About the Organization:
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) offers a unique combination of investment capital, capacity building and technical advisory services to promote microfinance and local development in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It is channeled primarily to poor rural areas in the LDCs where poverty reduction, capacity and governance challenges are typically the greatest.
Background
UNCDF, in partnership with FinMark Trust and the Center for Financial Regulation and Inclusion, has developed a new diagnostic/programatic tool to promote financial inclusion at the country level. This tool builds on FIPA’s experience with National Microfinance Strategies, Finmark Trust microfinance market assessment tool (Finscope) and CENFRI’s technical expertise in developing diagnostic and programatic instruments related to financial inclusion (i.e similar tool developed on microinsurance).
About the Job:
UNCDF is looking for a Programme Advisor – Making Access Possible (MAP). S/he will work under the direct supervision of FIPA’s director at UNCDF, and in matrix supervision of the team leader for Africa. S/he will work closely and in regular consultation with the financial inclusion practice area's (FIPA) regional offices, the rest of FIPA team at headquarters, as well as the FinMark Trust and CENFRI teams.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
-
Program management:
- Manage the “MAP” pilots in four countries, finalize the description of criteria for country selection to pilot test the tool and related pipeline of LDCs as well as non LDCs countries initially considered for the global program;
- Plan for and manage the expansion phase of the MAP programming;
- Finalize a global program document (based on UNCDF format) describing how the MAP is being tested and implemented on a global basis, with a thorough analysis of the rapidly evolving context related to financial inclusion (including the revolutions of branchless and agent banking globally) and how the tool is addressing those challenges and opportunities;
- Work on positioning of the tool within the global initiatives and players around financial inclusion (Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, AFI and CGAP work, WP FSAPs programs etc.);
- Overall programmatic quality assurance.
-
Resource mobilization:
- Mobilize global resources as well as country level resources based on program resource requirements and new opportunities;
- Support efforts of UNCDF to mobilize additional resources for MAP and/or other programming.
-
Knowledge management:
- Manage MAP’s knowledge generation and dissemination, including case studies, briefs, and research documents;
- Create knowledge products that assess the results of the pilots, and lessons learnt;
- Ensure key documentation is available on the UNCDF intranet to facilitate UNCDF staff access to program information;
- Develop and provide annual learning plan to FIPA knowledge management specialist and attend approved trainings.
-
Corporate support:
- Support annual and cumulative UNCDF results analysis and substantive inputs into unit work plan and UNCDF and FIPA business plans;
- Support the development of UNCDF program and business strategies and to annual reviews;
- Contribute to quarterly global teleconferences;
- Provide advice to UNCDF senior management on technical issues and business development opportunities, including inputs into corporate presentations, and reports.
-
Representation:
- Represent UNCDF at international meetings and conferences;
- Network with funders and practitioners and ensure global meetings are effective opportunities to build knowledge partnerships.
Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree in economics, finance, business or public administration or related fields;
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in microfinance, inclusive finance, or related fields of finance, development, research, advocacy, and policy development;
- Sound technical knowledge and experience in inclusive finance good practices for industry building, and development of inclusive financial markets and products in emerging markets, especially through private sector partnerships;
- Resource mobilization experience and record of success in reporting to and managing donor grants and reporting mechanisms;
- Strong program management experience with emphasis on monitoring, evaluation, and incorporating lessons learned into microfinance projects and programs;
- Experiences with similar assignments in developing countries, including LDCs;
- Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset, and knowledge of Spanish is desirable.
How to Apply:
Apply online.
