Vacancies

Please find below details of our current vacancies.

Lending Manager – West Africa (west)

Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Applicant to be based in Ivory Coast

The role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced lending manager to oversee our lending operations in Ivory Coast. This role is key to achieving our lending targets, fostering relationships with new customers, and managing the daily lending activities in the region.

Key responsibilities

Manage the assigned geographical area to optimise lending income, develop and maintain a high-quality portfolio, and control risks effectively in line with corporate objectives and lending limits.
Provide account management to a group of future customers, carrying out all required activities including transaction processing, monitoring and reporting.
Deliver new lending credit proposals for approval and ensure successful completion of annual customer account reviews.
Build and maintain strong relationships with potential customers through effective communication and visits.
Ensure arrears actions are carried out in line with standard procedures, and apply key policies such as the credit policy and anti-money laundering policy.
Contribute to the annual business planning and budget process by providing accurate customer information to the head of lending.
Attend trade fairs, partner forums and other industry events to engage with existing and potential customers.
Support the development of an in-country marketing strategy and product development in response to customer needs.
Develop and maintain links with key networks in the country and region on behalf of Shared Interest.

What we’re looking for

Essential

At least five years’ experience in a lending environment, ideally in the agriculture sector.
Strong customer relationship management skills.
Ability to understand and interpret financial reports, including profit and loss, balance sheets and cash flow statements.
Sound business analysis skills and excellent report writing.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging people from diverse backgrounds.
Results-focused, with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding targets.
Strong networking and stakeholder management skills.
Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, economics or accounting.

Desirable

Experience of working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or co-operatives.
Knowledge of the cocoa value chain.
Experience of developing and maximising partnerships with other organisations, such as NGOs, banks and development institutions.
A background in international development (experience in fair trade would be an advantage).
Master’s degree in business administration, international development, agricultural engineering or a related field.

Why join us?

Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact in West Africa.
Work in a collaborative and multicultural team.
Gain opportunities for professional growth and regional exposure.

How to apply

Click here for full outline of this role including responsibilities and person specification.
We are working with a local agency Eugeka Formations et Conseils to recruit for this role.
Alternatively, please submit your application to recruitment@shared-interest.com, including:

A full CV detailing your professional qualifications and experience (maximum three pages).
A cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification, why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to the position.

Customer Manager Europe

About the Role

Manages the UK Lending team and provides excellent customer service to existing and potential customers in Europe. Supports Head of Lending in delivery of lending targets and report writing.

Key Responsibilities

Manages, motivates and develops the UK Lending team to deliver results.
Ensures successful completion of the daily lending payment process.
Provides excellent account management to a defined group of customers.
Manages the assigned geographical area to optimise lending income, maintain a quality portfolio, and control risks in line with corporate objectives.
Represents the organisation at relevant trade fairs, partners’ forums and other ad hoc activities.
Develops and maintains relationships with key networks, customers and other social lenders.
Delivery of annual reviews of customer accounts, report writing and documentation.

Essential Experience

At least 3 years experience of working in a customer-facing role
Excellent customer relationship management skills
Numerate – able to understand and interpret financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and information
Aptitude in credit appraisal and sound business analysis skills
Excellent communication, including presentation skills and oral and written communications with a wide range of people from different backgrounds
Excellent report writing abilities with keen attention to detail
Self-motivated with strong organisational abilities

Desirable Experience

Experience of working with SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
Experience in a lending environment
Experience of developing and maximising partnerships with other organisations
Experience in the Fair Trade market
Experience in the agricultural and handcrafts sectors.

How to Apply

Click here for full outline of this role including responsibilities and person specification.

Application deadline: 9AM GMT, Wednesday 12 February 2025.

Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com and should consist of:

Full CV detailing professional qualifications and experience (up to 3 sides of A4)
Cover letter describing how you meet the person specification, why the role is of interest and what you believe you can bring to the role

Grants and Trusts Fundraiser

Are you a seasoned fundraising professional with a passion for making a meaningful impact? We are on the lookout for an experienced and well-networked individual to join our team and drive our growth by identifying and securing significant grants from a diverse array of trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies.

Shared Interest Foundation is a dynamic and mission-driven charity dedicated to the development of sustainable enterprises, empowering women and youth, and building climate resilience in remote communities within Africa and Latin America. As we continue to expand our reach and enhance our impact, we are seeking a skilled fundraising professional to help us achieve our goals.

Key responsibilities:

Develop our fundraising strategy to maximise income from trusts and grants
Build a diverse funding portfolio including major donors and foundations
Research opportunities and craft compelling funding applications
Maintain relationships with existing funders whilst securing new partnerships
Collaborate with our team to develop innovative projects
Monitor and report on fundraising targets

Essential experience:

Five years' proven success in securing corporate and trust funding
Strong track record in developing fundraising strategies
Excellent grant-writing abilities with keen attention to detail
Outstanding communication and negotiation skills
Experience in budget management and financial reporting
Self-motivated with strong organisational abilities

Desirable qualities:

Spanish or French language skills
International development experience
Fundraising qualifications
Relevant degree or equivalent practical experience

How to Apply

Click here to see full job description

If you possess the skills, experience, and dedication we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com and should consist of:

Full CV detailing professional qualifications and experience (up to 3 sides of A4)
Cover letter describing how you meet the person specification, why the role is of interest and what you believe you can bring to the role

Application deadline: 5:00 PM GMT, 28 February 2025.

Volunteer Ambassador

Flexible location within the UK

About the role

Are you passionate about making a difference? As a Volunteer Ambassador for Shared Interest, you will play a vital role in raising awareness of our work to alleviate poverty through fair trade.

Working within your local area, you’ll deliver talks, run information stalls, and inspire others to support our mission. This is a flexible, volunteer role that fits around your schedule.

What we’re looking for:
We’re seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are:

Confident communicators with a talent for public speaking.
Comfortable engaging with diverse audiences and building networks.
Empathetic towards our mission and aligned with our values.
Proficient in using email, PowerPoint, Word, and online tools such as Zoom.

What we offer:

Full training and induction.
Support from our Member Engagement Team.
Resources and materials to help you succeed in your role.
Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
Opportunities to connect with other volunteers and attend meet-up events.

Join us and help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to trade their way out of poverty.

For more information, visit shared-interest.com/get-involved or email us at volunteers@shared-interest.com

Click here to download the full job specification

WHY WORK FOR SHARED INTEREST?

We believe that people are our most valuable asset. We are focussed on staff development; it is important to us to nurture expertise, talent and passion within the staff team.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We are looking for people who share our commitment to fair and just trade; people who can help us to achieve our vision and mission.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

The work life balance of staff is of upmost importance to us. We operate a hybrid policy which aims to provide employees the flexibility to effectively manage their work and personal commitments. We also offer benefits packages such as a Life Assurance scheme and an attractive 9% pension contribution, which is applied regardless of staff contributions.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to the development of policies and procedures to promote equal opportunities in employment, personnel practices and any services for which we are responsible.