Catalytic Finance Specialist (Anglophone West Africa)

Job Posting Organization:
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) is a global initiative aimed at achieving 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 collaborates with various stakeholders, including national and local governments, the private sector, and investors, to enhance the enabling environment for menstrual health solutions. The organization operates in over 130 countries, leveraging its expertise to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and facilitate access to finance for market-based solutions.

Job Overview:
The Catalytic Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the SHF's Capital M initiative, which focuses on advancing financing opportunities for menstrual health solutions in Anglophone West Africa. This position involves identifying and analyzing high-impact enterprises and strategic partners to unlock additional investments. The specialist will conduct market assessments, engage with stakeholders, and develop strategies to catalyze financing opportunities. The role requires a deep understanding of the menstrual health financing ecosystem and the ability to map out key players, assess financing needs, and recommend priority opportunities for investment. The initial focus will be on Nigeria, with potential expansion to other countries in the region as the program develops.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct market and pipeline assessments to identify and evaluate enterprises, financial institutions, and strategic partners that can support catalytic financing for menstrual health solutions.
• Assess enterprises across the menstrual health value chain, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, reviewing their development stage, business model, and investment readiness.
• Map local financial institutions and intermediaries that provide financing for menstrual health enterprises, identifying relevant blended finance funds and impact investors.
• Develop criteria to screen and prioritize pipeline opportunities, recommending priority opportunities for technical assistance and partnership development.
• Engage with stakeholders to build relationships and gather market intelligence, preparing technical briefs and presentations as needed.
• Represent SHF at meetings and conferences, contributing to the engagement strategy with finance and investment partners.
• Maintain a regularly updated pipeline database covering identified opportunities and financing needs, providing insights and recommendations for advancing catalytic financing approaches.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development finance, corporate finance, economics, business administration, international development, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, provided there is additional relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in private sector development finance or corporate finance is required.
• Experience in program financing related to development finance or impact investing in low- and middle-income countries is essential.
• Knowledge of the menstrual health sector and regional enterprise environments is desirable, along with experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as development finance, corporate finance, economics, business administration, or international development. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field combined with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the private sector, development finance, or corporate finance. Experience in program financing related to development finance or impact investing in low- and middle-income countries is essential. Candidates with experience in menstrual health markets and value chain concepts will be preferred, particularly those familiar with the regional enterprise environment and financial actors in Anglophone West Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while basic proficiency in French is desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, with a strong emphasis on English for all professional interactions.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a duration of 1 year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The position is classified at a mid-level seniority (ICS 10) and is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with the option for home-based work. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The recruitment process includes background checks to ensure compliance with UN standards.