Microfinance Intern

The Maa Trust is a non-profit organization working together with community-owned wildlife conservancies in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. We work to increase the benefits of wildlife and conservation to Maasai families so that they appreciate and contribute to the protection of wild animals on their land.

Role Overview

The Microfinance Intern will support the Socio-Economic Empowerment department in implementing microfinance project initiatives. This role involves assisting community-based groups in financial inclusion, literacy, and record-keeping to promote sustainable economic development within the Maasai Mara conservancies.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Project Design and Planning

• Support in development of microfinance workplans, activity schedules, and budgets.
• Assist in conducting assessments to identify financial access gaps within microfinance groups and business members.
• Help coordinate the formation and strengthening of savings, table banking, and self-help groups to promote financial inclusion.
• Support the delivery of financial literacy and basic financial management training to community groups.
• Assist in integrating microfinance activities with entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programmes.
• Facilitate community mobilisation and outreach to increase participation in microfinance initiatives.
• Work with programme staff to ensure activities align with organisational strategy and targets.
• Support the implementation of group activities, including meetings, savings tracking, and loan processes.
• Assist in developing and using simple monitoring tools to track group performance, savings, and loan repayment.

Technical Programme and Project Management

• Guided by the Socio-Economic empowerment coordinator, conduct day-to-day implementation of microfinance project initiatives, including attending quarterly microfinance check-ins, training sessions, and coaching support.
• Assist the socio-economic empowerment coordinator in strengthening the capacity of group members in record keeping, financial discipline, and transparent group management practices.
• Assist in the coordination and supervision of microfinance extension services and coaches to ensure effective delivery of programme activities and consistent support to groups.
• Assist microfinance groups with applying with loans and grants from identified institutions.
• Monitor and track the performance of supported groups, including savings loans disbursement and repayment rates.
• Compile and submit timely reports on programme activities, key achievements, and lessons learned to the Socio-Economic Empowerment Manager.
• Identify underperforming groups and curate design targeted interventions, mentorships, and capacity building support to improve sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, financial procedures, and microfinance best practices across all programme activities.

Stakeholders Management and External Engagements

• Support building and maintaining relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, and development partners supporting financial inclusion initiatives.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, and development partners involved in financial inclusion.
• Assist in engaging community members and group leaders to encourage participation in microfinance activities.
• Help organize and attend stakeholder meetings to strengthen collaboration and partnerships.
• Support sharing updates with stakeholders on programme progress results, and key learnings.
• Collect and document feedback from community members and partners to improve programme delivery.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Diploma in Community Development, Finance, Economics, or Development Studies; a degree is an added advantage.
• Basic understanding of microfinance concepts.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with communities.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interest in community development and financial inclusion programmes.
• Demonstrate patience and respect when working with women's groups, including members with varying levels of literacy.

How to Apply

Submit your CV (max 2 pages), Academic Certificates and a 1-page cover letter explaining your interest and relevant skills to recruitment@themaatrust.org with the subject: "Data Management Intern Application - [Your Name]" on or before 4th May 2026. (Note: The employer has requested the subject line "Data Management Intern Application" for this Microfinance Intern position).