Private Sector Engagement Office – IFSPS PROGRAM

Position: Private Sector Engagement Office – IFSPS PROGRAM

Location: Mogadishu (Somalia)

Position Status Full-time, Regular

Salary Level: 4D

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been present in Somalia since 2005, with current programming in Somaliland, Puntland, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland, South-West State and Banadir. Our programming spans multiple sectors and is framed by a high-level strategy for advancing resilience and peace. Seeing ability in vulnerability, we work with and through local communities, including IDPs and returning refugees, to address immediate needs of crisis-affected populations while supporting and strengthening systems that facilitate collective advancement towards long-term and inclusive socio-economic growth, peace, and prosperity. Grounded in core resilience principles of systems thinking, partnership and facilitation, and adaptive management, Mercy Corps’ approach encourages crisis-affected populations, the private sector, government, and civil society to work together towards meaningful and lasting change.

Program / Department

Mercy Corps has a significant depth of experience throughout the Horn of Africa, including an operational presence in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Within the Horn of Africa, Mercy Corps’ strategic focus is on dryland communities and programming in these areas include governance, social cohesion, market systems development, climate change adaptation interventions, among others. Through our work across a diversity of program activities, Mercy Corps supports the establishment and cultivation of resilient livelihoods.

The Inclusive Finance for Somalia’s Productive Sectors (IFSPS) Program is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Mercy Corps (Prosper Global). Building on the foundations and lessons of the Inclusive Finance in the Livestock Sector (IFSLS) program, IFSPS aims to expand access to inclusive, affordable, and Sharia-compliant financial products and services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), producer groups, and other market actors across the productive sectors, including livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and energy.

Using a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, IFSPS seeks to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to design, deliver, and scale inclusive financial products and services that respond to the needs of underserved businesses and productive sector actors. The program addresses both supply- and demand-side barriers to financial inclusion. On the supply side, it works with banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) to strengthen their institutional capacity, improve product development and delivery, and expand access to appropriate savings and financing solutions. On the demand side, it supports MSMEs, producer groups, women, and youth to improve their financial literacy, business management capabilities, and readiness to access and benefit from formal financial services.

The program also aims to strengthen the wider financial ecosystem through partnerships with financial institutions, sector associations, and complementary development initiatives to help address financing constraints and encourage greater lending to underserved productive sectors. Through this facilitative approach, Mercy Corps will act as a catalyst and convenor, supporting market actors to develop sustainable solutions, strengthen private-sector engagement, and expand financial inclusion. Ultimately, IFSPS seeks to contribute to more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable livelihoods by enabling productive sector businesses to access and use financial services that support enterprise growth and economic opportunities.

General Position Summary

The Private Sector Engagement Officer will support the implementation of the Inclusive Finance for Somalia’s Productive Sectors (IFSPS) Program by strengthening partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and other private sector actors to expand inclusive financial services for MSMEs across the productive sectors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with banks and financial institutions, implementing financial inclusion programs, and facilitating access to finance for underserved businesses and communities. The role will also support self-help groups (SHGs), Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), women’s groups, and other community and market-based associations to strengthen their financial readiness, build linkages with formal financial institutions, and access appropriate savings and financing services. Through a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, the Officer will facilitate financial product development, strengthen institutional and market linkages, promote digital financial services, and contribute to sector coordination and learning. The position will help address barriers to finance, mobilize private sector investment, and promote sustainable, inclusive, and Sharia-compliant financial solutions that enable enterprise growth, women’s and youth economic empowerment, and improved livelihoods across productive sectors.

Essential Job Responsibilities Strategy and Market Facilitation

·         Contribute to the development and implementation of a private sector engagement strategy aligned with the objectives of the Inclusive Finance for Somalia’s Productive Sectors (IFSPS) Program.

·         Identify market opportunities, constraints, and private sector-led solutions to improve access to inclusive financial services across targeted productive sectors, including livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and other relevant sectors.

·         Facilitate market systems development interventions that strengthen linkages between financial institutions, MSMEs, producer groups, associations, and other market actors.

·         Design and implement strategies that promote inclusive markets, women’s economic empowerment, youth participation, and improved access to appropriate and affordable finance.

Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships

·         Build and maintain strong working relationships with banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), other financial service providers, private sector enterprises, and relevant industry associations.

·         Facilitate partnerships between financial institutions and MSMEs, self-help groups (SHGs), Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), women’s groups, producer groups, and other community-based associations to expand access to formal financial services.

·         Support engagement with financial sector stakeholders and associations to strengthen coordination, promote market linkages, and encourage sustainable private sector-led solutions.

·         In close collaboration and coordination of key economic growth and related programs teams contribute to the Identification of high-potential productive sectors value chains’ and related enterprises to strengthen business performance, growth, system wide changes and sustainability.

·         Work closely with key programs engaging MSMEs, cooperatives, producer groups, traders, and service providers to identify market opportunities and business constraints; and link them to the FI providers.

Access to Finance and Financial Product Development

·         Work closely with partner banks and MFIs to support the design, piloting, refinement, and delivery of appropriate, affordable, and Sharia-compliant financial products for MSMEs and other underserved groups across targeted productive sectors.

·         Facilitate the development and uptake of financial solutions, including working capital, asset-based financing, savings, group financing, and digital financial services, based on market assessments and the needs of target clients.

·         Support SHGs, VSLAs, women’s groups, producer groups, and other associations to strengthen their financial readiness, strengthen their organizational capacity, improve savings and financial management practices, and establish linkages with formal financial institutions.

·         Facilitate the transition of eligible community-based groups and associations towards formal financial services, including savings accounts and appropriate financing opportunities.

·         Coordinate product pilots, facilitate client feedback, monitor product performance indicators, and support financial institutions to adapt products and delivery approaches based on evidence and client needs.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

·         Support capacity-building for banks, MFIs, and other financial service providers on market assessment, financial product development, client outreach, portfolio management, risk management, and inclusive and Sharia-compliant finance.

·         Lead the delivery of financial literacy, business development services (BDS), and business management trainings for MSMEs, SHGs, VSLAs, women’s groups, and other community-based associations.

·         Strengthen the capacity of target groups to maintain business records, manage cash flow, understand financing terms, assess financing needs, and use financial services responsibly.

·         Facilitate technical assistance that enables community groups and associations to meet the requirements of formal financial institutions and access appropriate savings and financing services.

·         Promote the adoption and use of digital financial services, including mobile banking, mobile savings, and other relevant digital solutions, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)

• Work with the IFSPS Team as well as Mercy Corps GEDSI teams to Integrate gender and social inclusion across activities to ensure equitable access for women, youth, and marginalized groups to financial services and productive opportunities.
• Facilitate engagement between financial institutions and women-led MSMEs, women’s groups, SHGs, VSLAs, and other underserved community groups.
• Lead facilitation and delivery of targeted outreach, financial literacy, and business development initiatives that strengthen women’s and youth’s capacity to engage with formal financial institutions and use financial services.
• Promote inclusive financial products, delivery channels, and partnership models that respond to the needs and constraints of different client groups.

Stakeholder Engagement, Policy, and Representation

• Assist the Program Manager and team in coordinating with government authorities, financial sector regulators, banks, MFIs, industry associations, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen the enabling environment for financial inclusion and productive sector development.
• Support collaboration with relevant financial sector associations and coordination platforms to promote knowledge sharing, identify market opportunities, and address systemic barriers to MSME finance.
• Maintain an updated stakeholder engagement plan and represent the IFSPS Program in relevant coordination meetings, technical working groups, workshops, and sector events.

• Document and share lessons, evidence, and opportunities that can inform financial sector engagement, policy dialogue, and sustainable market systems development.

·         Where possible, represent the Mercy Corps in key forums within the IFSPS program areas when assigned.

Outreach and Communications

·         Prepare clear and timely activity reports, presentations, case studies, and success stories documenting program progress, partnerships, and results for internal, donor, and external audiences.

·         Document experiences and lessons from financial institution partnerships, financial product pilots, and initiatives linking community-based groups to formal financial services.

·         Support learning exchanges, stakeholder workshops, market events, and communication initiatives that promote awareness of inclusive financial services and successful private sector-led approaches.

