By supporting people and communities living in poverty to develop and grow their livelihoods, VisionFund is catalysing sustainable economic growth to break the cycle of poverty, so that children can reach their potential as communities thrive.
Learn more about us: visionfund.org
Overview
VisionFund is World Vision’s microfinance provider serving vulnerable clients through loans, savings, and insurance. We enable families to grow their livelihoods in hard to reach, rural locations in 28 countries so that caregivers can create secure futures for their children. We believe in brighter futures for children; empowering families to create incomes and jobs; unlocking economic potential for communities to thrive. Join VisionFund as we seek to end intergenerational poverty through microfinance.
VisionFund primarily focuses on rural clients and 40% of its 466m portfolio is in Agriculture. This new position is to provide technical support to agricultural finance provided by our MFI network. The position is a grant funded position and will primarily focus on 10 countries, but will also be able to provide support to the rest of the network. To date much of VFIs agricultural finance has been simple “vanilla finance” and balloon loan as being often the only distinguishing component. This position will seek to provide more hands-on technical support in the assessment, design, pilot and roll out of new agricultural products that will allow VF MFIs to finance farmers that World Vision is facilitating through its local value chain work (LVCD) and as savings groups (S4T) continue to grow with the support of FAST. Additionally, as climate change increasingly impacts our rural clients the position will look to expand both our capacity and profile in developing climate appropriate products and services. The position will also seek to bring together all our learnings and practices to enable VFI to more competitively compete for grants and position us as more of a leader in the agricultural finance space
Job Summary
- Employer: World Vision International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Mbabane, Eswatini
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-10-08
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical advice to VisionFund Operations and MicroFinance Institutions in the network on Agricultural, Market Systems and Climate industry best practices
- Take a leading role in VisionFund’s Internal Climate Financing working group, using their knowledge and experience to shape VisionFund strategy, products and positioning in the market.
- Represent VisionFund in technical working groups such as Environmental and Climate Action forums to communicate VisionFund strategy and brand visibility within the World Vision partnership.
- Provide technical advice and content in support of the design and writing of new and existing agricultural, market systems and climate finance grant applications
- Lead VisionFund efforts on positioning our work with agricultural, climate and market systems focussed donors and opportunities
- Lead efforts to leverage learnings on the implementation of CrediEnterprise in the THRIVE 2030 programme to obtain additional institutional funding
- Represent the Organization in technical grant calls and donor visits as needed.
- Establish a mechanism for tracking ESCA climate-finance engagements and opportunities.
- Provide technical advisory on the implementation of new and ongoing institutional funding on agri/climate or green/market systems in partnership with the RDM and Operations teams.
- Lead sector learning, evidence documentation and dissemination for VisionFund to support positioning and acquisition activities
- Project manage implementation of CrediEnteprise- reaching THRIVE 2030 targets, working closely with MFI Country managers and World Vision field offices.
- Supervise rollout of the CrediEnterprise product training providing ongoing coaching and mentoring to MFI staff
- Support the gathering of commodity profiles for the agrocalculator.
- Lead the replication of standard tools and processes developed by Operations, into CE projects.
- Ensure that CrediEnterprise figures are accurately reflected in core banking systems and Impact tracking systems and monitor performance metrics (PAR, GLP, Clients, disaggregated by PG vs IL)
- Assess progress, resolve implementation bottlenecks and agree on corrective actions in support of MFIs to address challenges that arise in the implementation of CrediEnterprise (whether operational, institutional or market constraints). Refer issues to Regional and Operational Directors
- Ensure quality control on partnerships MFIs develop for implementation of CrediEnterprise (eg: with equipment suppliers, offtakers etc), ensuring that these partnerships follow minimum quality standards in VFI Network Credit Policy.
- Ensure the integration with other financial products, such as Insurance and savings.
- Ensure coordination and differentiation between the Savings group linkage and the Credi Enterprise product.
- Support VF microfinance institutions in recruiting of Agri and Business Development Officers to support CreditEnterprise, and provide training to understand THRIVE 2030, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Reporting Standards.
- Build capacity of CreditEnterprise managers to utilize e-THRIVE platform and other WV digital platforms for decision making
- With guidance from and in collaboration with VFI Global Impact team, establish a structured monitoring and evaluation framework to track CrediEnterprise product’s performance, gather field data, and assess client feedback.
- Coordinate technical input into VisionFund’s quarterly DME and narrative reporting for THRIVE 2030 quarterly AP and donor progress reports in alignment with THRIVE DME indicators.
- Review quarterly THRIVE 2030 market systems reports to identify opportunities to scale up funding for CrediEnterprise financing across THRIVE countries.
- Participate in regular country specific quarterly THRIVE report reviews
- Develop annual priorities, implementation plans and budgets for the function in alignment with available budget.
- Develop case studies, implementation briefs and other learning products for Community of Practice learnings.
Requirements
- 10 years’ experience agri, climate and market systems finance, preferably in Africa
- Agricultural Economics or relevant agricultural degree (or equivalent practical experience). Post-graduate level degree
- Proven experience in market systems and agricultural lending i.e. understands farmer value chains production cycles and cashflows
- Able to communicate the fundamentals of market systems and climate resilience
- Proven ability to implement projects – action oriented, proven ability to implement and follow up
- Good communication skills with staff and partners
- Demonstrated experience in partnering, grant applications, reporting and other writing skills
- Experience across a range of countries (not limited to one or two places is a plus)
- Experience of Value chain/market systems financing or finance to agricultural cooperatives
- Demonstrated experience of working on and or designing programs with a climate change component
- Working level proficiency of written and verbal English
How to Apply
REF Code: JR52739
About the Company
World Vision Eswatini is the Eswatini field office of World Vision International, a global Christian humanitarian organisation focused on children, families, and community development. Operating across communities in Eswatini, it delivers programmes in areas such as child protection, education, health, water and sanitation, and household livelihoods. On 19 March 2026, the office launched its National Strategy 2026–2030 — Eswatini That Cares. Children Who Thrive — before the Prime Minister, setting out its priorities for the years ahead. The organisation works alongside government, local partners, and communities to help vulnerable children reach their full potential.
Eswatini That Cares. Children Who Thrive.
Website: https://www.wvi.org/eswatini
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a senior agriculture and climate finance advisor role in Eswatini?
Most employers require a master's degree in agricultural economics, finance, development studies, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CFA, ACCA, or climate finance credentials from institutions like the Frankfurt School are highly valued. At least 7-10 years of experience in agricultural value chains, microfinance, or climate-smart agriculture is usually expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities in this type of senior advisory role?
Daily tasks include designing market system interventions, managing relationships with agricultural cooperatives and financial institutions, and developing climate finance products for smallholder farmers. You will also monitor portfolio performance, prepare donor reports, and provide technical guidance to field teams across Eswatini and potentially the SADC region.
How does the work culture in Eswatini's development sector differ from private sector finance roles?
Development sector roles emphasize community consultation, partnership building with government ministries like the Ministry of Agriculture, and alignment with national development plans. Decision-making tends to be more collaborative and consensus-driven compared to corporate banking. Understanding siSwati language and local customs significantly strengthens stakeholder relationships.
What realistic career progression paths exist for senior advisors in agricultural finance in Eswatini?
Progression typically moves to country director, regional technical lead for Southern Africa, or specialized roles in global climate finance architecture. Some professionals transition to senior positions within the Central Bank of Eswatini's agricultural finance units or become independent consultants for multilateral donors. Building expertise in carbon markets and blended finance mechanisms opens additional advancement opportunities.
What benefits are standard for senior-level positions with international NGOs in Eswatini?
Comprehensive packages usually include medical aid covering private healthcare in Eswatini and South Africa, pension contributions, and generous annual leave often exceeding 25 days. Many employers provide housing allowances, education support for dependents, and hardship premiums for remote postings. Relocation assistance and home leave travel are common for internationally recruited staff.
How should I apply for senior advisory roles in Eswatini, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through official career portals, LinkedIn, and Eswatini-based recruitment agencies like Eswatini Jobs or regional platforms such as ReliefWeb. Employers prioritize demonstrated impact in agricultural finance, existing networks with local farming communities and financial service providers, and experience with donor-funded programs. Strong written communication skills and proven ability to navigate Eswatini's regulatory environment are essential differentiators.