Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices globally. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld and that workers' rights are protected. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO's work encompasses a wide range of issues including employment, social protection, and labor rights, with a strong focus on promoting decent work for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position is integral to the ILO's efforts in enhancing financial inclusion for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) and host communities. This role is situated within the framework of the PROSPECTS Partnership Programme, which aims to foster inclusive socio-economic development in regions affected by forced displacement. The Technical Officer will be responsible for supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of financial inclusion activities under the Financial Access Initiative for Refugees (FAIR) Facility. This includes working closely with various stakeholders, including country teams, financial service providers (FSPs), and implementing partners to ensure that the initiatives align with the ILO's programming guidelines and objectives. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and facilitating solutions to enhance the effectiveness of financial services for vulnerable populations. The Technical Officer will also contribute to the development of training materials and resources to support capacity building among partners and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the rollout of FAIR activities across Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan by tracking implementation progress and ensuring alignment with approved work plans.
• Liaising regularly with PROSPECTS country teams to consolidate updates, identify bottlenecks, and ensure smooth coordination among ILO and partners.
• Assisting in the preparation, review, and follow-up of technical assistance plans for participating FSPs, cooperatives, and Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) entities.
• Organizing assessments, training sessions, market research, workshops, and field missions related to FAIR.
• Acting as a first-line focal point for participating FSPs for administrative and operational queries.
• Supporting the PROSPECTS Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers in collecting and organizing country-level data on FSP performance and beneficiary results.
• Contributing to the drafting of progress reports, donor updates, and other documentation.
• Supporting data collection and analysis for the FAIR research component, including impact measurement and borrower-level surveys.
• Assisting with procurement, contracting, and onboarding of service providers and consultants. 1
• Contributing to visibility and communication materials for FAIR and PROSPECTS as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, development studies, finance, public policy, international relations, or a related field. An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to draft clearly and concisely, and good interpersonal and communication skills. Familiarity with ILO Social Finance approaches and experience in financial inclusion are highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and demonstrate gender-responsive and inclusive behavior.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level degree in relevant fields such as economics, development studies, finance, public policy, or international relations. An advanced degree is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role. The emphasis is on obtaining a solid foundation in economic principles and development strategies that can be applied to the context of financial inclusion and socio-economic development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant professional experience in financial inclusion, access to finance, or enterprise finance. Experience within the financial sector, such as banks, microfinance institutions, or similar financial service providers, is essential. Demonstrated experience in supporting financial institutions in developing or adapting financial products, particularly for underserved populations, is a strong asset. Familiarity with the operational processes of financial service providers and experience in fragile contexts or with refugees will be beneficial.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions of operation, such as French or Arabic, which could enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and selected candidates may be contacted for a written test or interview. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications to ensure the integrity of its hiring process.