The Washington CASH Business Accelerator’s mission is to help microenterprises grow their part-time businesses to full-time, sustainable ventures. The Business Accelerator serves as a conduit for increasing revenues by widening networking opportunities, eliminating isolation through a strong community of business owners, and providing individual professional office spaces.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Editor On Call

• Through email and one-on-one interaction, assist business owners and BA manager with editing and revisions, and creation of basic brochures and collateral.
• Marketing: flyers, business cards, website suggestions
• Business correspondence: letters, contracts, etc.

2. Website Upkeep

• Update the BA website page as necessary.

3. Office Feng-Shui

• As clients enter the Accelerator, put together one page decorative posters for each client, including picture, bio, and logo. Mount on north wall.
• Contribute when necessary: Wash dishes. Make coffee. Know how to fix the printer.

4. Community & CASH Liason

• Attend workshops as support staff.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.

5. Social Media

• Become thoroughly versed in current social media, especially those applicable to microenterprise.
• Assist business owners in using social media to market their businesses.
• Read Mashable regularly.

6. Efficiency Building

• Create tutorials about the important but lesser known functions of Microsoft Office, social media networking sites, and other useful resources, for use by clients or Business Accelerator Manager.

Qualifications:
Must be proficient with Word, Excel and other office applications. Must have excellent written and oral communications and phone skills. Must demonstrate independence, an ability learn quickly, and attention to detail.

Time Commitment:
Minimum commitment of one day a week for at least three months preferred. More hours available if students wish for a more intensive internship. Flexible hours allowed. Schedule to be negotiated with Business Accelerator Manager.

Contact Mary Eriksson-Humphrey at mary@washingtoncash.org or (206) 352-1945, to get involved!

Oikocredit Northwest is an all-volunteer Seattle-based non-profit Support Association of Oikocredit, a global leader in the microcredit sector.  Using funds provided by Oikocredit USA, Oikocredit Northwest is creating a part-time position (10-15 hrs./week) with growth potential.  This Outreach Coordinator will support and expand activities undertaken by a two year old board of directors who consist of diverse and busy professionals committed to a mission that promotes microcredit as a sustainable strategy for addressing global poverty, and Oikocredit as a particularly strong provider of microfinance.  Founded in 1975, Oikocredit is the world’s largest international private provider of microcredit, funding 530 microcredit banks and 230 community cooperatives in 71 countries.  Oikocredit USA offers individuals and institutions socially responsible investment products that provide an ethical financial dividend, and high social performance via microloans to 17 million of the world’s poor.

Examples of the Outreach Coordinator’s job duties include:

• Event planning, execution and publicity
• Membership recruitment, support and communications
• Support monthly board meetings and the work of board committees
• Track progress of tasks and functions assumed by individual volunteers
• Liaison with Washington DC office of Oikocredit USA
• Database management
• Other duties and tasks assigned by Board Executive Committee (to whom this position reports)

Ideal qualifications for this position include:

• Energetic, entrepreneurial self starter
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
• Capacity to work from home
• Extremely detail oriented
• Experience both as a volunteer and in the coordination of volunteers
• Flexible personality
• Comfortable contact diverse constituencies including churches, foundations, community organizations and businesses
• Database management experience
• Demonstrated passion for global social and economic justice
• Familiarity with microcredit and socially responsible investing
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software
• Additional means of material support since this part-time position pays $20/hour

Submit letter of interest and resume to joyceqe@yahoo.com by August 29, 2010.

Source: SeaMO

MicroPlace’s mission is to inspire individuals to make a difference in the fight against poverty by making investments that help the poor access financial systems. Our ability to deliver on our mission is entirely driven by our ability to engage with the public, generate enthusiasm for what we do and persuade them to join us in making a difference in the world.
Your mission as head of marketing for MicroPlace is to drive the strategy to successfully build a loyal and enthusiastic base of customers whose investments reflect their passion for poverty alleviation. We want you to bring energy, passion, creativity and a strategic orientation to our marketing efforts. You will be responsible for

