Development Finance Expert

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Position Title: Development Finance Expert
Location: Freetown
Country: Sierra Leone
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations global champion of gender equality, established to uphold standards for gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization works to create an enabling environment for women and girls by linking global, national, and local actors. UN Women operates in multiple countries, focusing on dismantling structural barriers to gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) and ensuring that policies and programs benefit women and girls worldwide. The UN Women office in Sierra Leone was established in 2011, building on the work of UNIFEM, which opened its office in 200

• The agency collaborates with the Government of Sierra Leone, civil society, and local communities to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, supporting various national policies and laws aimed at localizing global standards and norms.

Job Overview:
The Development Finance Expert will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges related to financing women's economic empowerment, particularly at the community level. This position requires a deep understanding of microfinancing systems, inclusive financing for women and youth, and the private sector's financial systems. The expert will work under the guidance of the Women's Economic Empowerment Lead and report to the Head of Office. The primary objectives include refining UN Women's impact in financing women's economic empowerment, strengthening linkages between local and national financial systems, and promoting a human rights-based, gender-responsive approach to financing that addresses gendered marginalization and discrimination. The expert will be responsible for delivering comprehensive reports and strategies that align with these objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Finance Expert will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Developing a comprehensive inception report that outlines methodology, guidelines, and an action plan.
• Conducting a situational analysis of women's access to finance at the community level, linking it with national financial systems, and mapping existing mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges.
• Creating a coherent strategy document that meets the consultancy objectives, including a tentative implementation plan.
• Performing additional duties as necessary to achieve the consultancy objectives efficiently. The expert will also engage with various stakeholders to promote gender-specific objectives and ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in finance, economics, law, business administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Certification in relevant subjects is an added advantage. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in development fields focused on gender and financial services, with a strong understanding of microfinancing, financial inclusion, and gender-based barriers in access to finance, particularly in West Africa. Proven experience in designing gender-responsive financial systems and conducting gender analysis is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in finance, economics, law, business administration, or a relevant field is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Certification in relevant subjects would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience in development fields that intersect gender and financial services. This includes in-depth knowledge of microfinancing, financial inclusion, and the challenges faced by women in accessing financial services, particularly in low-income West African contexts. Experience in program development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as required.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and local communities. The role may also require travel within Sierra Leone to engage with local partners and stakeholders. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description.