Position Description

Resource Mobilization Strategy

Location Tanzania

Department Programs

Employment Type Volunteer

USAID-Funded

Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program

Scope of Work

Resource Mobilization Strategy

Description of the Program:

Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance . IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes.

Problem Statement:

Sacco s in Tanzania contribute greatly to economic growth and poverty eradication among many low-income earners and marginalized groups. Saccos allow members to access credit and other financial services at lower costs and more convenient time s than those offered by traditional banks , and they tailor flexible repayment terms to meet the needs of their members. Saccos also provide a safe place for members looking for ways to save for emergencies or future investments without taking out loans, which is particularly important in areas where formal financial institutions are scarce, unavailable or expensive. While Saccos have made significant strides in promoting financial incl usion in Ta nzania, they face challenges that hinder their growth such as limited financial resources. Due to their focus on low-income earners , Saccos are constrained by low capital contribution and a limited finances to lend to customers. Many Saccos struggle to mobilize sufficient funds for lending, investment opportunities, or meeting operational expenses.

Members’ regular contributions, loans from financial institutions, direct donor support, government support and president funds are some of the main sources of funds for a SACCO . Nonetheless, many SACCOs in Tanzania are not capable of maximizing these opportunities for fund ing provided by financial institutions, supporting institutions and donors.

The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program has partnered with a Saccos in Zanzibar struggling to rais e enough capital to run its operations and serv e its members at full capacity . The Saccos needs support d eveloping a resource mobilization strategy and training the Saccos members on techniques to attract capital and managefunds . F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident volunteer expert experienced in mobilizing resources and capital raising to support the Saccos to develop a resource mobilization strategy. This assignment will allow Saccos to gain the skills needed to raise more capital and function more sustainably.

Objectives:

1. T rain Saccos le aders and members in resource m obilization and fund management skills.

2. Develop a resource mobilization strategy for Saccos adoption .

Deliverables:

1. Training materials

2. Resource mobilization strategy

3. Final trip report with at least four measurable /achi evable recommendations

4. Power Point Presentation summarizing the accomplishments of the assignment .

Anticipated In-Country Schedule:

Day

Activity

Location

Estimated number of days

Pre-departure

•  Review: Volunteer Manual, Country Guide, Host Profile, Environmental Materials
•  Review: Available SACCOs information including information on resource mobilization and identify any country -specific information needed to tailor the assignment to the local context.