• Creating and driving our marketing strategy: Your first order of business will be to understand the MicroPlace product and value proposition and come up with a plan of attack on how best to market Microplace and acquire investors.
• Leveraging the PayPal connection: MicroPlace has a unique opportunity to engage with millions of active PayPal users and have a conversation with them about making a difference in the world. You will be responsible for articulating a strategy on how to market MicroPlace to PayPal users and to drive the implementation of that strategy with the PayPal marketing organization.
• Engaging users to be evangelists: To be successful, MicroPlace needs to convert its users into evangelists. One of your primary responsibilities will be to figure out how to get new investors by getting our existing customers to market our product enthusiastically to their friends and family.
• Retaining our user base: Our biggest business driver is to get existing users to reinvest when their investments mature and up sell them on investing more with us. You will be responsible for optimizing our existing re-investment strategy.
• Creating communications and messaging: You will be the voice of MicroPlace and drive the communications and messaging strategy to our existing and potential investors on the website, our blog, newsletters, emails and our collateral.
• Driving brand recognition: You will actively work with our product team to develop a user experience both product and service delivery that delivers on our brand promise and accretes positively to the PayPal brand
• Building partnerships: MicroPlace also has an opportunity to work with partners and affiliates to drive user acquisition and investment dollars. You will be responsible for coordinating with our business development team on how best to work with partners to acquire investors
• Managing PR : You will be responsible for working with our PR agency to integrate PR into our marketing efforts.

If you are our ideal candidate
You will have

• At least 10 years of consumer marketing experience with at least three years as a web marketer
• The intellectual horsepower to drive the strategy around bringing a new category of product to market
• A strong understanding around developing product value proposition, positioning and branding
• Conceptualized and implemented online marketing programs successfully
• Exceptional verbal and written communication/story telling skills
• An eye and aesthetic sense for compelling and original creative
• Retail financial services marketing experience a plus
• An MBA

You will also be

• Highly analytical with an obsession to use data to test and learn what is effective in driving our marketing efforts
• Resourceful around leveraging existing execution infrastructure to get things done and not be afraid to get into the implementation details if need be
• Comfortable with internet advertizing, SEO/SEM, social media marketing, blogging etc.
• Passionate about marketing a product that has a global impact on a major social issue

Apply by
Email: Cablackwell@paypal.com
Website: http://www.ebaycareers.com/Home1.html

Source: The Silicon Valley Microfinance Network (SVMN.net)

MicroFinance Transparency is a young non-profit organization that promotes fair and transparent pricing in the microfinance industry. Its desire is to be the venue for the microfinance industry to publicly demonstrate its commitment to pricing transparency, integrity and poverty alleviation. MFT’s vision is to have an industry operating with healthy free market conditions where consumers and other stakeholders can make informed decisions.

MFT is seeking one intern with a 20-day, renewable contract. Preferably based in either New York, NY, Lancaster, PA or within convenient travel distance of either, this intern is responsible for assisting the MFTransparency team with implementing Salesforce. The intern will input MFTransparency’s existing contact information as well as assist database manager with customization and planning and implementing staff training programs.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Inputting contact information from business cards, Gmail and Outlook
• Performing data cleaning and establishing automated data cleaning routines
• Collaborating with database manager to plan and implement customizations
• Researching Apps, capabilities and ways to maximize the potential of Salesforce in the daily work of the organization
• Developing user guides that will assist MFT staff in fully utilizing tools available through Salesforce.

Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of intermediate Excel functionality is a must
• Significant experience using Salesforce is a must
• Prior experience implementing, customizing and/or planning and implementing structural changes to a Salesforce database is not necessary but is a plus
• Ideal candidate will have a career interest in data management
• Must have a strong command of English

Benefits:

• Full training in basic Salesforce administration. Salesforce is currently used by over 5,000 non-profit organizations around the world, and many more in the for-profit community.
• Experience implementing Salesforce, implying full knowledge of the customization process
• Experience designing and administering an employee training program for the use of Salesforce
• Knowledge of how Salesforce functions in the context of a dynamic non-profit organization with an international focus
• Ability to work with MFT senior management including the CEO & President and Vice President

Application instructions:
Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to Jordan Filko at jordan@mftransparency.org. Please specify the position you are applying for in your email, and include the dates you will be available for the internship.

Wokai is the first person-to-person internet platform that allows you to provide rural entrepreneurs in China with loan capital. You choose the borrower you want to support, make a tax-deductible contribution, and watch their repayments and progress over time.  Wokai has chapters all over Asia and the US, including: Beijing, Boston, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco – Bay Area, Seattle, Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver.  Currently, the Seattle chapter is looking for a President.  The primary role of the open position is to lead the efforts of the Seattle Chapter to build capacity for Wokai. Other job functions include:

Responsibilities:

• Offer guidance and leadership to Vice Presidents in supporting their respective teams.
• Participate in monthly Chapter President conference calls, hosted by Headquarters.
• Act as a communication liaison between Headquarters and Chapters, ensuring local representatives are informed.
• Prepare for and run monthly executive team meetings.
• Oversee annual Chapter strategy and operations, through direction from Headquarters.
• Serve as a resource to Headquarters in prospecting and cultivating individual donors and corporate relationships for Wokai.
• Be available to network on behalf of Wokai at community events.
• Responsible for ensuring all key positions are staffed for the Chapter.

