Program Lead (Access to Finance) at Food Health System Advisory Limited

Food Health Systems Advisory is a management consulting and business advisory firm providing top-tier advisory and technical services to philanthropic foundations, international organisations, donors, governments, non-profits, and corporations on strategy, policy, and program implementation. We specialise in topics related to food systems,  nutrition, agriculture, health, and climate. Our experts work with philanthropic foundations, international organisations, donors, nonprofits, investors, and food companies/ corporations focused on sustainable food systems and value addition.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Lead (Access to Finance)

Location: Lagos
Job Type: Full time (Onsite)

Job Description

• 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.
• Role comes with up to 50% travel

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 relevant experience in finance, fundraising, or related fields with a strong focus on MSMEs
• Proven track record of securing funding and managing financial programs for MSMEs, including experience in blended finance and impact investing
• Experience working with donor-funded programs (e.g., Gates Foundation, DFID, USAID)
• Strong understanding of the Nigerian financial ecosystem
• Prior experience working in a bank or microfinance institution as a Loan Officer (non-negotiable requirement)
• Demonstrated ability to assess business viability, make sound lending decisions, and manage loan recovery processes

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.

Remuneration
N800,000 - N900,000 / Month (negotiable depending on candidates quality and experience)

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online