Investment Specialist - SME Trade Finance, Ipsa10, Home-Based, Uncdf, [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is an autonomous UN organization that assists developing countries, particularly LDCs, by supplementing capital assistance through grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF aims to mobilize and catalyze capital flows for SDG-impactful investments, focusing on SME Finance, Sub-National Finance, and Digital Finance. The Investment Specialist role is within the Investment and Implementation Division, supporting the multi-country SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF) program.

Job Purpose

The Investment Specialist - SME Trade Finance role is crucial for the UNCDF's SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF) program, a multi-country initiative aimed at addressing systemic constraints in trade finance access for SMEs in developing economies. This position provides critical leadership across technical, operational, and strategic aspects of program delivery. The specialist will foster collaborations with financial service providers, development finance institutions, and export credit agencies to achieve sustainable market development and lasting systemic impact. The role involves driving the Trade Finance Innovation workstream, building relationships, managing portfolios, and acting as Programme Manager to ensure effective program oversight, donor engagement, and resource mobilization, ultimately contributing to SME growth and economic development.

Responsibilities

The Investment Specialist - SME Trade Finance will lead the Trade Finance Innovation workstream, managing program activities and providing capacity building to financial institutions and SMEs on best practices, risk management, and trade finance readiness. This includes supporting digitalization initiatives and contributing to policy dialogue. The role involves conducting due diligence on trade finance opportunities, evaluating creditworthiness, and structuring/underwriting various trade finance instruments while assessing sector-specific risks. The specialist will design blended finance solutions and innovative products, create risk-sharing mechanisms, and structure syndicated facilities. Key responsibilities also include building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, coordinating with relevant agencies, and managing portfolio performance and trade impact measurement. Furthermore, the role entails programme management, donor engagement, resource mobilization, and participation in high-level forums, alongside leading knowledge sharing and capacity building efforts.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in Trade Finance (with a Master's degree) or seven years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required. At least three years of progressive experience in project management within SME finance is necessary. Proven experience working on international development projects with financial service providers, ministries, and regulators is essential. Demonstrated experience in building partnerships and managing external relations with multilateral organizations, donors, and government bodies is also required.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Thematic Competencies: System Thinking, Digital Inclusion, Alternative Finance, Strategic Thinking, Knowledge Generation, Partnerships Management, Portfolio Management.

Explore related opportunities