Skills

• An articulate communicator, who is comfortable with public speaking.
• Fundraising experience, in particular a willingness to ask for financial support.
• Strong organizational skills.
• An ability to work virtually, and lead a team without a physical office.
• Excellent relationship skills, someone who is attentive to others.
• Must be able to lead a team, by offering clear direction and then empowering others to pursue agreed outcomes.
• Resourceful and strategic in efforts, with an ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrates self-initiative, taking responsibility to complete tasks to a high standard of quality.
• Personally enthusiastic about Wokai’s mission and microfinance as an innovative solution to poverty, so much so that others are inspired to take action.
• Nonprofit leadership experience preferred.

The time committment on this is about 5-10 hours a week for a minimum of 12 months.  This is a Volunteer/Unpaid position.
For more info, visit the Wokai Website.

Source: our friends over at SeaMO

The FSD Intern Abroad program serves students and young professionals looking to gain international development experience and training while working to support an underserved community. The program commonly acts as a catalyst for building a career in development, strengthening applications for graduate programs, or cultivating relationships with international communities and organizations.  Intern with FSD in microfinance to empower mariginalized and impoverished communities. Along with credit lending, FSD trains entrepreneurs in how to effectively integrate credit management and savings principles into their business growth.  Since traditional lending does not reach underserved communities, microfinance offers a collective solution that lends small increments of capital to local businesses.

• FSD works with a variety of local organizations to provide training and economic opportunity to communities that lack sufficient job skills. Interns work with FSD to provide programs that:
• Educate the general public and distribute information to local agencies about the advantages of ecotourism to increase vendor and consumer awareness and ensure a more sustainable use of Argentina’s vast natural resources.
• Provide consulting for local organizations to help them more effectively manage and utilize resources.
• Support a cooperative of small businesses led by marginalized families who offer cleaning, masonry work, gardening, painting, plumbing, and electrical work to the general public.
• Provide at-risk youth and uneducated persons with resources and guidance to integrate with the working community and find employment through training on local job skills, microenterprise strategies, and microcredit opportunities.
• Work to improve production techniques for small and medium enterprises that support unemployed women and youth. For example, FSD volunteers and interns have assisted production and/or marketing of fruits and vegetables dehydrated by solar and Eolic energy. The programs aim to reduce poverty and unemployment.

Click here for more info or here to apply

Source: iHipo – International Careers

The Microcredit Summit Campaign is hiring for a Research Director to oversee the research and education strategy. The job is located in Washington DC and requires a masters degree:

“MCS is the world’s largest global network of microfinance stakeholders. The Campaign has led, guided, and supported the global microfinance sector towards reaching the ambitious goals of ensuring that 175 million of the world’s poorest families are receiving credit for self-employment and other business and financial services, and that 100 million families rise above the US$1 a day threshold by 2015. Candidates must have a passion for the Microcredit Summit’s goals

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring and sharing general trends in the field of microfinance through listserves, media, and other sources.
• Providing content and managing the topic selection, editing and translation of all MCS commissioned papers and other publications.
• Manage the MCS Health Integration Project and its efforts to ensure appropriate long term implementation of integration of microfinance with health education by practitioners in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• Manage the MCS Movement Above the $1 a Day Threshold Project and oversee the project’s consultants in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the United States.
• Provide ongoing support to MCS regional organizers in the areas of research, training and budget management.
• Provide technical project inputs for MCS grant proposals and reporting.
• Serve as one of the Campaign’s spokespersons to the media and MCS members.
• Represent the Campaign at global and domestic conferences.
• Provide support to and oversight of the State of the Microcredit Campaign Report team.
• Provide support in the selection and hiring of MCS staff including volunteers and interns.
• Serve as liaison to MCS partners on issues related to the Campaign’s core themes. “

More info at Idealist.org

Whole Planet Foundation (WPF) is a 501c3 private foundation established by Whole Foods Market (WFM) whose mission is to provide financial support to Microfinance Institutions (MFI) to alleviate poverty through expansion of microcredit services in communities that supply Whole Foods Market with product. Partner MFIs deliver financial services that are tailored to the realities of people living in poverty while maintaining efficient operations in a financially sustainable manner.
About the Job:

“In 2010 WPF is focusing microfinance expansion efforts on countries in Latin America and plans to contract one person to facilitate due diligence of new projects and oversee M&E for the existing portfolio of projects. It is imperative that this person have significant experience working in rural Latin America with an understanding of the reality facing the poor. Knowledge of microfinance will be important. The ability to speak Spanish fluently (FSI 4.0 or better) is imperative to being successful in this position. Ability to speak Portuguese is an added benefit. As well, extensive global travel of 50% to 75% will be required.

Although this position will be hired as an Independent Contractor, this position will need to be filled as long as WPF continues to operate.

Job Objectives:

• Assist Whole Planet Foundation to expand and oversee the portfolio of microfinance projects in Latin America
• Build and maintain relationships with Foundation microfinance partners in the region
• Tell the story of Microfinance Institutions (MFI), clients, and the realities of poverty through various mediums

Objectives and Activities:

• Conduct desk due diligence of potential MFIs that may qualify as a partner through internet and other forms of remote research
• Assess MFIs abilities to grow loan portfolios in an efficient and sustainable manner to maximize Foundation support
• Analyze MFIs approach and objectives to delivering microfinance services to the poor
• Visit MFIs based on outcomes of remote research and Foundation expansion plans
• Recommend MFIs based on research finding
• 6. Communicate with Foundation partners on a regular basis to assess performance of MFI as compared to original grant agreement
• Compile quarterly metrics of MFI partners and analyze accomplishments versus project goals
• Perform thorough review of MFI partners financial statements on an as needed basis
• Conduct field reviews of projects on an as needed basis
• Provide the Foundation with video and photographic MFI client stories
• Manage and be responsible for all activities as an independent contractor with guidance from WPF
• Provide logistic support and coordination on an as needed basis for visits from WPF representatives to the region

Work Environment:

• Work location is based out of San José, Costa Rica and will require extensive travel throughout the Americas.
• Position involves exposure to conditions found in the developing-world and requires complete immunization as recommended by the CDC.
• Additional job demands include a wide-range of adaptability to move between extreme poverty and professional environments
• Noise level in the work environment depends on work location.

Additional Qualifications:

• Min. bachelor’s degree in international development, business, economics or related studies.
• Fully fluent in Spanish and Portuguese a plus
• At least 2 years of experience working in rural development in Latin America
• Experience with microfinance or other related business field
• Understanding of financial statements
• Strong analytical skills to assess potential MFI partners
• Ability to interview MFI clients in the field
• Ability to provide high quality photos and video of MFI clients based on WPF requirements
• Strong writing skills”

For information on how to apply, visit IdeaList.org

Mifos, an initiative of the Grameen Foundation whose goal is to help MFIs become more effective, is looking for a business intelligence software designer in Seattle WA.

“Job Summary:
We’re seeking a superstar software developer who is deeply passionate
about ending global poverty using Free and Open Source Software. Along
with the software development team, this person is responsible for the
design, implementation, and testing of the software that makes up the
Mifos platform. This person will be the technical leader of the Mifos
Business Intelligence Initiative, a project to make Mifos the best
business intelligence platform for the microfinance industry.
This position has two main areas of leadership: technical vision for
Business Intelligence, and acting as liaison for non-US teams of
software developers located in India and other places.

As a technical leader, this person will help improve Mifos production
database, data warehouse database, database metadata layer
(abstraction layer) APIs, ETL system, reporting system, and data
migration (upgrade) system. Other important tasks are:

• help analyze performance and usability of software and database schemas,
• work with the software development team to remove bottlenecks and problems,
• train software developers and consultants in best practices for developing software that accesses the database.
• work with system administrators to tune and maintain our hosted Mifos systems in Amazon EC2.”

Read more and apply here

Although I haven’t heard of too many job opportunities or internships in Washington DC, here is a great internship at Microfinance Opportunities (MFO) that will introduce you to some very knowledegable people in the microfinance sector where you can gain valuable experience:

Microfinance Opportunities (MFO) seeks an undergraduate student for a summer internship with the Consumer Research team. The intern will play a key role in the quality-assurance component of an ongoing impact assessment project known as the Financial Diaries. The position offers a great opportunity to learn about microfinance in the developing world from experts in the field, and to see firsthand how a small nonprofit operates. Interns may participate in a wide variety of activities that support individual programs, including research and project development and management. This internship combines data entry and administrative duties with the possibility of research and editing. Applicants should have a keen interest in microfinance, economics, international affairs or international development.

MFO is a microenterprise resource center that promotes client-led microfinance. Its mission is to create a world where every poor person can benefit from financial services. Our work focuses on the design and delivery of high-quality microfinance products and services that match the needs and preferences of low-income households. MFO’s core competency areas include: research and analysis, innovation, and dissemination.

Qualifications:

• Ideal educational level is advanced undergraduate student
• Strong research skills
• Advanced computer skills in Excel (excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Attention to detail
• Excellent writing, research, proofreading, organization and communication skills
• Background in international development a plus

For more information on how to apply, visit Intern Alert