freedom from Hunger;
• Smart about pursuing and achieving cost-effective, efficient work;
• Collaborative in finding solutions, achieving quality work and delivering outcomes and materials on time;
• Integrity in dealing with colleagues, executing work in support of the mission, protecting confidential information and using discretion in all matters.

We offer a full benefits package and competitive salary based on experience and education.
If you enjoy a challenge, are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and meet the desired qualifications, please send your résumé, cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to:
Freedom from Hunger, Human Resources, 1644 Da Vinci Court, Davis, CA 95618 or e-mail your résumé, cover letter and writing samples to jobs@freedomfromhunger.org.  When emailing, place FFH-DDC2012 in the subject line.

Source: Microfinance Jobs