Implementation, Monitoring, and Adaptive Management

·         Develop and implement activity plans, budgets, and delivery schedules in coordination with the Program team, ensuring effective sequencing and integration of interventions across target locations and productive sectors.

·         Coordinate implementation with financial institutions, private sector partners, service providers, industry associations, and community-based groups to ensure activities contribute to program outcomes.

·         Work with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and monitoring, reporting and measurement (MRM) colleagues to define performance indicators, collect and analyze data, monitor results, and assess the outcomes of private sector engagement and financial inclusion interventions.

·         Track progress in financial product uptake, access to formal finance, savings, business performance, and participation by women, youth, and other underserved groups.

·         Use monitoring findings, participant feedback, and market evidence to adapt interventions, address implementation challenges, and improve program effectiveness.

Security and Safeguarding

·         Coordinate with security focal points to ensure safe design and delivery of activities.

·         Adhere to Mercy Corps’ security protocols/ procedures, safeguarding, safe communication, and risk management policies.

·         Ensure that engagement with program participants, financial institutions, community groups, and other stakeholders is conducted safely, ethically, and respectfully.

Supervisory Responsibility ·         No direct supervisory responsibility. Accountability

Reports Directly To: Somalia Program Manager for the IFSPS Program

Works Directly with: IFSPS program team in Somalia, MEL/MRM team members, Mercy Corps Compliance & Finance and MC technical advisors.

Accountability to beneficiaries and partners

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and partners and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Finance, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or a related field.

Experience

·         At least three years of relevant professional experience in financial inclusion, banking, microfinance, private sector engagement, or market systems development, with strong demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, or managing financial inclusion programs.

·         Strong practical experience working with banks, MFIs, and other financial service providers to expand access to appropriate, affordable, and Sharia-compliant financial services for underserved populations and MSMEs.

·         Demonstrated experience supporting financial product development, financial literacy, savings mobilization, access to credit, digital financial services, and linkages between formal financial institutions and underserved clients.

·         Proven experience supporting SHGs, VSLAs, women’s groups, producer groups, and other community-based associations to strengthen financial management, improve financial readiness, and access formal savings and financing services.

·         Experience in developing partnerships, facilitating stakeholder engagement, coordinating technical assistance, and strengthening collaboration between financial institutions, private sector actors, and community groups.

·         Experience delivering or coordinating financial literacy, business development services, and capacity-building support for MSMEs and community-based associations.

·         Knowledge of Sharia-compliant financial services, risk-sharing arrangements, and financing solutions for productive sectors is an advantage.

·         Experience in livestock, agriculture, fisheries, or other productive sector value chains is preferred.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required.

·         Excellent written and spoken English; fluency in Somali required.

Success Factors

The successful Private Sector Engagement Officer will demonstrate strong relationship-building and partnership facilitation skills, particularly in working with banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and other financial service providers to expand access to inclusive financial services. The officer will have proven experience supporting the IFSPS Program’s private-sector engagement activities, working effectively with cross-cultural teams, strengthening the capacity of partner institutions and their staff, and providing effective mentoring and coaching.

Strong multitasking, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, combined with attention to detail and strategic thinking, are essential. The officer should have a sound understanding of cross-cutting technical areas, including market systems development, financial inclusion and banking services, business regulations and governance, climate change, social cohesion, and women’s economic empowerment.

Successful Mercy Corps team members demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, adapt effectively to evolving and changing environments, and prioritize clear, effective written and verbal communication in all aspects of their work.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Mogadishu with the opportunity to be assigned to support the other IFSPS program areas when needed. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Ongoing Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. In addition, the IFSPS project will be adaptive based on learning and evidence emerging from Program interventions and research.

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work. We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

  Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Application Procedure:

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV, and contacts of 5 professional referees through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national. to the job title (Private Sector Engagement Officer) only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for Applications: November 14th, 2026, at 5PM

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MER1024MERCY/JobBoard/90ada9b5-e020-4221-ad4d-1f54e0167025/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=1c3b6bcf-2fe9-4055-8948-053d6805a4f9