Catalytic Finance Specialist (Francophone West Africa)

Job Posting Organization:
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) is a global initiative dedicated to ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health for all, with a particular focus on the needs of women and girls, as well as vulnerable populations. Established as part of the UNOPS framework, SHF operates in collaboration with various stakeholders, including national and local governments, the private sector, and international financial institutions. The organization aims to foster sustainable, market-based solutions that empower women and girls across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). SHF is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works in over 130 countries, leveraging partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and facilitate access to finance for menstrual health solutions.

Job Overview:
The Catalytic Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund's Capital M initiative, which focuses on advancing financing opportunities for menstrual health solutions in Francophone West Africa. The specialist will be responsible for scoping key ecosystem enablers, stakeholders, and partners within the menstrual health financing landscape. This includes identifying gaps and needs for enhancement in the financing ecosystem, developing approaches to catalyze investment opportunities, and mapping out potential partners and enterprises that can benefit from catalytic financing. The role requires collaboration with technical teams to develop strategies that unlock additional investments and support the growth of the menstrual health market in the region. The initial focus will be on Senegal, with broader support across Francophone West Africa as the program expands.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Catalytic Finance Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting market and pipeline assessments to identify and evaluate enterprises, financial institutions, and strategic partners that can support catalytic financing for menstrual health solutions.
• Mapping the financing ecosystem by identifying local financial institutions and intermediaries that provide financing for menstrual health enterprises.
• Developing criteria to screen and prioritize pipeline opportunities, assessing their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with SHF objectives.
• Engaging with stakeholders to build relationships and gather market intelligence, contributing to the development of Capital M's engagement strategy.
• Preparing technical briefs, presentations, and reports to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Representing SHF at meetings, conferences, and sector events to promote the initiative and its objectives.
• Collaborating with the technical team to develop suitable catalytic financing instruments and partnership models.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development finance, corporate finance, economics, business administration, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of work experience in the private sector, development finance, or corporate finance is required, with a strong emphasis on program financing related to development finance or impact investing in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in menstrual health markets and value chain concepts is desirable, as is knowledge of the regional enterprise environment and financial actors in Francophone West Africa.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as development finance, corporate finance, economics, business administration, or international development. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline may be considered if they have additional relevant work experience totaling at least two years. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The Catalytic Finance Specialist should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in areas such as private sector development, corporate finance, or development finance. Experience in program financing, particularly related to development finance or impact investing in low- and middle-income countries, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with menstrual health markets and the associated value chain concepts from the perspective of industry stakeholders, enterprises, and investors is highly desirable. Knowledge of the regional context in Francophone West Africa, including the specific enterprise environment and financial actors, will be beneficial for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as the role involves engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders across Francophone West Africa. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level (ICS 10) and is offered on a retainer contract basis for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance, availability of funds, and the necessity of services. The role is primarily based in Dakar, Senegal, but also allows for home-based work. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and that applications must be submitted before the specified deadline. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.