Overview

The VSLA Officer is primarily responsible for leading the ground level implementation of activities pertaining to establishing and running Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and providing support to school gardens under the livelihood work stream of the PALAM/A II project.

Tasks Summary

• Facilitate the formation and operation of VSLA groups and provide ongoing technical guidance.
• Coordinate beneficiary selection for VSLA and livelihood components.
• Deliver training modules on VSLA methodology, financial literacy, business development, governance, and leadership.
• Conduct regular community visits and facilitate meetings.
• Establish strong relationships with community members, local leaders, and stakeholders.
• Organize and report on provincial/district events.
• Track progress of savings, loans, and livelihoods development.
• Support monitoring of VSLA and livelihood activities.
• Ensure healthy Savings & Loans processes.
• Lead and develop high-quality reports related to VSLA and livelihood activities.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Link mature VSLA groups with formal microfinance institutions or banks.
• Anticipate and overcome potential risks and challenges related to VSLA groups.

Experience Requirements

• At least 1-3 years of demonstrable experience in implementing savings group models, livelihood interventions, and community mobilization.
• Experience in Book-keeping.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in working with communities.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation (DM&E) of savings group projects.

Qualification Requirements

• A higher national diploma in a relevant field i.e. Sociology, Community Development, Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, or Microfinance.
• Bachelor’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Basic qualification in Accounting and Finance.

Other Details

Languages Required:

Languages Preferred: • Excellent spoken and written skills in English, Sinhala and/or Tamil is desirable.

Contract Duration: Permanent

Work Modality:

Remuneration: