Entrepreneurship in the territories: is it the right time?
Entrepreneurs du Monde (EdM), a French non-governmental organization, supports the economic integration of families in very precarious situations and facilitates their access to essential goods and services. Thus, these families gain autonomy and improve their living conditions. To achieve its mission, EdM promotes the emergence of sustainable local organizations through 4 areas of activity: social microfinance, access to energy, agro-entrepreneurship, and professional integration and support for entrepreneurs.
For more information: https://www.entrepreneursdumonde.org/
Anh Chi Em program (ACE) is a microfinance program created by EdM in 2007 to operate microfinance activities in Dien Bien province based on the following legal basis:
- Operational Registration issued by Department of Foreign Affairs belonging to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Microfinance Program Registration issued by State bank of Vietnam
- Memorandum of Understanding with the People’s Committee of Dien Bien Province.
ACE’s capacity building services and pro-poor financial services have been designed and intrinsically combined to promote a social and sustainable approach of microfinance adapted to the needs of the most vulnerable, mainly Black Thai women living of farming activities.
As of end of May 2025, ACE supports 4117 beneficiaries through its 32 staff allocated in between the Head Office and 4 branches.
For more information: https://anhchiem.org/.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The role of Vice Program Manager (VPM) entails providing strategic support to ACE’s management team to enhance organizational effectiveness and ensure sustainable development, with a special focus on human resources management and leadership, social and environmental performance, operational and legal compliance. The position holder works closely with department managers to strengthen their capabilities, improve processes, and maintain high standards of balance of social and financial performance of ACE.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the responsibility of the EdM representatives/Program Manager (EdMR/PM) and in collaboration with the management team, the VPM will:
1. Support human resources management and development
- Define and prioritize the program’s human resource (HR) objectives according to the needs expressed by all staff;
- Support the FARM in structuring the HR department by creating and updating procedures and related tools, in line with regulatory requirements;
- Participate in the dissemination of best practices to attract and retain talent, to promote active collaboration and team cohesion, depending on the resources available;
- Strengthen ACE’s positioning as a socially and humanly responsible employer (antidiscrimination, gender, inclusion, etc.);
- Guide implementation of HR digitalization initiatives for improved efficiency
2. Lead social and environmental performance management
- Analyze and monitor the achievement of social and environmental objectives
- Coordinate and actively participate in the implementation of social and environmental performance related activities and resulting action plans (satisfaction surveys, social audit, etc.)
- Facilitate training to disseminate results and build-up cohesion around ACE social mission
- Participate in the social and environmental strategy and indicators review when needed
3. Ensure operational and legal compliance
a) Operational compliance management
- Conduct regular branch and field visits to assess the level of compliance of operational staff (Branch Manager, Branch Assistant, Community Credit Officer, Social Worker, Agricultural worker/Veterinarian) with policies and procedures relating to operational activities;
- Report and exchange with heads of department on non-compliance identified, suggest recommendations (policies to be adjusted, training to be facilitated, etc.), and facilitate their implementation;
- Well coordinate with the Internal Control and Audit team to identify and mitigate the operational risks;
b) Legal compliance management
- Support the application of license renewal process with authorities
- Conduct research on legal compliance of EdM/ACE by coordinating with ACE departments
- Review and maintain awareness of legal and regulatory changes affecting EdM/ACE
4. Support fundraising and external relations
- Support grant proposals and donor reports
- Support relationship building with local authorities
- Support relationships with partners and networks
5. Others
- Actively prepare and participate in ACE Management Committee and other staff meetings;
- Assist Program Manager with report writing and presentation for internal and/or external use
