Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance, IPSA10, Home-Based, UNCDF, [Open to internal and external applicants]

About the role

The Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance plays a crucial role in driving the Trade Finance Innovation workstream of the SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF). This role involves providing overall direction and management of programme activities, conducting due diligence on SME trade finance opportunities, and coordinating with various stakeholders to develop and implement trade finance solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide the overall drive, direction and management of the implementation of programme activities under the Trade Finance Innovation workstream
• Build and maintain relationships with commercial banks, export credit agencies, development finance partners, and supply chain anchors
• Coordinate with export promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, and SME associations to identify pipeline opportunities
• Engage with supply chain anchors (large corporates) to develop supplier and distributor financing programs for their SME partners
• Collaborate with trade facilitation organizations and customs authorities to streamline trade finance processes
• Monitor trade finance portfolio performance, track developmental impact indicators, and prepare quarterly portfolio reports
• Lead donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts, manage relationships with development partners, and prepare donor reports
• Oversee programme monitoring, evaluation and learning activities, ensuring alignment with UNCDF's Gender Equality Strategy and integration with national development frameworks and UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Participate in high-level forums on SME trade finance, providing technical leadership on blended finance approaches and advising senior management on business development opportunities in the trade finance sector
• Lead knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and identify opportunities for documenting and communicating best practices, programme results, and lessons learned

Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in trade finance, financial services, or international development
• Proven experience in managing and implementing trade finance programs and initiatives
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct thorough due diligence on SME trade finance opportunities
• Experience in developing and structuring blended finance solutions and innovative trade finance products
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese)

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:

• An advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance, financial services, or international development
• Proven experience in managing and implementing trade finance programs and initiatives at a senior level
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive due diligence on SME trade finance opportunities
• Experience in developing and structuring blended finance solutions and innovative trade finance products
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese)

Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of trade finance regulations and policies
• Experience in working with international development organizations

Benefits

The position offers:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Access to a supportive and collaborative work environment

Pay

The salary range for this position is:

• Base Salary: $X - $Y USD per month
• Additional Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, etc.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is:

• Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM