Operations Specialist, Microfinance Accelerator Program

Role Description

Application deadline: January 04, 2026

The Microfinance Accelerator Program (MAP) is designed to strengthen Christian microfinance institutions by equipping them for long-term, sustainable growth. Through a comprehensive framework that includes training, consulting, mentoring, grant support, and active participation in the MAP network, the program empowers MFIs to expand their impact and deepen their mission.

The Operations Specialist plays a pivotal role in designing, delivering, and optimizing learning experiences that align with MAP’s strategic goals and core curriculum. This position oversees the development of high-quality training content in collaboration with subject matter experts, ensures consistency across materials, and manages logistics for both virtual and in-person sessions. Through rigorous evaluation methods and performance data analysis, the specialist drives continuous improvement in learner engagement and program effectiveness.

In addition to training operations, the specialist leads MAP Alumni engagement initiatives and activities. This includes cultivating relationships with senior alumni leaders, organizing peer learning opportunities, and executing programming such as workshops, summits, and an annual Innovation Challenge. This multifaceted position requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a commitment to fostering learning and leadership across MAP’s global community.

• Location: Kigali, Rwanda; Bujumbura, Burundi; Lilongwe, Malawi; Lusaka, Zambia; Harare, Zimbabwe; Tanzania, Arusha, BurundiMalawi ,Rwanda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Tanzania

• Level: Senior Professional

• Type: Full-time

• Department: Microfinance

• Reports to: Asia Associate Regional Director, MFI

Responsibilities

• Promote and fulfill the mission and vision of HOPE International.
• Spiritual Integration and Christian Witness
• Ensure a personal, healthy spiritual balance within family, work, and church life through the adoption of Biblical personal and spiritual disciplines; and
• Maintain a culture that models Biblical principles and incorporates an intentional and effective Christian witness into all aspects of HOPE’s Microfinance Accelerator Program
• Operations
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and trainers to design high quality and engaging training content that aligns with MAP goals and MAP core curriculum
• Ensure consistency and quality across MAP training modules, presentations, and materials
• Assist in translation of training materials using reliable translation tools
• Coordinate logistics for virtual and in-person MAP training sessions
• Manage participant communications
• Support facilitators with materials, tech setup, and follow-up
• Serve as primary point of contact for both internal and external trainers
• Design and administer pre- and post-training surveys to measure learning outcomes
• Analyze feedback and performance data to assess training effectiveness
• Recommend and implement improvements to enhance learner engagement and retention
• Maintain and organize a comprehensive inventory of MAP training resources
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing management of a new LMS
• Upload, update, and track training content and learner progress within the LMS
• Provide technical support and training to users of the LMS
• MAP Alumni Engagement (25%)
• Maintain active connections with senior leaders of MAP Alumni members through regular communication and events
• In collaboration with MAP team members, identify high-performing senior leaders of MAP Alumni MFIs to contribute as peer mentors to the new cohort
• Plan and execute MAP Alumni programming such as networking events, advanced workshops, roundtables, invitations to MAP summits as guest speakers, etc.
• Facilitate best practice and knowledge sharing between MAP Alumni and active MAP cohort through peer learning groups, case study development, etc.
• Design and implement an annual Innovation Challenge with grant awards for winning ideas and outstanding execution
• Maintain a MAP Alumni database and contact lists
• Track alumni impact and gather testimonials for storytelling
• Convene feedback loops and make recommendations for future MAP improvements
• Event Planning and Logistics (15%)
• In collaboration with other MAP team members, plan and execute MAP-related events (both virtual and in-person), e.g., annual global and regional summits, workshops, webinars, quarterly meetings
• Manage venue bookings, travel arrangements, and hospitality for attendees
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure smooth event operations
• Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, and event materials
• Relationship Building and Management
• Intentionally invest in building strong, God-honoring relationships with the management team, central office and senior leaders of MAP partners
• Facilitate meaningful connections between MAP partners and HOPE staff to strengthen the institutional relationship and to facilitate lateral learning
• Ensure that relationships are marked by HOPE’s Christ-centered values

Qualifications

• Personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to the mission and vision of HOPE International.

• Passionate about sharing the mission of HOPE and Christ-centered economic development.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

• Demonstrated lifestyle of Christ-like humility, compassion, and empathy

• 5+ years of experience in training operations, program management, or instructional design

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and training evaluation methods

• Exceptional level of initiative, positivity, and commitment to operational excellence

• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, and willingness to perform administrative tasks with joy and ease

• Excellent communication, problem solving and relationship management skills including strength in active listening

• Demonstrated ability to create relationships that thrive and flourish, and to influence without authority

• International experience and strong cross-cultural intelligence

• Fluency (both verbal and written) in English

• Fluency in a second relevant language, such as Spanish, preferred

• Experience with microfinance, nonprofit or international development preferred

• Experience with LMS platforms (e.g., Moodle, TalentLMS, Canvas) preferred

• Experience with event planning preferred

How to apply 

Applications should be submitted no later than January 04th, 2025. Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.