Enhancing Digital and Financial Capacity of Women-Owned SMEs (National Consultant for Egypt)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Subregional Office for North Africa (SRO-NA) based in Rabat, supports member States in economic diversification, regional integration, and digital transformation. This role supports the DA-18 project "Enhancing the digital capacity of women-owned micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa," aiming to strengthen W-SME capabilities and policy design for inclusive digital trade.
Job Purpose
This National Consultant role supports the implementation of a project focused on enhancing the digital and financial capabilities of women-owned SMEs (W-SMEs) in North Africa, specifically within Egypt. The purpose is to develop country-specific diagnostics, policy instruments, and facilitate stakeholder consultations. The ultimate goal is to create an enabling environment that allows W-SMEs to improve productivity, access digital markets, and participate more effectively in regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. This involves strengthening policymakers' capacity to design inclusive digital trade policies aligned with AfCFTA objectives and addressing structural barriers faced by W-SMEs.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of digital and financial inclusion gaps affecting women-owned SMEs in Egypt. This includes reviewing national digital trade, e-commerce, fintech, and regulatory frameworks, and mapping stakeholders. The role involves supporting the organization and delivery of a National Stakeholders Workshop, preparing background notes, and summarizing key findings. A Country Module on the Institutional and Regulatory Ecosystem for Digital Trade and Digital Finance will be developed, tailored for W-SMEs. Additionally, the consultant will prepare a country-specific policy paper with actionable recommendations and an implementation plan to guide policymakers in designing inclusive, gender-responsive digital trade policies aligned with AfCFTA provisions.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in economic analysis, trade policy, SME development, or digital economy policy is required. Proven experience in facilitating stakeholder consultations and delivering workshops is necessary. Experience in policy analysis, particularly in digital trade and fintech, and knowledge of AfCFTA processes are desirable. Experience with government institutions or international organizations is also beneficial.
Skills
Policy analysis (digital trade, fintech), stakeholder consultation, workshop facilitation, economic analysis, trade policy, SME development, digital economy policy, understanding of AfCFTA processes, integration of gender equality considerations, knowledge of institutional and regulatory ecosystems for digital trade and finance.