Project: Communications support for MAXIS (Maximizing Innovation at Scale) Microfinance Initiatives in Indonesia and Philippines
(2009-2010)
With major funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Finance Corporation, Cordaid, et al, Mercy Corps acquired an Indonesian bank in 2008, reorganizing and rechristening it as Bank Andara. Bank Andara is the first known institution of its kind: a fully private wholesale, or apex, bank exclusively focused on microfinance institutions (MFIs). Bank Andara serves retail-focused MFIs with affordable capital, networked MIS, and other technical assistance. Mercy Corps retains majority shareholder control of Bank Andara which it manages as part of its MAXIS program, a catch-all designation that includes, along with Andara, Mercy Corp’s Poverty Action Center, its microfinance-focused consulting firm MICRA, and other Gates-funded microfinance initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- P Comprehensive strategic communications plan for all internal and external communications for all MAXIS program units.
- P Write, edit, and otherwise support production of both technical publications and marketing collaterals depending on capabilities of local staff.
- P Facilitation and leadership of strategic planning retreat for MAXIS leadership, leaders of MAXIS business units, corporate management (Mercy Corps Portland and DC staff), and donor representatives.
- P Workshops for mid-level and junior staff on prospecting, pitching, closing, and basic business communications.
- P Analyze monitoring and evaluation framework required under Gates grant agreement and to ensure that communications work could be repurposed for grant reporting as well.
- P Recruiting and mentoring local staff in both Indonesia and Philippines.