I.    About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

II.    About Isidro
Isidro Investments LLC (“Isidro”) is a wholly owned impact investing vehicle providing loans to Central American agricultural SMEs. Isidro focuses on small agricultural enterprises (SMEs) that traditional lenders often overlook due to their size and perceived risk. Isidro’s financial products include short-term working capital loans and capital expenditure loans. Additionally, Isidro offers a diversified package of technical assistance, including accounting, business acceleration, and climate-smart agriculture, along with coaching and mentoring to the SMEs to enhance their social business models and set impact metrics.

III.    Job Summary
The Senior Credit Officer will lead investment analysis and due diligence for Isidro, developing a small team of credit officers based in Central America.
We are looking for a candidate who has experience in executing debt transactions from beginning to end, including the ability to carry out financial analysis, structure transactions, lead the legal documentation process, and manage an existing loan portfolio. The successful candidate should be able to work independently with little supervision while providing guidance to more junior members of the team.   In addition, the successful applicant will be a strong collaborator, with the ability to work effectively as part of a small team, including with both internal and external stakeholders.

IV.    Key Duties and Responsibilities

Investment Analysis and Financial Modeling
•     Lead due diligence (including business plan review and financial analysis) for Isidro pipeline opportunities.
•     Collaborate with CRS country teams and the Isidro technical team to identify and develop a pipeline of investment opportunities.
•     Build and/ or review financial models to support analysis of Isidro pipeline opportunities.
•     Draft and/or review investment memoranda, and lead transaction negotiation and execution for impact investing opportunities. This includes term sheets and legal documentation (non-disclosure agreements, definitive transaction agreements, etc.).
•     Perform and/or review Isidro country risk assessments and know-your-customer reviews related to Isidro partners and investees.

Thought Partnership

•     As required, foster partnerships with actors in the agricultural impact investing sector to identify potential new opportunities.
•     Provide technical and financial expertise to continue refining the Isidro model. Improve existing Isidro product offerings and identify opportunities for new product development.
•     Review and update Isidro’s standard investment documents, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency in deal execution and portfolio management. Deliver a set of refined documents by the conclusion of the consultancy.
•     Train and mentor staff, as needed.
Research & Tools
•     As needed, lead in-depth market research and analysis for Isidro target countries.
•     Continuously improve and refine internal tools and processes, including financial models, due diligence checklists, and other resources.

V.    Education and Experience
•     Master’s degree in finance, Accounting or another relevant field required. PhD a plus.
•     Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in agricultural lending or impact investing, preferably in Central America or Latin America regions.
•     At least 4 years of experience in leading loan transactions and/or conducting credit due diligence.
•     Prior experience working with agricultural value chains in Central America region strongly preferred.
•     Demonstrated experience working in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•     Exceptionally strong analytical and organizational skills; quantitative modeling expertise required.
•     Exceptional writer with expert command of English and Spanish grammar.
•     Very strong project management skills, including ability to lead and execute transactions under tight timelines.
•     Capable of working in a dynamic, results oriented environment; ability to multi-task across various work streams/priorities.
•     Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
•     Team player with a positive attitude who can work independently while also being highly collaborative and open.
•     Excellent attention to detail, adherence to deadlines and consideration of follow-through. Strong communication and presentation skills.
•     Exceptional computer skills, including fluency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
•     Experience within the agricultural sector strongly preferred.
Required Languages – English and Spanish fluency required.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% -40%

VI.    Key Working Relationships:  
Supervisory Responsibilities:    None
Internal:    Isidro regional credit team and legal counsel, Isidro Investment Director, CRS country programs.
External:    ISIDRO partners, Investees.
VII.    Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
•     Integrity
•     Continuous Improvement & Innovation
•     Builds Relationships
•     Develops Talent
•     Strategic Mindset
•     Accountability & Stewardship

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  The length of employment for this position is subject to the duration of project and/or country program funding, as well as other internal processes based on local law. When applying for this job, it is understood and acknowledged that CRS requires its staff to treat all persons with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. It is further understood that, if you are a successful candidate, you will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and your personal/professional references will be requested to assess behaviors related to the above safeguarding issues.

Essential requirements to apply:
Interested applicants, please send the following documents to lacro_recruitment@crs.org, with the name of the post in the Subject. Please attach: 1. Letter of interest: explaining qualifications and interests to apply for the position. 2. Updated CV.

Applications will be accepted until November 10th 2024

NOTE: ONLY FINALISTS WILL BE CONTACTED TO BE PART OF THE SELECTION PROCESS.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer