Program Assistant - Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) at Cooperazione Internazionale - COOPI

COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI aims to help the world’s poorest to improve their access to healthcare, food, and financial security, and to overcome their special vulnerability to wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. For 50 years of long-term support and constant presence in the field, COOPI has been engaged in breaking the cycle of poverty and responding to specific emergencies in numerous sectors, including Food Security, Humanitarian Aid, Health, Socio-Economical Services, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Human Rights, Education and Training, Migrations and Sustainable Energy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Assistant - Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)

Location: Potiskum, Yobe
Employment Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities
VSLA Formation and Capacity Building:

• Assist in forming and training Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Train group members on savings, loans, financial literacy, and business skills.
• Support VSLA groups in record-keeping and governance.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track VSLA group performance, savings, and loan repayment rates.
• Document success stories and challenges.
• Submit regular reports to the VSLA Officer.

Livelihoods and Economic Recovery:

• Link VSLAs to income-generating activities and market opportunities.
• Support small business development among group members.
• Support financial literacy training and linkages to financial institutions of VSLA members
• Promote digitalization of the VSLA groups in partnership with Airtel

Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding:

• Promote inclusive participation (women, youth, marginalized groups) in VSLAs.
• Integrate peacebuilding dialogues within VSLA meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma/Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in VSLA, microfinance, or community-based savings programs.
• Strong facilitation and training skills.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (local language required).
• Experience in conflict-affected settings is an advantage.

General Conditions for this position:

• Willingness to travel frequently to rural communities.
• Adherence to project policies on gender equality and conflict sensitivity.
• Collaborate with other project teams (peacebuilding, Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Nutrition, etc.).

Application Closing Date
4th August, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online