Program Officer, Solutions for the Poorest

The Solutions for the Poorest (SfP) group is focused on scaling solutions that are specifically designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of the poorest people in the world (those earning less than $1/day).  The team is focusing on expanding financial services to help very poor households manage risk, and on providing access to more reliable income generating activities to these households.

Job Summary: The Program Officer will be responsible for day-to-day implementation of Solutions for the Poorest projects in the areas of livelihoods and risk management.  Program Officer will execute specific projects, work closely with identified partner organizations, and document both process and results.  Program Officer may also be asked to conduct research and writing activities to further the Solutions for the Poorest program.

Reporting and relationships: Reports to the Director of GF’s Solutions for the Poorest group.

Availability:  It is expected that the Program Officer will work a standard work week of 37.5 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done.  The position will require travel within the US and abroad.  It is expected that the job could require as much as 50% travel.

Essential Job Functions:
• Implements Solutions for the Poorest projects by providing project management and technical assistance with partner implementing agencies.
• Conducts one or more of the following project activities: market research, product development, pilot testing, strategic landscape analysis, project evaluation
• Ensures projects meet agreed upon targets in terms of numbers of people reached and/or number of institutions with whom we can document a sustainable business approach to reaching very poor people
• Documents successful Solutions for the Poorest projects so that external organizations can easily replicate
• Provides research and writing of various thought pieces, including research papers, blogs, and other forms of media
• Performs monitoring and evaluation of on-going SfP projects
• Prepares donor reports as required;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Deep commitment to GF’s mission and the eradication of poverty on a global basis;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Strong project management skills;
• Knowledge of product development process, particularly when working in very poor communities;
• Ability to devise and implement project monitoring and evaluation plans
• Native level English skills;
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills to prioritize and meet deadlines, work on multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure and with minimal supervision;
• Good problem solving skills; able to apply independent judgment, discretion and initiative to address problems and develop solutions
• Previous experience in a fast paced, high profile environment
• Ability to gain working knowledge of GF's policies, procedures, and practices;
• Ability to act as a representative of GF to the public;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

Education and/or Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree  in Business, Economics, International Development or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Three to Five years of work experience in related field; microfinance experience preferred;
• International work experiences a plus.
• Ability to work in the U.S.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org by. Please put “PO-SPR” in the subject line.  No Calls Please.