Enhancing Digital and Financial Capacity of Women-Owned SMEs (National Consultant for Libya)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Subregional Office for North Africa (SRO-NA) based in Rabat, implements projects to support member States in economic diversification, regional integration, and digital transformation. This consultancy supports the DA-18 project focused on enhancing digital and financial capabilities of women-owned SMEs (W-SMEs) in North Africa, aligning with AfCFTA objectives.
Job Purpose
This role serves to support the implementation of the "Enhancing the digital capacity of women-owned micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa" project at the country level in Libya. The purpose is to strengthen the digital and financial capabilities of W-SMEs and enhance policymakers' capacity to design inclusive digital trade policies aligned with AfCFTA objectives. The consultant will contribute to developing country-specific diagnostics, policy instruments, and stakeholder consultations to create an enabling environment for W-SMEs to improve productivity, access digital markets, and participate more effectively in regional value chains.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of digital and financial inclusion gaps affecting women-owned SMEs in Libya. This includes reviewing national digital trade, e-commerce, fintech, and regulatory frameworks, and mapping stakeholders. The consultant will support the organization and delivery of a National Stakeholders Workshop, preparing background notes, agendas, and summary reports. A key responsibility is developing a Country Module on the Institutional and Regulatory Ecosystem for Digital Trade and Digital Finance, tailored for W-SMEs. Finally, 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 progressively responsible 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 and integrating gender equality into policy analysis is also advantageous.
Skills
Policy analysis, digital trade, fintech, economic analysis, trade policy, SME development, digital economy policy, stakeholder consultation, workshop facilitation, gender equality integration, AfCFTA processes.