Description
Program Summary
The Inclusive Finance in Somalia’s Livestock Sector (IFSLS) activity is an 18-month program funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by Mercy Corps in Somalia. IFSLS aims to increase the income, resilience and assets for micro- and small enterprises (SMEs) in Somalia’s livestock value chain through improved financial inclusion. This will be achieved through two interconnected outcomes that address challenges and realize opportunities on both the supply and demand sides: on the supply side, IFSLS will ensure that banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) have improved ability to provide tailored and inclusive savings, financing and other Sharia-compliant financial products and services to MSEs, producer groups and other market actors in key livestock value chains; on the demand side, IFSLS works with MSEs, producer groups and other formal and informal associations within the livestock value chain to enable them to equitably access, use and benefit from financial products and services.
Using a market systems development (MSD) approach, the IFSLS program strengthens climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable livelihoods across Somalia’s livestock value chains. It also supports private-sector engagement and expands financial inclusion—especially for MSMEs, producer groups, women, and youth—by addressing the underlying market failures that drive financial exclusion.
General Position Summary
The Private Sector Engagement Officer leads engagement with private sector actors and financial institutions nationally, expands access to finance, and supports market-led solutions that grow and de-risk investments in the livestock value chain. The role coordinates product development, builds partner capacity, strengthens digital financial services, and drives adaptive, evidence-based programming.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and Market Facilitation
- Co-develop and implement a private sector engagement strategy aligned with IFSLS goals.
- Identify market opportunities, constraints, and private-sector-led solutions in livestock-related value chains.
- Design and implement strategies in the areas of inclusive markets, women’s economic empowerment, and access to finance to benefit targeted participants.
Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships
- Serve as the primary relationship holder with private sector actors, financial institutions, and relevant industry associations.
- Broker B2B/PPP partnerships; attract and facilitate investments into IFSLS-aligned initiatives.
Access to Finance and Product Development
- Support partner banks/MFIs to design, pilot, and refine financial products tailored to MSMEs and livestock actors (e.g., working capital, asset finance, digital products).
- Coordinate pilots, gather user feedback, and track product KPIs for iterative improvement.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
- Organize and deliver trainings for partners and MSMEs on risk management, financial literacy, operations, and business development.
- Strengthen digital financial services adoption (mobile/agent banking) in rural and underserved areas.
Implementation, Monitoring, and Adaptive Management
- Develop intervention plans and budgets; ensure effective sequencing, layering, and integration across geographies.
- Work with MEL/MRM teams to define KPIs, collect data, and conduct outcome/impact assessments; adapt strategies based on evidence.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
- Integrate gender and social inclusion across activities to ensure equitable access for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Lead outreach and awareness campaigns to increase women participation and financial literacy.
Stakeholder Engagement, Policy, and Representation
- Coordinate with authorities, industry groups, and development actors to influence enabling policies and strengthen market systems and financial inclusion.
- Maintain a stakeholder management plan and represent IFSLS in relevant forums.
Outreach and Communications
- Produce clear reports, presentations, and success stories for internal and donor audiences, support learning exchanges and market events.
Security and Safeguarding
- Coordinate with security focal points to ensure safe design and delivery of activities.
- Adhere to Mercy Corps’ safeguarding, safe communication, and risk management policies.
Organizational Learning and Accountability
- Dedicate 5% of time to learning and share insights across teams.
- Engage program participants as equal partners in design, monitoring, and evaluation; uphold accountability standards.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Finance, Agri-business, Development Studies, or related field.
- 3+ years in private sector engagement, market systems development, financial inclusion, or investment/incubation; experience with banks/MFIs or private firms required.
- Proven experience of building partnerships, brokering PPPs/B2B deals, and supporting business planning and product development.
- Strong coordination, communication, and facilitation skills; excellent relationship-building.
- Experience with livestock value chains in Somalia context preferred.
- Proficient in MS Office; familiarity with data collection tools.
- Fluency in English and Somali is required.
Competencies
- Strategic, facilitative, and market-systems mindset.
- Analytical, adaptive, and solutions-oriented; manages multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Culturally sensitive; committed to advancing gender equality and social inclusion.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
Success Factors
- Exceptional business engagement and partnership skills; ability to coach partners and livestock business actors.
- Strong cross-cultural teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail—balanced with strategic vision.
- Thrives in dynamic environments; communicates clearly and proactively.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and strive for a culture of trust and respect where everyone contributes to their authentic selves and reaches their potential. We are committed to continuous learning on DEI.
Equal Employment Opportunity
- Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination on any basis and are committed to psychological safety and respect in all workplaces.
Safeguarding and Ethics
- We uphold the highest standards for preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, and harassment. All staff must adhere to Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct and complete mandatory trainings upon hire and annually.
Living Conditions
- Based in Galka’ayo with frequent travel to field areas. Staff are expected to uphold Mercy Corps’ policies, respect local laws and customs, and represent the agency professionally.
