Access to Finance Specialist

Organizational Context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a UN specialized agency focused on eradicating rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural people and transforming rural economies. IFAD finances projects to boost agricultural productivity, increase rural incomes, and advocates for policies supporting rural transformation. The Rwanda Country Office implements IFAD's mission, focusing on enhancing productivity, climate resilience, market access, and inclusive financing through various projects and non-sovereign operations.

Job Purpose

The Access to Finance Specialist will provide technical assistance, advisory services, and mentoring to strengthen financial inclusion and rural finance systems within IFAD-supported projects in Rwanda. This role involves supporting project implementation and supervision missions, acting as a focal point for access to finance and private sector engagement, and reviewing project strategies and work plans. The specialist will ensure alignment with IFAD's fiduciary requirements, monitor project execution, and support compliance with corporate policies. Additionally, the role contributes to strategic country-level aspects, fosters thematic partnerships, supports knowledge management, and assists in project design and completion.

Responsibilities

• Support IFAD-led implementation support and supervision missions by preparing terms of reference, assessing project components, drafting reports, and discussing findings. • Serve as the focal point for Access to Finance and Private Sector engagement, reviewing and enhancing financial inclusion strategies and supporting the generation of loan pipelines. • Review country programmes' Annual Work Plans, Budgets, and Procurement Plans, and monitor implementation progress against key performance indicators. • Ensure project and country programme compliance with IFAD corporate policies and systems. • Provide ongoing implementation support to projects between missions, following up on agreed actions and addressing issues with project management teams. • Contribute to country strategic aspects, including reporting on IFAD's contributions to the UN framework and engaging in donor/sector working groups. • Strengthen thematic partnerships with donors, the private sector, and academia to bring in expertise and co-investment. • Support daily operational work, review project requests, and contribute to the knowledge agenda by generating technical inputs and lessons learned. • Facilitate cross-country learning within the region and support project design and completion processes, including reporting on achievements.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of relevant experience. This includes proven knowledge of financial products for rural development (e.g., lines of credit, guarantee schemes, blended finance), capacity to produce high-quality analytical and financial reports, and strong skills in drafting and presenting technical documents. Experience in project management, monitoring, and evaluation, with an emphasis on financial inclusion, is essential. Desirable experience includes developing KPIs and log frames, mentoring, developing training materials, supporting innovative finance instruments, understanding regulatory frameworks, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Core Competencies: Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Empowering Others, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Self-Management, Working in Teams. Technical Skills: Expertise in Agriculture, Development programmes, Economics, and Finance, with a focus on financial products for rural development and financial inclusion strategies.

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