Consultant - WASH Finance

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a strong presence in Ghana, cooperating with the government and other partners to advocate for children's rights and ensure equitable access to quality social services. The organization focuses on strategic program areas aligned with government priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Framework, aiming for every child to survive and thrive in a safe environment.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to support the financial close-out and documentation of the Basic Sanitation Fund (BSF) Pilot. UNICEF Ghana has been implementing the BSF pilot to make financing accessible for households and small to medium enterprises involved in sanitation. The consultant will work closely with the Innovative Financing and Partnership Specialist to navigate the local banking and micro-financing context, ensuring a smooth closure of the BSF by compiling comprehensive reports and documentation. This role requires expertise in financial management, particularly in micro-credit and loan management, as well as experience in banking and the BSF.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Innovative Financing and Partnership Specialist in navigating the local banking and micro-financing context.
• Obtain all official supporting documentation from Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and APEX Bank related to the disbursement of BSF loans, including beneficiary lists.
• Check the computational accuracy and consistency of submitted reports.
• Create a filing and documentation archive for the reports.
• Ensure that all documentation is comprehensive and contributes to informing future steps on innovative financing for sanitation.
• Collaborate with the UNICEF team to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent educational background in Financing, Banking, Business Development, or any related field linked to Financing, Micro-credit, and Business Management.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in Financing, Banking, and Business Development.
• Experience working with Mutual Savings and Loan Associations (MSLA), micro-finance, credit and loan institutions, and rural banks in Ghana is desirable.
• Proven experience supporting Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and knowledge of lending mechanisms, including the BSF, is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or an equivalent educational background in relevant fields such as Financing, Banking, Business Development, or related areas that focus on Financing, Micro-credit, and Business Management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and the specific requirements of the consultancy role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the areas of Financing, Banking, and Business Development. Candidates should have substantial experience working with financial institutions, particularly in the context of micro-finance and credit systems. Familiarity with the operations of Mutual Savings and Loan Associations (MSLA) and rural banks in Ghana is highly desirable, as is experience in supporting Financial Service Providers (FSPs).

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, as well as local languages, is considered an asset. This linguistic capability will enhance communication and collaboration within diverse teams and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on the financial close-out of the Basic Sanitation Fund. Candidates are required to submit a one-page motivation/application letter, a Technical Proposal detailing how they will execute the assignment, and a Financial Proposal outlining their daily professional fees. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory.