CONSULTANT: INCLUSIVE FINANCE SPECIALIST – SOCAIL IMPACT (2 SPECIALISTS NEEDED)

Background

UNCDF invests its funding and technical capabilities in financial systems in LDCs and other developing countries by facilitating the development of microfinance markets at the macro, meso and micro levels. It maintains a strong emphasis on building retail capacity to deliver quality microfinance services to poor people, but it also invests in supporting discrete policy work and strengthening country infrastructures to support retain institutions where necessary to maximize outcomes of our investments at the retail level. UNCDF’s financial-systems approach and results have received strong endorsement from CGAP’s SmartAid for Microfinance Index. Highlighted strengths include UNCDF’s overall capacity to manage high quality microfinance programmes using best-practice interventions, its depth of in-house technical specialists and its strategic agility. UNCDF is looking to significantly expand the scope of its work in Asia. This will involve scaling up financial investments and technical assistance in mostly LDCs but also increasingly in non-LDCs as well. In some cases, UNCDF will be making independent investments; in others these investments will be done jointly with UNDP, especially in non-LDCs to comply with current UNDP policy requiring UNCDF to be the lead technical supplier and policy advisor on all UNDP microfinance related work globally. To meet growing demand and commitments, UNCDF will supplement its small core staff capability in the regional office by retaining, maintaining and growing a flexible network of technical specialists. The roster of technical specialists will be hired on rolling 1-year retainer contracts and whose services will be sought as and when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the direct supervision of the UNCDF Senior Regional Technical Advisor for Inclusive Finance and in close collaboration with the government and UNCDF country team the consultant may be responsible for the assessment, training, design and development, and evaluation of the following processes and methods for enhancing the social impact of microfinance: Client protection and financial literacy Measurement of social impact The specific tasks will be defined in TOR for each assignment, and may cover some of the above-mentioned issues, depending on the needs of the country/UNCDF regional office, availability of the consultant and days set aside in the retainer contract. Final Products: A descriptive and analytical back to the office report following each assignment that provides full details of the mission schedule, copies of substantive inputs produced and recommendations for follow up action. Substantive reports and other inputs as requested by the UNCDF Senior Technical Advisor Reports specifically indicated as an output in the assignment TOR.

Competencies

Strong proven functional skills in analytical writing skills, and producing reports and other material, training, advice, coaching, diagnostics, research and assessments, design, operations managements Knowledge about the UNCDF programmes in Asia and Pacific would be an advantage Strong analytical and writing skills and track record in producing relevant reports and other material High level of communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi cultural environment and fluency in English is required Sensitivity to diverse opinions and difficulties arising from differing social and cultural perceptions Ability to contribute towards conflict resolution in the workplace

Required Skills and Experience

Postgraduate qualification finance, business, economics, accounting and other related fields At least 10 years of professional experience with proven competence in any of the any of the areas detailed in the scope of work. Extensive experience in managing and consulting inclusive finance programmes in the specific field detailed in the scope of work.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.