Summary

Root Capital’s GRC Team (a.k.a. Legal Team, led by the Sr. Director) is responsible for a variety of governance, risk management, legal and compliance matters. As the organization grows, so does the complexity and volume of the GRC Team’s work. The Officer will support the risk management and legal functions by contributing inputs to everything from the borrower loan closing process to business continuity planning. The Officer will also manage Root Capital’s compliance functions, contribute to cross-functional initiatives, and work closely with the Sr. Director and Corporate Counsel to facilitate the GRC Team’s efforts.

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $500 million in credit to over 420 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.

Responsibilities

Facilitate risk mitigation by supporting legal work and risk management efforts – 55%

• Lending Contracts and Documentation – work under the supervision of the Corporate Counsel to:
  • Develop an index of frequently used loan covenants and conditions for use by regional loan closers with Root Capital’s borrowers worldwide.
  • Review and refine new / alternative clauses proposed by loan closers or local counsel for use in Root Capital’s standard loan agreement with borrowers and help draft clauses in Spanish / French, as needed.
  • Support revision of loan agreements for short- and long-term loans to incorporate the advice received from local counsel concerning how to make Root’s templates locally enforceable.
• Contractor Agreements: Manage negotiation and finalization of contractor agreements under supervision of Corporate Counsel. Develop and implement a procurement process for consultants in consultation with Sr. Director, SVP Finance, HR team, and Accounting team. Keep contractor agreement database updated with help of GRC Team intern.
• Enterprise Risk & Business Continuity Planning: Support GRC Team in developing and right-sizing Root Capital’s Enterprise Risk and Business Continuity Planning functions.
• Power of Attorney: Manage work with local legal counsel in various countries to assign power of attorney (POA) to legal representatives for loan closings / collections with support from GRC Team intern and subject to review by Sr. Director.

Manage Root Capital’s compliance regime to facilitate compliance with federal, state, and international laws, as well as funder requirements – 30%

• COE: Lead trainings (in English and Spanish) for Root Capital staff and Board of Directors on Root Capital’s Code of Ethics (COE). Oversee ongoing compliance with COE and manage updates to internal policies and procedures.
• KYC: Manage Root Capital’s Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program for all departments aside from Lending. Work with Senior Manager of Loan Closing to ensure that KYC and AML/CFT compliance is adhered to within the Lending Team. Update relevant materials and train staff on tools and procedures, as needed.
• Other trainings: Work with GRC Team to develop practical trainings (in English and Spanish) for field staff on compliance topics including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• FORT: Work with Sr. Director to refine, implement and manage tool for tracking fiscal and operations requirements in Cambridge and the field offices (a.k.a. FORT).
• Charity Navigator: Support Sr. Director in monitoring criteria by which Root Capital is evaluated each year by Charity Navigator and ensuring that Root maintains its four-star rating.
• Funder Compliance:
  • Manage Root Capital’s funder compliance database and update it, with help of GRC Team intern, as new upstream funding is closed by Investor Relations (IR) team.
  • Manage and refine Root Capital’s process for pro-actively tracking funder compliance requirements and facilitate reporting on funder compliance to CFO ahead of quarterly report releases.
  • Work with Corporate Counsel to support IR in drafting memos to current investors/donors regarding changes in covenants / commitments, as needed.
  • Manage national philanthropic registration to ensure that Root Capital can continue to raise donations in all 50 US states.

Support cross-cutting initiatives such as field office registration / entity creation efforts, LEAN Project Management Office (PMO), and GRC Team intranet updates – 15%

• Field Office Registration / Entity Creation Efforts:
  • Assist GRC Team in gathering and submitting relevant documents to local counsel to facilitate field office registration / entity creation efforts.
  • Assist GRC Team in coordinating with other teams and departments to facilitate proper set-up of newly established entities and to ensure operational compliance with Root Capital policies and procedures.
• LEAN PMO:
  • Develop trainings and opportunities to teach Root Capital’s global team about LEAN process improvements.
  • Support the launch of LEAN projects and provide advice, as needed.
  • Track cost and time savings that result from LEAN initiatives and determine with leadership how to showcase these savings to the Board of Directors and Root supporters.
• Intranet: Oversee the design of and updates to Legal Resources page of Root Capital intranet.

Other tasks or projects as assigned.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.

 Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of experience in corporate and/or finance transactions is required. J.D. / international equivalent or paralegal training is an advantage.
• Spanish fluency is required. French proficiency is an advantage.
• Corporate compliance experience is preferred.
• Project management experience is preferred. Familiarity with Lean Project Management is an advantage.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and sound judgment for evaluating new situations.
• Strong analytical skills to support legal, transactional and operational functions of the firm.
• Will seek out broader context for assignments and prioritize assignments appropriately.
• Able to recognize, coordinate, and motivate stakeholders in cross-departmental initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, excellent writing skills for internal and occasionally external communications, and strong presentation skills.
• Extremely detail-oriented and possessing superb organizational and research skills.
• Able to work with minimal supervision. Proactive, take-charge attitude.
• Collaborative team player with a good sense of humor. 
• Passion for Root Capital’s commitment to worldwide poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Applications and Nominations

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobs+grcofficer@rootcapital.org.  Please type “GRC Officer” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “GRC Officer – Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Edward oversees full cycle accounting for the Cambridge office and assists with the external audit and IRS Form 990. Previously he served as Senior Accountant for UMass Memorial Health Care, and as Senior Accountant for Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Edward holds an MBA from Fitchburg State University, a BS in Accounting from the National University in San Diego, and is CPA licensed by the MA Board of Public Accountancy.

Tema is responsible for loan transaction processing, compliance and reporting activities and is the primary payment processor for Root Capital’s global loan portfolios. Prior to Root Capital, she worked as a research assistant at Economics and Technology, Inc. in Boston and interned in the Global Transaction Services department at the BBVA in Madrid. Tema holds a BA in Economics from Macalester College and studied International Political Economy at the Harvard Extension School.

Scott is responsible for formulating annual, long-term departmental and organizational plans and developing and implementing reporting processes from department heads to the CEO, board and external stakeholders. Prior to Root Capital, Scott worked as a Strategy Consultant at FSG, and as Interim Area Manager for Technoserve in Ethiopia. Scott holds a BS in Economics and Political Science from Vanderbilt University, a MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School and a MBA from Columbia Business School. 

Summary

The Accounts & Administration Assistant will primarily perform accounting and financial reporting activities, such as updating and maintaining accounting records in computerized accounting system. He/she will also be responsible for the administration of petty cash and will assist in coordinating travel within the region.
 

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $600 million in credit to over 480 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Collect, review, and process monthly expense reports.

• Post monthly field staff invoices and disbursements
• Track field staff payments on monthly schedule
• Track semi-monthly expense reimbursements
• Communicate expense reimbursement notifications to staff

Credit cards for Field staff & consultant expenses.

• Review credit card and expense reports for accuracy and appropriate backup

Post monthly journal entries into an accounting software (Intacct).

• Accrued vacation
• Fringe benefits
• Rent
• Credit card invoice
• Expense reports

Reconcile accounts on a monthly basis.

• Bank accounts
• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Advances
• Petty Cash

Maintain vendor files.

• Contracts and consultants agreements
• Accounts payable
  • Mail checks to vendors
  • Respond to vendor enquiries

Coordinate travel and event logistics in Africa for Root Capital staff, board members, investors, and other partners.

• Assist staff from any Root Capital office with their travel arrangements within Africa.
• Arrange in-region logistics (transport and accommodation) and coordinate with Root Capital clients in the case of field visits.

Other activities as specified by the manager.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree/accounting qualifications (Advanced KATC/CPA level 2) with relevant experience.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and comfortable with technology in general.
• Advanced fluency in English.
• Familiarity with professional and business practices.
• Strong communications skills in professional settings and with important visitors. 
• Proactive, take charge attitude; ability to trouble-shoot routine situations and manage tasks independently; willing to pitch in wherever needed.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Sense of humor.
• Passion for Root Capital’s mission to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

Applications are due by May 13th, 2014, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, salary requirements, earliest availability, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobsafrica@rootcapital.org. Please type “Accounts & Administration Assistant” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Accounts & Administration Assistant – Sindani, Nana”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Summary

The Senior Manager, Loan Closing will oversee Root Capital’s portfolio administration, ensuring loans are closed in accordance with approved loan terms and policy and procedures.  S/he will also develop additional loan closing policies and procedures as needed. S/he will be responsible for ensuring timeliness, efficiency, accuracy and physical security of all loan documentation. S/he will have matrix management responsibility for a team of four loan closers in Root Capital’s regional offices in Peru, Costa Rica, Senegal, and Kenya. The Senior Manager will also liaise with Root Capital’s Legal team to develop and implement Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Financing of Terrorism processes, and to oversee compliance for portfolio-specific investor covenants. S/he will also develop Root Capital’s loan servicing capability with respect to agented transactions.
 

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $600 million in credit to over 480 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Loan closings and documentation.

• Provide oversight and direction to regionally-based loan closers in Root Capital’s Latin American and African offices, in a matrix management system. Set quality and turnaround time standards, and train closers to address deficiencies and build capabilities.
• Ensure loan documents are prepared in accordance with approved terms
• Ensure that loans are properly booked and maintained in the loan management system
• Oversee loan servicing and ensure compliance with loan terms as well as excellent customer service
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve Root Capital’s loan closing procedures manual. Bring industry best practices to inform Root Capital standards.
• Work with Chief Credit Officer and Legal team to ensure that Root Capital’s standard loan agreement templates and locally drafted documents are updated to reflect any relevant revisions to credit policy. 

Credit process, compliance, and internal audit.

• Determine, and ensure compliance with, country-specific loan documentation requirements 
• Continuously review and optimize Root Capital’s procedures for portfolio administration, including determining clients’ funds availability and compliance with loan terms
• Ensure Lending team’s compliance with Root’s existing Know Your Customer program and Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Financing of Terrorism efforts.
• Collaborate with Legal team to compile data on local lending laws and regulations. Contribute to risk-based assessments of RC’s compliance requirements.
• Track and report on Lending team’s compliance with loan portfolio-specific investor covenants
• Determine policies for credit file management and document security. Spot check credit files for quality and completeness
• Ensure security in sending and storing electronic and physical loan documents
• Oversee loan documentation exceptions to ensure timely resolution
• Oversee client communication around loan processing, including notices of disbursement, payment, maturity and default

Agency services.

• Develop Root Capital's agency lending capability, including processes, standard terms, and pricing for acting as agent on club deals and loan participations
• Oversee development of related documentation, including servicing agreements and intercreditor agreements

Other tasks or projects as assigned.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in management, finance or a related field
• 5+ years professional experience in commercial lending as loan closer, portfolio administrator, MIS manager, paralegal, or related role
• Must be fluent in oral and written Spanish
• Demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills
• Proactive, creative problem solving attitude
• Motivated to contribute to building a lending operation that balances industry best practices with reaching an underserved population
• Detail oriented
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for Root Capital’s commitment to worldwide poverty alleviation and environmental conservation
• Must be authorized to work in the US 

Preferred Competencies and Experience

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

Applications are due by May 13th, 2014, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobs+srmgrloan@rootcapital.org.  Please type “Sr. Mgr. Loan Closing” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Sr. Mgr. Loan Closing – Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Summary

The Senior Associate FP&A will lead key aspects of the financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions at Root Capital. Working with the Director of Finance, (s)he will be responsible for three main areas: (1) coordinate the annual and long-term financial planning processes, including project management responsibilities, analysis of consolidated financial forecasts, and design and compilation of presentation materials for internal and external audiences; (2) conduct ongoing analysis of organizational financial performance, analysis related to specific projections or initiatives (including new market entry), and benchmarking Root Capital’s financials performance against peer/competitor organizations; and (3) designing and producing a suite of reporting materials related to organizational financial performance for both internal and external audiences, including Root Capital staff, board members, donors, and investors.  

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $600 million in credit to over 480 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Annual and long-term financial planning.

The FP&A team, in coordination with the Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation (SKI) team, is responsible for guiding Root Capital through both the strategic (long-term) and annual planning processes. The Senior FP&A Associate will:

• Coordinate the annual and long-term financial planning processes, working together with the Director of Finance and other members of the FP&A team. This will include managing the planning timeline, making adjustments as necessary during the planning process, and providing periodic updates to the Director of Finance and SVP of Finance.
• Be the primary contact with the SKI team in the collaborative design of an integrated planning process that ensures that the financial forecasts and analysis being produced by the FP&A team are well aligned with the strategies and work plans coordinated by SKI.
• Analyze the consolidated financial projections in close coordination with other FP&A team members responsible for producing detailed lending, operating expenses, and fundraising projections. Design sensitivity and scenarios analysis to identify potential variations in the financial forecasts produced.
• Design the presentation materials used to communicate financials forecasts to both internal and external stakeholders. Produce presentation materials in close coordination with other FP&A team members. 

