About Accion 

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build more than 230 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching more than 350 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About Accion Advisory

The Accion Advisory team combines decades of on-the-ground experience with insights into new technologies to help our partners become more sustainable and scalable. We work with a variety of organizations focused on serving the financial needs of low-income people and businesses in emerging markets. With a presence in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, our team provides strategic and operational support to strengthen our partners and maximize their impact on underserved customers.

Our team is comprised of Regional Program Managers (RPMs) and their teams who are responsible for driving new business, bringing local context and hands on experience to meet customer needs; and Practice Area Leads who are technical area experts responsible for building the Advisory team’s expertise in core areas, driving execution excellence, and capturing synergies across technical practice areas and regions. The Practice Area Leads seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the execution of our engagements and to develop reusable tools and collateral for specific areas of expertise that Accion Advisory brings to all of our clients.

Position Summary 

Do you have a passion for driving financial inclusion and sustainable development in the agricultural sector? Are you an expert in financial modeling with a knack for developing innovative financial products that empower smallholder farmers and other marginalized stakeholders in the agricultural value chain? If so, Accion Advisory is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Specialist to join our team in India. In this role, you will play a key part in designing and implementing cutting-edge financial solutions that enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices globally.

To succeed in this role, you should have a strong understanding and experience working in the agriculture sector or Agritech companies. You should also have strong product development, financial modeling, analytical skills, and business acumen, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should be willing to travel within and outside the Asian region as required by the project. 

Fluency in English and local languages is a must.

Position Responsibilities

As a Senior Specialist, you will leverage your expertise in financial modeling and product development to support Accion Advisory's global projects focused on agricultural value chain finance. Your responsibilities will include:  

• Financial Modeling and Analysis:
• Develop sophisticated financial models to evaluate the viability and impact of new and existing financial products for the agricultural sector.
• Conduct rigorous analysis to assess market opportunities, identify risks, and inform product design and pricing strategies.
• Provide technical support to project teams on financial modeling, data analysis, and impact measurement.  
• Product Design and Development:
• Lead the design and development of innovative financial products tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and other marginalized stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
• Conduct market research and customer analysis to identify unmet needs and opportunities for product innovation.
• Collaborate with financial institutions, agribusinesses, and other partners to implement and scale new financial products and services.  
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:
• Provide training and technical assistance to Accion Advisory staff and partners on financial modeling, product development, and market analysis.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge resources, training materials, and publications that advance the field of agricultural finance.
• Represent Accion Advisory at conferences and workshops, sharing insights and best practices on financial modeling and product development.

Position Qualifications

• Master's degree in agricultural economics, finance, environmental studies, or a related field; Bachelor's degree with equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 6+ years of experience in financial modeling and product development, with a strong focus on the agricultural sector.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful financial products for smallholder farmers and other marginalized stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
• Experience working with financial institutions, agribusinesses, and other relevant organizations.  
• Expert-level financial modeling skills, with proficiency in Excel and other relevant software.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, risk management, and product pricing principles.
• Knowledge of agricultural value chains, smallholder farmer dynamics, and challenges in agricultural finance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural and collaborative environment.  

• English fluency required.

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  Proficiency in Hindi or other local languages is a plus.
• Deep commitment to Accion's mission of promoting financial inclusion and sustainable development.
• Passion for driving innovation in the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  
• Interest in our mission and working globally.
• Willingness to embody our values of excellence, respect and passion for social change.
  • Excellence: Accion staff should always put forth their best effort in all activities, strive for high quality of collective and individual performance; and demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times while in the workplace and while working on behalf of the organization.
  • Respect: Accion staff should value one another’s roles and responsibilities as much as their own, be encouraging, and value the diverse and unique perspectives of colleagues. They should honor obligations and commitments to each other and to external partners.
  • Passion for Social Change: Accion staff should be committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, value the greater good of the organization over personal gain, and promote a productive workplace by acknowledging the accomplishments of others. 

Travel Requirements

• Travel up to 30% domestically and occasional international trips.

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Accion seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. Accion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.