Description

Responsibilities

Depending on the number of months you are able to commit and the status of program development at your assigned MFI, your responsibilities as a Vittana

Fellow will include:
* Market Research
- Work with MFI staff and/or a third-party firm to perform an analysis of the potential demand for student loans by interviewing existing and potential clients, creating and distributing surveys to local students and MFI staff, and leading focus groups
- Assist the MFI in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative survey and focus group data

* Product Development & Pilot Launch
- Support the MFI's student loan product development process, culminating in a one-week Vittana-led innovation workshop with MFI management and staff
- Ensure necessary logistics and benchmarks are met in advance of the launch of a pilot program
- Serve as an intermediary between the MFI and other major stakeholders (i.e. students, vocational and technical schools, universities, etc.)
- Tailor the MFI's marketing and operational resources to effectively integrate the student loan product into the MFI's day-to-day operations
- Design and run training sessions for MFI staff on Vittana lending policies and procedures

* Capacity Building & Pilot Evaluation
- Liaise between Vittana and MFI staff to assess the pilot and identify areas for improvement
- Ensure continued focus on and progress toward goals for the successful launch of the student loan as a core product offering
- Generate multi-media content for the Vittana website in the form of student stories, photos, and video interviews

Highlights

Why be a Fellow?
We offer a hands-on experience in the growing field of education microfinance. Just 18 months ago, the know-how and capital needed to develop and launch a student loan product remained out of reach for most MFIs. Vittana is changing that reality and we want your help.

If you are looking to diversify your experience abroad, build leadership skills, and contribute real, impactful work in an international setting, we want to hear from you. This is not your average volunteer position; you will walk away having managed the creation of a brand new loan product at a highly innovative MFI and having developed a deep understanding of the inner-workings of a microfinance institution. If you do your job well, you will change the lives of thousands of students who just need a chance to change their lives through education.

Qualifications

Requirements
* Commitment to spend at least 12 weeks in-country (strong preference given to applicants able to spend 4 months or more)
* International work, travel or life experience
* Strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills
* Independence and the ability to identify and address a need with little direction
* Flexibility, ability to easily adapt to ever-changing circumstances
* Impeccable communication skills in a professional environment
* Proficiency with MS Office Suite and web tools (Gmail, Skype, Wordpress, etc.)
* At least 21 years of age

Other Things We Notice
* Project management and/or market research experience
* Demonstrated interest in education, microfinance, or international development
* Demonstrated track record delivering results and/or making a difference on the outcome of challenging projects, whether professional, volunteer, or personal
* Positive, optimistic, "can do" attitude. This is hard work, but it doesn't mean it can't be fun.
* Fluency in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Khmer, Filipino or Bahasa Indonesia

Intern Types

• Communications
• Education
• Finance
• International Relations
• Marketing, Ad, PR
• Political Science/Politics

Languages

• English
• Indonesian
• Quechua
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

Cost in US$:

0

Program Fees Include:

No program fees, although travel/living expenses are the responsibility of the Fellow.

Experience Required

yes

You must be 21 years of age and have relevant work experience.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Vittana's Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower young people around the world with the the education and training they need to build a life of prosperity and opportunity.

Year Founded

2008