Financial analysis.

• Conduct ongoing analysis of organizational financial performance by consolidating and synthesizing analyses produced by other members of the FP&A team related to lending revenue and risk, operating expenses, debt & contribution fundraising, and balance sheet health.
• Conduct cross-cutting financial analysis related to specific projects or initiatives, including ROI/IRR calculations related to new market entry for our lending operations.
• Coordinate with the Industry Analysis Manager, a member of the Lending Department, on analysis related to benchmarking Root Capital’s performance related to peer/competitor organizations.
• Prepare ad-hoc financial analysis as requested by the Director of Finance and SVP of Finance and other Executive Team Members

Internal and external financial performance reporting.

• Work closely with Director of Finance and other FP&A staff to co-ordinate the design, production, and distribution of key internal and external financial reports, including:
  • Monthly internal financial performance reports and dashboard, which provide the Executive Team, the Board of Directors, and Root Capital staff with high-level results and analysis related to program-level and organizational financial reporting.
  • The sections of the Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) produced by the FP&A team, including sections focused on operating expenses, lending program financial performance, and organizational financial performance.
  • Board materials related to financial forecasting and analysis.
  • Leverage Lean Process Improvement methodology to innovate and improve our reporting and analysis approaches.
• Manage the FP&A team’s Intranet page and library of materials that are approved for internal and/or external distribution, serving as a key resource for program and fundraising staff who are request reports and other information produced by FP&A.
• As needed, produce reports for donors and investors related of projected operating budgets, loss position diagrams, and other analyses.

Other tasks or projects as assigned.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field required. MBA, or similar advanced degree is highly desirable.
• Three to seven years’ experience with financial analysis, financial reporting, accounting or related fields.
• Proven track record of planning and coordinating complex projects, including managing tasks independently.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, including the ability to present complex quantitative data effectively.
• Has an orientation to excellence and strong attention to detail.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with Intacct, Adaptive Planning or Salesforce software packages a plus.
• Experience interfacing with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and constantly evolving work environment.
• Passion for Root Capital’s mission of environmentally and socially responsible investing.
• Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable.
• Desire to learn and enhance their analytical skills and techniques in order to help Root Capital make better decisions and more effectively achieve our goals.
• Passion for Root Capital’s commitment to worldwide poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.
• Must be authorized to work in the US. 
   

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobs+ fpaassociate@rootcapital.org.  Please type “Sr. Associate FP&A” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Sr. Associate FP&A– Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Summary

This position will support Advisory work across Latin America and Africa, including strategy formation, program and budget management, and implementation of key Advisory initiatives. 
 

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $600 million in credit to over 480 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Advisory Services program management.

• Strategy
  • Work with the Finance team to analyze the economics of service delivery and refine the business case for Advisory Services.
  • Work with Strategy, Knowledge, and Innovation (SKI) team to refine the impact measurement model for Advisory Services.
• Financial analysis and reporting
  • Review and analyze financial performance (global budget vs. actuals; operational efficiency) and report to Global Director of Advisory Services quarterly.
  • Support Finance and Operations in developing and improving budgeting systems and analytics.
• Regional Program Coordination
  • Monitor the integration of Advisory and Lending activities, including the effect of Advisory activities on Lending outcomes e.g., pipeline generation, client retention, and portfolio quality.
  • Work closely with Root Capital’s Impact team to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of Advisory Services activity on Root Capital clients.

Advisory Services project management.

• Support the Advisory team in Latin America to ensure successful program delivery and reporting on key initiatives, including the Coffee Farmer Resilience Initiative.
• Coordinate closely with IR team in Cambridge to aggregate and refine performance  information to inform stakeholder communication.

Other tasks or projects as assigned.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications 

• 2-5 years of relevant experience; e.g., impact investing, small business training, financial consulting, international development
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, International Development, Economics, or equivalent is required; graduate degree preferred
• English and Spanish fluency required
• Clear understanding of contemporary models for providing financial services to rural businesses; specifically, SME/SGB lending and/or microfinance
• Basic knowledge of technical assistance models and methodologies; emphasis on financial management and financial statement analysis of small and growing businesses
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas in compelling form
• Experience building programs in and entrepreneurial, “self-starter” environment
• Experience with development initiatives in Latin America and/or Africa, preferably in the areas of impact investing, micro-enterprise/cooperative development, or financial training
• Strong background in non-profit administration, project accounting, and financial / budget management; ability to interface seamlessly with Root Capital’s Finance & Administration team
• Collaborative work style, works well on a team, able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Entrepreneurial spirit and professional maturity; ability to work independently, think creatively, and a willingness to seek support when needed
• Demonstrated commitment to innovative solutions concerning the “missing middle”, particularly for small and growing businesses in developing countries
• Passion for Root Capital’s commitment to worldwide poverty alleviation and environmental conservation.
• Must be authorized to work in the US. 
   

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobs+sraas@rootcapital.org.  Please type “Sr. Associate Advisory Services” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Sr. Associate Advisory Services – Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Resumen

ACCDER está buscando un Analista de Operaciones  quien será responsable para el apoyo en el proceso del cierre y formalización de cualquier préstamo aprobado por Root Capital, desde el momento de su aprobación hasta el primer desembolso. Además, apoya al Administrador de Cartera de Root Capital en la coordinación de los diferentes Comités de Crédito para asegurar un eficiente procesamiento de los memos que llegan a Comité. 
 

Misión e Historia de ACCDER

La misión de ACCDER es apoyar el crecimiento de la prosperidad rural mediante el impulso de la inversión en pequeños negocios agrícolas que proporcionan medios de vida sostenibles en el país. ACCDER es una Asociación sin fines de lucro que es pionera en la búsqueda de estrategias para lograr la inclusión financiera de empresas rurales. ACCDER realiza evaluaciones financieras y legales a pequeñas y medianas empresas rurales a fin de determinar su capacidad para recibir financiamiento, dándoles recomendaciones del caso y facilitándoles los contactos necesarios para que puedan recibir financiamiento. Asimismo, realiza capacitaciones y asistencia técnica en gestión financiera a empresas rurales a fin de fortalecer su capacidad directiva y facilitar su crecimiento económico y social.

ACCDER trabaja en colaboración con Root Capital, un fondo de inversión social, sin fines de lucro, que apoya el crecimiento de la prosperidad rural en sectores de bajos recursos y ambientalmente vulnerables, en África y América Latina, mediante crédito, capacitación financiera y fortalecimiento de las relaciones de comerciales para los pequeños negocios agrícolas. Los clientes de Root Capital incluyen asociaciones y empresas privadas que ayudan a la creación de medios de subsistencia sostenibles mediante la consolidación de los productos de cientos y, a veces, miles de agricultores.  Desde su lanzamiento en 1999 Root Capital ha desembolsado más de 500 millones de créditos a 460 pequeños negocios agrícolas en crecimiento. Estos préstamos han ayudado a los clientes de Root Capital a mejorar los ingresos de más de 450,000 hogares en áreas rurales.
 

Responsabilidades

Coordinación de Comité de Crédito

• Apoyar en recibir y procesar cualquier propuesta de crédito que llegue para ser evaluado en Comité de Crédito.
• Apoyar en la convocatoria del Comité correspondiente, coordinando disponibilidad de miembros del Comité y poniendo a disposición los documentos requeridos para dicha evaluación.
• Asegurar que el proceso de aprobación sea lo más eficiente posible.

Cierre legal de préstamos

• Revisar que se tengan todos los documentos requeridos para proceder al cierre del préstamo.
• Basado en las minutas del memo aprobado, preparar y elaborar los documentos legales correspondientes.
• Apoyar la verificación de nombres de clientes en el cumplimiento de OFAC.
• Enviar documentos legales revisados al cliente, para su posterior firma.
• Apoyar con la revisión de documentos legales de Root Capital.
• Antes de la presentación de un memo a Comité, apoyar a los Analistas de Inversiones en la redacción de los términos y condiciones del crédito o en la documentación del mismo, cuando sea requerido.
• Coordinar con los abogados locales de Root Capital la elaboración de los documentos legales en los casos que haya que registrar una garantía real o un contrato de préstamo localmente.
• Dar seguimiento con los abogados locales de Root Capital sobre la inscripción de garantías reales y contratos en Notaría y Registros Públicos.
• Controlar que toda documentación legal de préstamo sea formalizada y recibida antes de entrar los relacionados términos y condiciones en el sistema.

 Custodia de documentación legal de Root Capital

• Apoyar en el proceso de colección de documentos legales firmados.
• Tomar custodia de los documentos legales originales firmados y salvaguardarlos en un lugar adecuado. De la misma forma, ordenar y guardar los documentos legales recibidos de manera digital.

Otras responsabilidades

• Generar y traducir borradores de correspondencia general y legal.
• Realizar otras funciones según requerimiento.

Esta descripción de puesto tiene la intención de describir la naturaleza general del trabajo en esta posición y no es una lista exhaustiva de todas las responsabilidades, tareas y requerimientos de la persona en este papel.

Requerimientos Académicos,  Habilidades y Experiencia

• Fuerte orientación al servicio al cliente.
• De 1 a 3 años de experiencia bancaria y/o en trámites para formalización de créditos. Trabajo previo con clientes tipo pequeña y mediana empresa (rurales) es deseable.
• Fuertes habilidades interpersonales, de colaboración y de negociación.
• Habilidad para trabajar en equipo y bajo presión. Capacidad para poner atención al detalle, mientras que coordine una amplia gama de actividades al mismo tiempo. Fuertes habilidades organizativas.
• Bachillerato universitario en administración de empresas ó áreas relacionadas. Formación financiera es una ventaja.
• Fluidez en el idioma español es indispensable. Conocimiento avanzado del idioma inglés es una ventaja.
• Manejo avanzado de Word y Excel es indispensable. Conocimiento adicional  del manejo de una base de datos es una ventaja.
• Respetar la confidencialidad de las transacciones y actividades de negocio de ACCDER y sus clientes.
• Fuerte interés en el área de inversiones ambiental y socialmente responsables.
• Tener autorización para trabajar en Perú.

Aplicaciones 

La fecha límite para las aplicaciones es el  02 de Junio de 2014. Recomendamos a los candidatos interesados aplicar lo antes posible.

La aplicación deberá incluir currículum vitae y su carta de presentación describiendo la razón por su interés, calificaciones para el puesto, expectativa salarial y la forma de cómo se enteró de esta oportunidad. Por favor enviar sus aplicaciones dirigidas a: Mariella Arestegui, email: marestegui@accder.pe. A los candidatos finalistas se les requerirá por lo menos tres referencias de trabajo. 

Summary

This position will lead Advisory Services activity across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, working in close collaboration with Root Capital’s lending team. Specific responsibilities include leadership, support and guidance of the regional team; planning and evaluation; coordination of all local Advisory operations; and alliance formation.

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $650 million in credit to over 500 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated locations in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

• Oversee Root Advisory Services for the Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (MAC), including direct supervision of Regional Coordinators and delivery on key projects in the region (e.g., the Coffee Farmer Resilience Initiative)
• Represent the Advisory Services department on the LatAm management team to ensure tight cross-departmental coordination in the region 
• Develop and lead strategies for integration of Advisory activities with lending priorities and objectives
• Oversee the annual planning process for the region in collaboration with the regional Lending team
• Ensure that the Vice President, Latin America and Regional Credit Director, MAC have access to real-time information regarding Advisory operations in the region
• Cultivate partnerships and alliances as appropriate; represent Root Capital at industry events
• Support the Regional Administrator in stakeholder relationship management and grant administration; provide inputs for reporting and proposal development if/as needed
• Complete other ad-hoc projects and initiatives as needed in support of the Global Director of Advisory Services.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications

• An understanding of and passion for, impact investing, financial markets and social entrepreneurship
• Experience with economic development initiatives in Latin America, preferably in the areas of impact investing, micro-enterprise/cooperative development and/or financial training
• Clear understanding of contemporary models for providing financial services to rural communities; specifically, SME/SGB lending and/or microfinance
• English and Spanish fluency required; strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in compelling form
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical assistance models and methodologies; emphasis on financial management of small and growing businesses is a plus
• Direct experience with value chain lending, credit assessment and risk analysis; ability to interface seamlessly with Root Capital’s Lending team
• Experience managing remote teams, particularly with multi-national NGOs or social businesses with operations in Latin America
• Collaborative work style, works well on a team, able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Entrepreneurial spirit and professional maturity; ability to work independently, think creatively and a willingness to seek support when needed
• Willing and able to travel, both nationally and internationally, up to 50%
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration (or equivalent) is required; graduate degree preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to innovative solutions concerning the “missing middle”, particularly for small and growing businesses in Latin America
• Must be authorized to work in Costa Rica.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements and how you learned of the position should be sent to: fbolanos@rootcapital.org. Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Summary

The Executive Office Assistant provides full-time administrative support to the CEO under the supervision of the Executive Office Senior Associate. This position requires a dynamic individual who is used to working in a fast-paced environment in an administrative support capacity and who is comfortable working with a variety of high-level constituencies. This person plays an important role in enhancing the CEO’s effectiveness by providing information management and clerical support, and requires strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities. Additional responsibilities include varied administrative support to the Executive Team, and logistical support to quarterly Board of Director meetings.

