Consultant for Financial Inclusion

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges faced by the region, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth. The organization operates in 22 member states across the Arab region, employing a diverse team of experts and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide strategic advice on accelerating financial inclusion for micro-entrepreneurs in Jordan, contributing to broader financial inclusion initiatives across ESCWA member states. The role involves developing scalable and replicable approaches to inform financial inclusion initiatives targeting underserved groups. The consultant will be responsible for conducting surveys, analyzing data, facilitating consultations, and developing actionable plans to enhance financial inclusion. This position requires a deep understanding of the financial landscape in Jordan and the challenges faced by micro-entrepreneurs, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to promote inclusive economic growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Cluster Leader of the 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination Cluster. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing barriers to financial inclusion for micro-entrepreneurs by designing a structured questionnaire, conducting surveys, and analyzing data.
• Organizing a national multistakeholder consultation to gather insights and define actionable measures for financial inclusion.
• Developing an action plan that synthesizes findings from surveys and consultations, identifying gaps and opportunities for policy reform.
• Creating a roadmap for scaling and replication of financial inclusion initiatives in other countries, focusing on common barriers and opportunities faced by underserved groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, international development, behavioral science, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in financial inclusion, development research, or policy analysis is required. Proven experience in designing and implementing surveys, organizing multistakeholder consultations, and knowledge of behavioral science is desirable. Familiarity with MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs in the Arab region, particularly Jordan, is preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, international development, or behavioral science is mandatory. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational qualifications as part of the application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of professional experience in areas related to financial inclusion, development research, or policy analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in designing and implementing surveys and consultations, as well as experience in data analytics or related fields. Familiarity with the challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly in the context of micro-entrepreneurs, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with knowledge of Arabic. While French is a working language of the United Nations, it is not mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic is crucial for engaging with stakeholders and conducting consultations.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months and is conducted remotely. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Candidates should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.