Finance & Investment Specialist

Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion. Beyond our competitive compensation, full array of insurances, generous 401(k) plan, parental leave, commuter subsidy, career development, we also offer a vibrant, friendly, diverse, inclusive, passionate, and inspiring work environment.

ACDI/VOCA has been named a Top Workplace in 2024 by the Washington Post! In just our first year vying for the award, ACDI/VOCA ranked 7^th out of the 100 companies named to the list in the mid-size category (150-499 employees).

As part of the Catalyzing Investment Team in the Technical Learning & Application Division, provide technical support to the ACDI/VOCA Group (ACDI/VOCA, Tanager, and AV Ventures) on how to increase access to, and facilitate usage of, financial services in our global programs and proposals. The Finance & Investment Specialist will support and contribute to technical guidance and deliverables on ACDI/VOCA's financial services work including new business opportunities and existing projects. Duties and responsibilities will fall under three operational categories:

Project-level technical support, services and advisory (approximately 40%)
1. New business development and design (approximately 40%)
2. Organization-wide learning, tool development, and other related initiatives (approximately 20%)

This position will report to the Senior Director, Finance & Investment.

• Master's degree required in business administration, finance, economics, international development, or related field. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience, including overseas work, in investment or finance, plus two (2) years of managerial.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally required; may be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 based on country requirements.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring company sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $93,036 to $120,827; candidate's relevant experience and skills, as well as our internal equity, will be considered before an offer is extended. This role is a hybrid position based in Washington, D.C.

Project Technical Support (40%): Act as a technical resource for supporting increased usage of appropriate financing into projects.

• Provide as-needed technical support to the financial services components and project work streams. Tasks will vary but may include conducting financial systems analyses, engaging and structuring partnerships with key financial sector partners (banks, MFIs, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), investment funds fintechs, etc.), identifying opportunities to expand the volume and value of finance in targeted economic sectors, and identifying activities to improve financial access for underserved groups, such as women and youth.
• Provide broad technical guidance to projects via annual work planning, deliverable review and edits, and informing appropriate monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches.

Business Development (40%): Provide, or oversee the provision of, technical guidance and/or quality control to proposals and project design, particularly regarding sections relevant to financial services.

• Act as a technical lead/contributing writer or subject matter expert for proposals, providing technical leadership on all matters related to financial services throughout the proposal process, including partner identification and recruitment.
• Identify and meet with other organizations/donors on possible new funding activities and/or partnerships related to financial services, inclusive market systems, and other relevant technical topics.

Technical Learning and Collaboration (20%): Promote learning and collaboration across the organization and with project offices by identifying learning needs/opportunities related to financial services and supporting and/or leading the development, standardization, and rollout of tools and learning products.

• Participate in relevant ACDI/VOCA Community of Practices.
• Contribute to the development of resources, research, and learning themes prioritized by the Catalyzing Investment Team.
• Actively seek out opportunities to share technical knowledge.
• Solicit feedback from other groups, including the field, and suggest effective ways to work together.
• Respond to technical needs from practice areas, project staff, and others.
• Promote ACDI/VOCA's image as a learning organization by participating in and presenting at international, domestic, and local meetings, webinars, workshops, and conferences.

Additional Duties:

• Support and enhance the company's culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and align with our corporate values by treating others with respect and congeniality.
• Host or attend meetings in person as needed, when required.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required; reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master's degree required in business administration, finance, economics, international development, or related field. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience, including overseas work, in investment or finance, plus two (2) years of managerial.
• Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge of financial services, preferably in emerging market contexts. Experience with USAID and USDA programming, as well as other donors.
• Experience establishing partnerships with private sector institutions, including financial service providers (banks, MFIs, funds, fintechs, etc.), and working together to ensure successful implementation of activities.
• Technical understanding of different economic sectors and how they relate to financial services, including but not limited to agricultural value chains, market systems, trade, and nutrition-sensitive programming, as well as the challenges impacting marginalized customer segments, such as women, youth, and rural populations, in accessing finance.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally required; may be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 based on country requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Fluency in English required. Professional proficiency in French or Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures required.
• Must be available during core business hours and/or operating hours for international time differences; flexibility to work more hours when needed.
• Flexibility to work in office based on work demands.
• Must adhere to our company's Health Safety Code of Conduct and demonstrate the organization's commitment to sustaining a healthy and safe work environment.