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Career Opportunities: Regional Director - Africa (Whole Plant Foundation) (82120)

Req ID 82120 - Posted 06/01/2014 - Regional Office - United Kingdom - UK London - Kensington (11110) - Team/Department (1) - Full-Time - Regional Office Leadership - United Kingdom
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Summary:
Whole Planet Foundation (WPF) is a US 501c3 private foundation established by Whole Foods Market (WFM) in 2005 and was established as a UK Charity in
2010. The mission of WPF is to provide financial support to Microfinance Institutions (MFI) to alleviate poverty through expansion of microcredit services in
communities that supply Whole Foods Market with product.
Visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org
WPF currently supports microfinance projects in 59 countries globally and 21 countries in Africa with plans to expand throughout the region
In 2014 WPF has effectively expanded support to microfinance around the world and the current focus remains monitoring the projects.The Regional Director for
Africa will conduct due diligence of new projects and oversee the Monitoring & Evaluation for the existing portfolio of projects.This includes:
1) annual visits to all partners to observe operations at all levels,
2) annual reviews of audited statements for all partners' previous year final financial reports and finally
3) quarterly progress reports that tell us how they are growing and progressing throughout the year.
It is imperative that this person has significant experience working in rural Africa with an understanding of the reality facing the poor.Knowledge of microfinance will
be important.The ability to speak French fluently is imperative to being successful in this position.As well, extensive global travel of 50% to 75% will be required.
This is a Whole Foods Market position that will be leading the work of Whole Planet Foundation in Africa.This person will be a WFM UK Team Member, based at
the United Kingdom Regional Offices in Kensington, London
Job Objectives:
1. Assist Whole Planet Foundation to expand and oversee the portfolio of microfinance projects in Africa
2. Build and maintain relationships with Foundation microfinance partners in the region
3. Tell the story of Microfinance Institutions (MFI), clients, and the realities of poverty through various mediums including photography, video and
documentation of individual microcredit clients. Entrepreneurs
Job Activities and Responsibilities:
1. Conduct desk due diligence of potential MFIs that may qualify as a partner through internet and other forms of remote research
2. Assess MFIs abilities to grow loan portfolios in an efficient and sustainable manner to maximize Foundation support
3. Analyze MFIs approach and objectives to delivering microfinance services to the poor
4. Visit MFIs based on outcomes of remote research and Foundation expansion plans
5. Recommend MFIs based on research findings
6. Communicate with Foundation partners on a regular basis to assess performance of MFI as compared to original grant agreement
7. Compile quarterly metrics of MFI partners and analyze accomplishments versus project goals
8. Perform thorough review of MFI partners financial statements on an as needed basis
9. Conduct field reviews of projects on an as needed basis
10. Provide the Foundation with video and photographic MFI client stories
11. Manage and be responsible for all activities as an independent contractor with guidance from WPF
12. Provide logistic support and coordination on an as needed basis for visits from WPF representatives to the region

Work Environment
1. Work location is based in London, England and will require extensive travel throughout Africa.
2. Position involves exposure to conditions found in the developing-world and requires complete immunization as recommended by the CDC.
3. Additional job demands include a wide-range of adaptability to move between extreme poverty and professional environments
4. Noise level in the work environment depends on work location.
Other Requirements - Education / specific degree / special skills:
1. Min. bachelors degree in international development, business, economics or related studies.
2. Fully fluent in French is essential
3. At least 2 years of experience working in rural development in Africa
4. Experience with microfinance or other related business field
5. Understanding of financial statements
6. Strong analytical skills to assess potential MFI partners
7. Ability to interview MFI clients in the field
8. Ability to provide high quality photos and video of MFI clients based on WPF requirements
9. Strong writing skills
Salary: 72,000 to 75,000 per annum based on experience
Posting Opens: 1st June 2014
Posting closes: 29th June 2014
Number of Openings: 1
Close Date: 29th June 2014

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