Intern - Microfinance

The Maa Trust is hiring an Intern Microfinance at its Headquarters. You’ll support community-led conservation by promoting financial inclusion through microfinance initiatives and financial literacy training. This role involves assisting with program design, coordinating community groups, and tracking financial performance. If you possess a strong interest in community development and financial inclusion, and can work effectively with diverse groups, we invite you to apply to join and contribute to building resilient livelihoods in the Maasai Mara.

The Maa Trust is a non-profit organization based in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, that promotes community-led conservation by fostering sustainable development. It works with local wildlife conservancies to improve livelihoods through education, water access, and social enterprises like Maa Beadwork and Maa Honey, which empower women and reduce poverty.

Job Title: Intern Microfinance
Location: The Maa Trust Headquarters
Reports to: Socio-Economic Empowerment Coordinator
Duration: One Year (June 2026- May 2027)

Job Purpose

Contributes to achieving The Maa Trust’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives by promoting financial inclusion and economic resilience among communities in the Maasai Mara. The Microfinance Coordinator will support the planning, coordination, and implementation of community-based microfinance initiatives and financial literacy training

Key roles and responsibilities:

Programme and Project Design and Planning

1. Support in development of microfinance workplans, activity schedules, and budgets.
2. Assist in conducting assessments to identify financial access gaps within microfinance groups and business members.
3. Help coordinate the formation and strengthening of savings, table banking, and self-help groups to promote financial inclusion.
4. Support the delivery of financial literacy and basic financial management training to community groups.
5. Assist in integrating microfinance activities with entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programmes.
6. Facilitate community mobilisation and outreach to increase participation in microfinance initiatives
7. Work with programme staff to ensure activities align with organisational strategy and targets.
8. Support the implementation of group activities, including meetings, savings tracking, and loan processes.
9. Assist in developing and using simple monitoring tools to track group performance, savings, and loan repayment.

Technical programme and project management

1. Guided by the Socio-Economic empowerment coordinator, conduct day-to-day implementation of microfinance project initiatives, including attending quarterly microfinance check-ins, training sessions, and coaching support.
2. Assist the socio-economic empowerment coordinator in strengthening the capacity of group members in record keeping, financial discipline, and transparent group management practices.
3. Assist in the coordination and supervision of microfinance extension services and coaches to ensure effective delivery of programme activities and consistent support to groups.
4. Assist microfinance groups with applying with loans and grants from identified institutions.
5. Monitor and track the performance of supported groups, including savings loans disbursement and repayment rates.
6. Compile and submit timely reports on programme activities, key achievements, and lessons learned to the Socio-Economic Empowerment Manager.
7. Identify underperforming groups and curate design targeted interventions, mentorships, and capacity building support to improve sustainability. h) Ensure compliance with organizational policies, financial procedures, and microfinance best practices across all programme activities.

Stakeholders Management and External Engagements

1. Support building and maintaining relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, and development partners supporting financial inclusion initiatives.
2. Assist in building and maintaining relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, and development partners involved in financial inclusion.
3. Assist in engaging community members and group leaders to encourage participation in microfinance activities.
4. Help organize and attend stakeholder meetings to strengthen collaboration and partnerships.
5. Support sharing updates with stakeholders on programme progress results, and key learnings.
6. Collect and document feedback from community members and partners to improve programme delivery

Qualifications:

1. Diploma in Community Development, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, a degree is an added advantage
2. Basic understanding of microfinance concepts.
3. Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with communities.
4. Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
5. Strong interest in community development and financial inclusion programmes
6. Demonstrate patience and respect when working with women’s groups, including members with varying levels of literacy, to ensure clear and supportive communication
7. Demonstrates patience and respect when working with women’s groups, including members with varying levels of literacy, ensuring clear and supportive communication.
8. Ability to work in field settings and engage with diverse community groups
9. High level of integrity, responsibility, and willingness to learn.