Program Lead (Access to Finance)

Job Description

Food Health Systems Advisory (FHSA) is an advisory firm providing technical, research, and strategic services across food systems, nutrition, and climate. We work with private sector clients, development partners, foundations, and public institutions.

As the Program Lead, you will spearhead the design and implementation of access to finance interventions, integrating gender considerations into financial strategies. This involves mobilizing, leveraging, and deploying financial resources to enable MSMEs to access commercial capital and expand their businesses. Additionally, you will provide technical support to MSMEs, focusing on business improvement, financial literacy, and capital readiness. Collaborating with other program leads, you will ensure that these businesses grow, scale, and position themselves as viable clients for commercial lenders.


Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Planning and Implementation:

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to improve MSMEs’ access to finance.
  
  
• Identify and evaluate funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and investments specific to MSMEs.
  
  
• Create comprehensive financial plans and models tailored for MSMEs.
  
  

Fundraising and Financing:

• Lead efforts to secure funding for MSMEs from various sources, including banks, investors, and government programs.
  
  
• Prepare and present funding proposals and business plans to potential financiers.
  
  
• Negotiate terms and conditions of financing agreements on behalf of MSMEs.
  
  

Financial Product & Instrument Design

• Design and structure innovative financial products (e.g., blended finance, guarantees, revolving funds, equipment leasing models)
  
  
• Work with financial institutions to co-create MSME-friendly financing solutions
  
  
• Pilot and scale tailored financing models for underserved segments (e.g., women-led businesses)
  
  

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct financial analysis to evaluate the feasibility and impact of funding options for MSMEs.
  
  
• Monitor financial performance and report on the status of funding initiatives.
  
  
• Provide regular updates to senior management and MSMEs on financial health and funding activities.
  
  

Policy & Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with key financial stakeholders, including banks, investors, and grant providers.
  
  
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align financial strategies with the objectives of MSMEs.
  
  
• Represent the program at financial meetings, conferences, and networking events.
  
  
• Engage with policymakers and regulators to address systemic barriers to MSME financing
  
  
• Contribute to policy dialogue and advocacy for inclusive finance
  
  
• Identify and address market system constraints affecting access to finance
  
  

Risk Management:

• Identify financial risks facing MSMEs and develop mitigation strategies.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards relevant to MSMEs.
  
  
• Monitor the financial environment for changes that could impact MSMEs funding strategies.
  
  

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training and support to MSMEs on financial management and funding strategies in collaboration with identified Business Development Service Providers (BDSP).
  
  
• Develop and deliver workshops and seminars in collaboration with identified BDSP to improve the financial literacy of MSME owners.
  
  
• Ensure MSMEs have access to resources and tools needed to succeed financially.
  
  

Program Management:

• Oversee the implementation and management of financial access programs for MSMEs.
  
  
• Manage consultants and BDSPs delivering financial advisory services
  
  
• Develop frameworks to track and measure impact of access-to-finance interventions
  
  
• Document lessons learned and best practices
  
  
• Monitor program performance and make adjustments as needed.
  
  
• Report on program outcomes and impact to stakeholders.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Banking Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
  
  
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc. Financial Management, CFA, etc.) preferred.
  
  
• 5–7 years of experience in finance, fundraising, or a related field, with a focus on MSMEs.
  
  
• Proven track record of successfully securing funding and managing financial programs for MSMEs, with experience in blended finance and impact investing.
  
  
• Experience working with donor-funded programs (e.g., Gates, DFID, USAID)
  
  
• Strong understanding of Nigerian financial ecosystem

Skills:

• Strong financial analysis and strategic planning skills.
  
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
  
  
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with financial stakeholders.
  
  
• Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting.
  
  
• Project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Competencies:

• Results-driven with a focus on achieving business objectives.
  
  
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
  
  
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.