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $650 million in credit to over 500 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated offices in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Schedule Management– 20%

• Manage complex CEO calendar of internal, external, and personal meetings
• Optimize regular meeting schedule of direct reports and other internal staff
• Evaluate and gate-keep individual meeting requests
• Coordinate organization-wide event scheduling to ensure CEO presence
• Ensure CEO participation in key departmental meetings
• Prepare agendas and other materials for internal meetings
• Track and follow up on action items for internal meetings
• Timekeeper: ensure CEO meetings start/end on time

Correspondence – 25%

• Screen and evaluate incoming and outgoing CEO correspondence (email, mail, and phone) to ensure the CEO maintains highest levels of productivity
• Act as first filter of CEO email and redirect inquiries where appropriate
• Compose and prepare responses to correspondence

Executive Office General Support – 15%

• Maintain CEO file organization (hard files and electronic files)
• Update contact records across all CEO platforms (Salesforce, Google, phone)
• Process all Executive Office and E-Team expense and reimbursement reports
• Manage Executive Office supplies and equipment, including computers and mobile devices
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Board of Directors Operational Support – 15%

• Manage preparation of the Board Book (in close coordination with the Executive Office Senior Associate).
• Manage logistics for quarterly Root Capital Board meetings.
• Maintain hard copy and electronic files of Board meeting minutes, votes, and documentation related to Board conversations.
• Update relevant databases with Board of Director information.
• Update Board operations manual in consultation with Root Capital leadership.
• Assist with scheduling regular meetings or maintaining frequent communication between CEO and individual Board members.

Travel Arrangements – 15%

• Plan high-level CEO travel schedule with relevant departments (Investor Relations, Lending, Financial Advisory Services, Communications, SKI)
• Organize and book all local, domestic, and international travel for CEO including air and ground transportation, hotel reservations, visas, and preparation of itineraries.
• Coordinate CEO logistics for speaking events and conferences
• Prepare travel briefs and materials, including logistics and relevant programmatic content

Communications & Social Media - 5%

• Maintain active CEO presence on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) in coordination with Communications Team
• Maintain CEO presence on community portals (Skoll, CGI, YPO, etc.)
• Coordinate bulk emails with IR and Communications
• Internal Communications: liaise with members of the global Root Capital team to ensure consistent and effective communication between the CEO and all departments

IT liaison  to CEO – 5%

• Support CEO’s day-to-day technology needs for hardware and software issues in consultation with Insource (IT team)
• Perform routine checks of CEO IT equipment (computer, printer, cell phone, tablet, phone) to ensure proper functioning
• Schedule IT checks of CEO’s hardware and software prior to international or other lengthy travel

Other activities as specified by the manager

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2-3 years professional experience in office administration or executive support
• Related experience in development, impact investing, or international development preferred, but not required
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Proven ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and adapt to a dynamically changing environment
• Excellent writing and editing skills, primarily for email communication
• Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to interact appropriately with various audiences  
• Must be able to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion
• Technical skills: MS Office platform - Word, Excel, Powerpoint (required); Google platforms - email, calendar, contacts, file management (strongly preferred); Salesforce (preferred); social media in professional setting (preferred)
• Languages: Spanish and/or French proficiency preferred
• Demonstrated ability to balance between working collaboratively, taking direction, and taking initiative
• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment
• Positive attitude, upbeat personality, and a sense of humor are encouraged!
• Passion for Root Capital’s work and the areas of agricultural finance, impact investing, and international development
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

More information about Root Capital is available at www.rootcapital.org

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobs+exeoffassist@rootcapital.org.  Please type “Exe Offi Assist” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Exe Offi Assist” – Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Comunicado de prensa en español abajo)

$7 Million Public-Private Partnership Models Holistic Approach to Ensure Agricultural Supply Chain Stability in Face of Increasing Climate Risk

BURLINGTON, VT (November 7, 2013)—Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR), the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the InterAmerican Development Bank and Skoll Foundation announce today support for the non-profit agricultural lender Root Capital ‘s Coffee Farmer Resilience Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative venture designed to stabilize supply chains by investing in coffee farmers at the base of the value chain, who are on the front lines of battling the leaf rust epidemic in Latin America.   

“We depend on a long-term supply of high-quality beans for our business,” said Lindsey Bolger, Vice President of Coffee Sourcing Excellence for GMCR. “This investment will provide coffee farming families with the tools and capacity they need to more successfully confront threats to their coffee and their livelihoods, through greater long-term resilience at the cooperative and household level.”

The announcement was made before hundreds of coffee industry professionals at Let’s Talk Roya, a solutions-oriented conference hosted by Sustainable Harvest, a private sector partner helping to implement the initiative.

The largest-ever partnership between the organizations combines long-term lending to finance the replacement of diseased coffee trees affected by the fungal disease with short-term trade credit, financial management training, climate-smart agronomic assistance and household-level income diversification. The $7 million initiative will allow Root Capital to lend more than $10 million for resilience investments, and provide financial management training, to 50 agricultural enterprises representing 40,000 farmers, reaching approximately 200,000 family members in farming communities in Latin America.

Beyond the direct impact, the initiative aims to serve as a blueprint for holistic investments in farmer resilience that can be replicated and scaled by other private-public partnerships in agriculture. Seeded with funding from the Skoll Foundation, the initiative complements global efforts to build the market for smallholder agricultural finance in a manner that encourages environmental stewardship and resilience, in addition to sustainable rural livelihoods.

Coffee rust, called La Roya in Spanish, is a fungal disease that weakens and eventually kills coffee trees. The principal causes of the outbreak that is sweeping Central America and northern Peru today are a warmer, wetter climate; historic underinvestment in farms and aging coffee trees. According to the International Coffee Organization, the current epidemic of coffee leaf rust is the highest incidence in 40 years, with more than half of Central America’s coffee farms infected, and losses reaching $1 billion in the 2012-2013 harvest. 

“Root Capital’s Coffee Farmer Resilience Initiative is a holistic approach that responds to the current crisis while investing in rural enterprises’ ability to maintain consumer supply in the face of growing shocks from climate change and volatile commodity markets,” says Willy Foote, Root Capital Founder & CEO.  “The initiative is a blueprint for agricultural supply chain sustainability that creates shared value for farmers, buyers and consumers.”

Root Capital launched the Initiative with a $2 million loan to SOPPEXCCA, a 650-member coffee farmer cooperative based in Jinotega, Nicaragua.  SOPPEXCCA will use the loan to renovate farms ravaged by the fungus, replacing dead coffee trees with new, high-quality, rust-resistant varietals.

Latin America is the world’s largest producer of coffee, producing 60 percent, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). The areas hardest hit by roya, Central America and Peru, produce roughly 20 percent of Latin America’s total volume.

In Central America alone, approximately 2 million of the 43 million inhabitants are directly employed by the coffee industry, according to the ICO, which estimates that more than 400,000 became jobless after the 2013-2013 harvest, due to La Roya.

“This public private partnership has big implications for agricultural sustainability, says Claudio Cortellese, Head of the Access to Markets Unit of the MIF. "It will improve the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Latin American coffee farmers while serving as a model for long-term resilience that other agricultural value chains can reproduce, from quinoa to cacao. ”

"Like small businesses in the U.S., smallholder coffee farming is the economic engine for rural communities in Latin America," notes David Griswold, President and Founder of Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers.  "We're pleased to be working with Root Capital, IDB and GMCR to help increase farmers' resiliency to the effects of climate change, enabling them to continue to deliver the high quality coffee U.S. consumers and the rest of the world depend on." 

Watch the video about the initiative. 

Contacts:
Meg Wilcox, Root Capital, mwilcox@rootcapital.org, +1 617-319-6457
Laura Peterson, Corporate Communications Manager, GMCR laura.peterson@gmcr.com,
+1 802 488-2459
Georg Neumann, Associate, Knowledge and Strategic Communications, GEORGN@iadb.org,
+1-202-623-2441

###

About Root Capital

Root Capital is a nonprofit agricultural lender that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training, and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses. Since 1999, Root Capital has disbursed more than $500 million in credit to over 450 businesses, improving livelihoods for 750,000 rural producer households.  For more information, visit www.rootcapital.org.

About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR)

As a leader in specialty coffee and coffee makers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) (NASDAQ: GMCR), is recognized for its award-winning coffees, innovative Keurig^® brewing technology, and socially responsible business practices. GMCR supports local and global communities by investing in sustainably-grown coffee, and donating a portion of its profits to social and environmental projects. For more information, please visit www.gmcr.com; www.greenmountaincoffee.com, or www.keurig.com.

About the Multilateral Investment Fund

 The Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, supports private sector-led development benefitting low-income populations and the poor - their businesses, their farms, and their households. The aim is to give them the tools to boost their incomes: access to markets and the skills to compete in those markets, access to finance, and access to basic services, including green technology. A core MIF mission is to act as a development laboratory - experimenting, pioneering, and taking risks in order to build and support successful micro and SME business models. It is the largest international technical assistance provider to the private sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. More information at www.fomin.org.

About the Skoll Foundation

The Skoll Foundation was created by Jeff Skoll in 1999 to pursue his vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. The mission of the Skoll Foundation is to drive large-scale change by investing in, connecting, and celebrating social entrepreneurs and the innovators who help them solve the world’s most pressing problems. Social entrepreneurs are society’s change agents—creators of innovations that disrupt the status quo and transform our world for the better. By identifying the people and programs already enacting positive change throughout the world, the Foundation empowers them to extend their reach, deepen their impact, and fundamentally improve society.  More information at www.skollfoundation.org.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

7 millones de dólares de la asociación público-privada modelan este enfoque integral orientado a garantizar la estabilidad de la cadena de suministro agrícola ante el incremento del riesgo climático

SAN SALVADOR (7 de noviembre de 2013)—Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR), el Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones (FOMIN) del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo y la Fundación Skoll anunciaron hoy su apoyo a la Iniciativa de adaptabilidad de los caficultores de Root Capital, una organización sin fines de lucro que otorga préstamos al sector agrícola.  La iniciativa es un proyecto colaborativo diseñado para estabilizar las cadenas de suministro, al invertir en los caficultores en la base de la cadena de valor que están en el frente de lucha contra la epidemia de la roya de la hoja del café en Latinoamérica.  

"Nosotros dependemos de un suministro de largo plazo de granos de alta calidad para nuestro negocio", comenta Lindsey Bolger, Vicepresidenta de Suministro y Excelencia Café en GMCR. "Esta inversión  les brindará a las familias de los caficultores las herramientas y la capacidad que necesitan para afrontar con mayor éxito las amenazas a su café y a sus medios de subsistencia, a través de una mayor adaptabilidad de largo plazo en la cooperativa y los hogares".

El anuncio fue hecho ante cientos de profesionales de la industria del café en Hablemos de Roya, una conferencia orientada a buscar soluciones y organizada por Sustainable Harvest, un aliado del sector privado que ayuda a implementar la iniciativa.

La alianza más grande de la historia entre organizaciones combina los préstamos de largo plazo para financiar la reposición de cafetos afectados por la enfermedad fúngica con el crédito comercial de corto plazo, la capacitación en gestión financiera, la asistencia agronómica climática inteligente y la diversificación de los ingresos familiares. La iniciativa de 7 millones de dólares permitirá a Root Capital prestar más de 10 millones de dólares para inversiones en adaptabilidad y brindar capacitación en gestión financiera a 50 empresas del sector agrícola que representan a 40.000 agricultores y alcanzan aproximadamente a 200.000 miembros de familias en las comunidades campesinas de América Latina.

Más allá del impacto directo, la iniciativa tiene como objetivo servir de modelo para inversiones integrales en adaptabilidad agrícola que otras asociaciones público-privadas pueden replicar y ampliar en el sector agrícola.

