Investment Specialist, NPSA10, Accra, Ghana, UNCDF [Open to internal and external applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in Ghana manages a $10M portfolio focused on youth empowerment, SME finance, and climate finance. UNCDF aims to mobilize and catalyze capital for SDG-impactful investments, supporting developing economies and vulnerable communities. This role is within the UNCDF Ghana team, contributing to capital deployment and investment transactions, particularly for SMEs.
Job Purpose
The Investment Specialist will lead the technical implementation of investment readiness and pipeline development activities in Ghana. This role supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), financial institutions, and ecosystem partners in becoming investment-ready and accessing appropriate financing. The specialist will contribute to UNCDF's mission of mobilizing and catalyzing capital for SDG-impactful investments, focusing on SME finance and fostering local economic development by helping companies achieve commercial sustainability and unlock private capital. The position involves close collaboration with in-country and regional UNCDF teams to deliver investment transactions.
Responsibilities
Develop and manage a pipeline of potential MSMEs, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners in Ghana, conducting initial screening and detailed due diligence. Assess and address investment readiness gaps by designing and coordinating tailored technical assistance for MSMEs and partner institutions, providing advisory support on financial structuring and business planning. Facilitate stakeholder engagement by connecting investment-ready entities with financial institutions, fintechs, and DFIs, and collaborating with regulators to remove systemic barriers. Coordinate ecosystem activities by fostering partnerships and organizing investment-focused events like roundtables and pitch sessions. Track partner progress, document lessons learned, and contribute to knowledge products on SME financing and investment readiness.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years (with a Master's) or seven years (with a Bachelor's) of relevant experience is required in areas such as banking, financial services, development finance, private-sector impact investing, investment readiness, or SME finance. Experience working with financial service providers to develop MSME-focused products in emerging markets is also necessary.
Skills
System Thinking, SDG Integration, SDG Monitoring and Reporting, Development Finance Expertise, Relationship Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Knowledge Facilitation.