Position: SME & Agricultural Finance Specialist
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Kudu Consulting (www.kuduconsulting.co.zm), under its Business and Financial Services unit, seeks the services of a highly skilled SME Finance Specialist to join our team. As a specialist, you will play a critical role in facilitating financial access and promoting sustainable growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural clients in Zambia and beyond.
Responsibilities:
Financial Assessment and Advisory:
Evaluate the financial health of SMEs and Agricultural clients by analysing their financial statements, creditworthiness, and cash flow.
Provide personalized financial advice to SMEs and Agricultural clients, including recommendations on loan structures, working capital management, and investment opportunities.
Access to Funding:
Identify and assess various financing options available to SMEs and Agricultural clients, such as bank loans, venture capital, grants, and microfinance.
Assist SMEs and agricultural clients in accessing appropriate funding sources based on their specific needs and growth plans.
Capacity Building:
Develop and deliver financial literacy training programs for SME owners, agricultural clients and management teams.
Enhance their understanding of financial concepts, risk management, and financial planning.
Partnership Development:
Collaborate with financial institutions, government agencies, and development partners to create linkages between SMEs / agricultural clients and funding providers.
Establish partnerships that facilitate access to finance and promote inclusive economic development.
Risk Mitigation:
Assess and mitigate financial risks associated with SME and agricultural financing.
Implement risk management strategies to safeguard both SMEs and lenders.
Monitoring and Impact Assessment:
Monitor the utilization of funds by SMEs and track their financial performance.
Conduct impact assessments to measure the effectiveness of financial interventions.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field
At least 5-7 years extensive experience working with the finance sector with bias in lending to the SME and agricultural sectors (experience in the banking sector an advantage).
Experience with financial institutions in loan origination (credit risk), due diligence and KYC processes and approvals.
In-depth knowledge of Zambian financial markets, regulatory frameworks, and SME challenges.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial modelling.
Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal and negotiation skills
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and references to jobs@kuduconsulting.co.zm. The deadline for applications is 31st May 2024.
