Agora Microfinance India Limited

Job Description – Chief Operating Officer

1) Company Description

Agora Microfinance India Limited is a new urban microfinance institution based in Mumbai that aims

to become a significant player in urban microfinance. Its approach is to develop an in-depth

understanding of the needs of low income households, and to use flexible approaches and delivery

mechanisms to provide increased financial access to such families. Our mission is to provide

affordable, convenient and timely financial services to low income urban clientele in a financially

sustainable manner.

2) Position

The Chief Operating Officer will be part of the senior management of the company and will be

responsible for the operation strategies and business growth. The Chief Operating Officer will

develop, refine and implement Operations strategy including aspects such as area selection, product

design and delivery, portfolio quality management, Client outreach and communications. S/he will

be responsible for the management of the overall quality and efficiency of operations. S/he will

ensure that the company delivers an outstanding service that is client focused and efficient at all

times.

3) Location

Head Office, Mumbai

4) Reports to

Chief Executive Officer

5) Supervisory/Line Management Responsibilities

Regional Managers in the Operations Department

6) Qualifications, Experience and Skills

� A Master’s degree in business administration, finance or economics, or commerce from a

reputable institution;

� A minimum of 10 years experience of operations in a microfinance institution in a senior

position, or a relevant financial institution; experience in an urban setting will be a plus;

� Flexible and resourceful; the ability to work in a start-up and willingness to be responsible for a

varied set of tasks that will support the company’s growth and expansion;

� Excellent team skills as the job requires working in large teams;

� Requisite computer skills for presentations, communication and data analysis;

� Acquaintance with the MIS & Accounting systems for day to day microfinance operations

� A thorough understanding of microfinance performance metrics/indicators and the ability to

interpret and process operations data;

� Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills;

� The capacity to work under pressure, prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines;

Agora Microfinance India Limited

� Fluency in English and Hindi; Knowledge of Marathi will be an added advantage

� The commitments and enthusiasm to work in a challenging environment, and the ability to

display sensitivity to the diverse needs of urban low income families and be highly motivated to

work with slum households to improve their opportunities and outcomes.

7) Description of Role

� Lead role in the creation of the company’s operations plans;

� Management of lending (microfinance) operations to a high standard

� Management of Operations’ goals, objectives, and budget to support the achievement of the

overall organizational mission;

� Analysis of competition, products and processes on an ongoing basis

� Act as the main quality controller in client selection, portfolio quality management, product and

processes, client protection, area selection and other aspects of operations

� Ensure full compliance with the existing policies of the company, especially the Operations

Policies

� Develop new cost effective marketing strategies to improve outreach.

� Oversee credit and risk control’s policy adherence in operational areas.

� Support recruitment function for operations team.

8) Compensation

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the skills of the candidate. The package

will consist of about a 20%-25% performance based incentive component which will apply on the

completion of the probation period.

9) To Apply:

Please send a CV & a one page cover letter detailing how you meet the eligibility requirements to

hr@amil.co.in. The closing date for applications is 15th

February 2015. Please clearly state the role

that you are applying for in the email subject line. Candidates who do not submit a cover letter will

not be shortlisted. For further details please visit www.amil.co.in.