Microfinance - Village Community Banks in Tanzania

Village Community Bank, abbreviated as VICOBA, stands for a concept of self-management of funds within a group or village community. The goal is to achieve financial stability and economic independence. For many people, it is almost impossible to access financial resources through conventional bank loans due to a lack of collateral. This prevents them from implementing business ideas, for example, in the areas of agriculture, crafts, or gastronomy. As a result, their lives stagnate, and an improvement in their living conditions is not possible.

Through VICOBA, income-generating activities can be started or expanded. In addition, access to credit ensures education, as school fees, for example, can be financed. Furthermore, VICOBAs offer financial security in case of illness or other emergencies.

VICOBAs in the Kilimanjaro region can become members of the Kilimanjaro Village Community Banks Network (KIVINET), which functions as a type of bank. Instead of depositing their money with conventional banks, VICOBA groups can do so with KIVINET. The conditions for lending are more favorable here. Through this merger, KIVINET can act as a large and financially strong organization and gain easier access to donations, development programs, and other funds. These funds benefit the VICOBAs.

Your tasks at KIVINET:

• Advising interested parties on the establishment of a Village Community Bank
• Training new groups and monitoring existing groups
• Developing and implementing workshops on entrepreneurship, business planning, finance, management, accounting, or similar topics
• Support in administration
• Networking and promoting cooperation among members as well as further development and strategic planning

For this unpaid position, you should have relevant knowledge in the areas of finance, entrepreneurship, economics, or microfinance. KIVINET is based in Moshi. Since you will be working with VICOBAs throughout the region, you will also be traveling in rural areas.