La roya del café es una enfermedad fúngica que debilita y finalmente mata los arbustos de café. Las principales causas de la epidemia que está atacando a Centroamérica y al norte de Perú actualmente son el clima más cálido y húmedo, la poca inversión en los cafetales a través del tiempo y el envejecimiento de los cafetos. Según la Organización Internacional del Café, la epidemia actual de roya de la hoja de café es la de mayor incidencia en 40 años, que ha infectado a más de la mitad de los cafetales de Centroamérica y que ha dejado pérdidas que llegan a $1 mil millones en la cosecha 2012-2013. 

"La Iniciativa de adaptabilidad de los caficultores de Root Capital  tiene un enfoque integral que responde a la crisis actual y a la vez invierte en la capacidad de las empresas rurales para mantener la oferta al consumidor frente a una creciente crisis del cambio climático y la volatilidad de los mercados de productos básicos", comenta Willy Foote, Fundador y Presidente de Root Capital.  "La iniciativa es un modelo para la sostenibilidad  de la cadena de suministro agrícola que crea un valor compartido para los agricultores, compradores y consumidores".

Root Capital lanzó la Iniciativa con un préstamo de 2 millones de dólares a SOPPEXCCA, una cooperativa de caficultores compuesta por 650 miembros y ubicada en Jinotega, Nicaragua.  SOPPEXCCA utilizará el préstamo para renovar las fincas afectadas por el hongo, sustituyendo los cafetos muertos por variedades nuevas, de alta calidad y resistentes a la roya.

Latinoamérica es el principal productor mundial de café, con un 60 por ciento, según la Organización Internacional del Café (OIC). Las zonas más afectadas por la roya, Centroamérica y Perú, producen aproximadamente el 20 por ciento del volumen total de Latinoamérica.

En Centroamérica, la industria del café contrata aproximadamente a 2 millones de sus 43 millones de habitantes, según el ICO, que estima que más de 400.000 se quedaron sin trabajo después de la cosecha 2013-2013, debido a la roya.

“Esta alianza público privada tiene grandes implicaciones para la sostenibilidad agrícola”, menciona Claudio Cortellese, Jefe de la Unidad de Acceso a Mercados, Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.  La alianza mejorará el bienestar de miles de productores cafetaleros latinoamericanos y servirá también como un modelo de adaptación a largo plazo que puede ser replicado por otras cadenas de valor agrícola, desde la quinua hasta el cacao.”

"Al igual que las pequeñas empresas en los EE.UU., el cultivo de café de los pequeños productores es el motor económico de las comunidades rurales de América Latina," afirma David Griswold, director general y fundador de Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers."Estamos muy contentos de estar trabajando con Root Capital, el BID y GMCR para ayudar a aumentar la adaptabilidad de los agricultores a los efectos del cambio climático, lo que les permite seguir ofreciendo un café de grande calidad a los consumidores de los Estados Unidos y el resto del mundo."

Vea el video sobre la iniciativa.  

Contactos:
Meg Wilcox, Root Capital, mwilcox@rootcapital.org, +1 617-299-2517
Laura Peterson, Gerente de Comunicaciones Corporativas, GMCR laura.peterson@gmcr.com,
+1 802 488-2459
Georg Neumann, GEORGN@iadb.org, +1-202-623-2441

###

Acerca de Root Capital

Root Capital es un prestador de inversión social, sin fines de lucro, que apoya el crecimiento de la prosperidad rural en sectores de bajos recursos y de vulnerabilidad ambiental en África y América Latina, mediante el otorgamiento de préstamos, capacitación financiera y fortalecimiento de las relaciones comerciales para pequeñas empresas agrícolas y en desarrollo. Desde 1999, Root Capital ha desembolsado más de 500 millones de dólares en créditos a más de 450 empresas, mejorando las condiciones de vida de los hogares de 750.000 productores rurales.  Más información en www.rootcapital.org.

Acerca de Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. , (NASDAQ: GMCR)

Como un líder en especialidades de café y marcas de café, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) (NASDAQ: GMCR) es reconocida por su innovadora tecnología de elaboración de café galardonada Keurig^® y sus prácticas empresariales socialmente responsables. GMCR apoya las comunidades locales y globales al invertir en café producido de manera sostenible y dona una parte de sus ganancias a proyectos sociales y ambientales. Más información en www.gmcr.com; www.greenmountaincoffee.com, ó www.keurig.com.

Acerca del Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones (FOMIN)

El Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones (FOMIN), miembro del grupo BID, apoya el desarrollo del sector privado en beneficio de la población de bajos recursos, sus negocios, establecimientos rurales y hogares. El objetivo del FOMIN es proporcionarle a esta población las herramientas para incrementar sus ingresos, asegurar su acceso a mercados y la creación de capacidades para competir en esos mercados, el acceso a financiamiento y a servicios básicos, incluyendo el uso de tecnologías verdes. Su misión es actuar como laboratorio, experimentando, siendo pionero y asumiendo riesgos para construir y sostener modelos de negocios exitosos para las micro y pequeñas empresas. El FOMIN es el mayor proveedor internacional de asistencia técnica en América Latina y el Caribe. Más información sobre el FOMIN en www.fomin.org.

Acerca de la Fundación Skoll

Jeff Skoll creó la Fundación Skoll en 1999 para sustentar su visión de un mundo sostenible de paz y prosperidad. Encabezada por su Presidenta Sally Osberg desde 2001, Skoll tiene como misión impulsar un cambio a gran escala al invertir, conectar y celebrar a los emprendedores sociales y otros innovadores dedicados a la solución de los problemas más acuciantes del mundo. Los Premios Skoll para el Emprendimiento Social, el programa insignia de la fundación, se presentan cada año en el Foro Mundial Skoll en Oxford, Inglaterra. Más información en www.skollfoundation.org.

Stay Connected with Root Capital

blog.rootcapital.org/back-roads-to-boardrooms
www.twitter.com/RootCapital
www.facebook.com/RootCapital
www.youtube.com/rootcapital
www.linkedin.com/company/root-capital

Summary

The Business Development Officer supports the growth and diversification of Root Capital’s agricultural lending portfolio by developing and managing relationships with partner organizations, by generating new client opportunities, and by conducting research on new products and industries to inform credit underwriting standards. Reporting to the Director of Lending in his or her region, the BDO will coordinate with his or her counterparts in Root Capital’s other offices as part of a global Business Development team. He or she will also contribute to the development of innovative financial products and services that benefit Root Capital’s rural SME clientele.
 

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $650 million in credit to over 500 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated offices in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.
 

Responsibilities

Relationship Management and New Business Development

The BDO will be responsible for developing relationships with partner organizations leading to the identification of qualified prospective borrowers. In coordination with the Director of Lending and Director of Business and Product Development, the BDO will:

• Develop and maintain key relationships with strategic partners that align activities and create mutual value
• Represent Root Capital at relevant events within the region, including public speaking
• Facilitate introduction of qualified credit leads to Root Capital loan officers, providing background information to support an efficient response time
• Collaborate with Root Capital’s Financial Advisory Services (FAS) to design, promote and execute financial management workshops to introduce Root Capital to potential clients and prepare them to manage credit

Market and Customer Research
The BDO will carry out research to support Root Capital in broadening its addressable market, across our three main lending portfolios (Sustainable Trade, Food Security and Nutrition, and Innovation). Research will focus on the following topics:

• Market sizing and opportunity assessment. The BDO will research the size and addressable lending opportunity in different industries within their region, to inform lending strategy, projections, and outreach efforts.
• Voice of the Client. The BDO will coordinate the collection, analysis, and dissemination of the customer feedback through Root Capital’s Voice of the Client survey process.
• Competition analysis. The BDO will support a global Industry Analyst to collect information about the offerings and value proposition of local and international competitors.

Research and Development

• Credit underwriting standards. Working with the global Industry Analyst, the BDO will collect information relevant to developing credit underwriting standards for existing and new industries in Root Capital’s lending portfolio
• In collaboration with the Director of Business and Product Development, the BDO will support the development of innovative financial products and services to complement Root Capital’s current offering. 
   

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years work experience in rural/ agricultural credit, financial services market research or sales, agricultural value chain development, business development services, or a related field
• Knowledge of financial products and services for the agricultural sector
• Strong oral and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills
• The successful applicant will be able to represent Root Capital to a range of audiences, from industry leaders to small-scale farmers.
• Experience working with rural SMEs in a developing country context, preferably with involvement in business’ financial management in the role of finance manger, lender, financial advisor etc.
• Master’s degree in commerce, agriculture, banking, or a related field preferred
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple, sometimes conflicting tasks
• Willingness to travel internationally up to one-quarter of the time
   

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

More information about Root Capital is available at www.rootcapital.org

Applications are due by July 24^th, 2014, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, salary requirements, earliest availability, and how you learned of the position should be sent to: jobsafrica@rootcapital.org. Please type “Business Development Officer” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Business Development Officer – Kiki, Lovelace”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

Summary

Root Capital seeks a talented and versatile Marketing Manager. This position leads the organization's overall marketing strategy, with a primary focus on the acquisition and retention of lending and training clients. The Manager will establish and implement a comprehensive, centralized marketing effort and be responsible for adapting and implementing the strategy in target markets around the world. The Manager will lead the creation of messaging/copy, marketing collateral, campaigns, and activations to generate momentum and brand awareness that leads to measurable action. The Manager reports to the SVP of Communications & Marketing, and will work in close collaboration with SVP of Lending, VP of Lending - Latin America, Regional Credit Directors, the Director of Communications, Director of New Business & Product Development, and Regional Business Development Officers. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of experience in progressively responsible marketing positions with a track record of creating and executing successful global marketing strategies and adapting them to local markets using data-informed activations. Preference will be given to candidates with experience marketing financial services, particularly to rural/agricultural businesses in emerging markets. Spanish fluency is a must.
 

Mission and History of Root Capital

Root Capital’s mission is to grow rural prosperity by investing in small and growing agricultural businesses that build sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Latin America.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by lending capital, delivering financial training and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital clients include associations and private businesses that help create sustainable livelihoods by aggregating the products of hundreds, and often, thousands of farmers. Since our launch in 1999, we have provided more than $650 million in credit to over 500 small and growing agricultural businesses.

Root Capital envision a thriving financial market serving agricultural businesses that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability for small-scale farmers and their communities around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Root Capital currently has associated offices in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic and operational marketing plans to build, refine and advance the Root Capital brand while supporting targeted goals and objectives.
• Create messaging/copy, marketing collateral, campaigns, and activations to generate momentum and awareness that leads to measurable action.
• Manage the success metrics and tracking of marketing efforts, with a strong emphasis on data analysis and continuous improvement.
• Design and conduct research with internal and external stakeholders to acquire high value marketing, sales and customer insight.
• Lead the development of all online and offline marketing communications to lending and training clients using a variety of communications channels.
• Manage trade show marketing strategy and brand presence.
• Establish and manage agency partnerships.
• Create and implement outreach strategies and tactics to amplify communications, including targeted blogger, thought leader, and media outreach.
• Train frontline staff on brand, client personas, key messaging, and sales and marketing strategies, tactics, and tools.
• Create and curate a new client-facing blog for Root Capital.
  • Create and manage editorial calendar ensuring timely submissions.
  • Write, edit or source content for posts.
  • Drive traffic to posts and develop tactics to increase readership and engagement.
  • Measure engagement using available metrics.

Other tasks or projects as assigned.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position, and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in this role.
 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in marketing, business or communications desirable. MBA preferred.
• 8-12 years of experience in progressively responsible marketing positions. Experience marketing financial services to rural/agricultural businesses in emerging markets a plus.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive marketing program, especially across a variety of traditional, digital and social media platforms.
• Extensive knowledge of business development, sales, marketing, brand management, public relations, communications, and social media as a business tool.
• Experience creating and executing global marketing strategies and adapting them to local markets with data-informed activations.
• A perceptive listener with excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a demonstrated command of grammar, punctuation and style.
• Financial “fluency” and the ability to translate basic financial data into compelling communications.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to gather targeted information from people with diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to think creatively, take initiative, and work independently, while enjoying collaboration and knowing when to seek support.
• Desire and ability to travel as needed to rural regions of developing countries where Root Capital operates.
• Knowledge of social enterprise, sustainable value chains, agricultural finance, and/or impact investing. 
• Share Root Capital’s values and proven commitment to growing rural prosperity for smallholder farmers, and their families.
• A team player with a sense of humor and a can-do attitude.
• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.
 

Applications and Nominations

More information about Root Capital is available at www.rootcapital.org

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications including a resume and cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, language abilities, salary requirements, and how you learned of the position should be sent to:  jobs+mktgmgr@roocapital.org.  Please type “Marketing Manager” followed by your name (Last, First) as the subject line of your email (e.g. “Marketing Manager” – Marrero, Marc”). Finalist candidates will be required to provide at least three work-related references.

Root Capital is an equal opportunity employer.