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1. Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP/UNCDF: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP/UNCDF including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP/UNCDF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
2. Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance—can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development.
UNCDF is in the process of implementing its flagship project, “Salon Access to Finance” programme in Sierra Leone funded by the EU with the overall objective of contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development and job creation in the agricultural sector. As part of the EU funded Jobs and Growth programme, “Salone Access to Finance” seeks to promote financial inclusion, access to finance and risk management for agri-businesses. The component specifically contributes to the two specific objectives: 1). Improved investment climate and business environment and 2). Agro MSMEs show improved performance and expansion.
The UNCDF programme is designed around 4 pillars:
1. Investment
2. Insurance
3. Digital; and
4. Business environment
These are complemented by a set of activities on Research and Knowledge sharing which cut across the different workstreams. The four mutually reinforcing pillars aim at enhancing access to financial services and diversifying risks across agricultural value chains. The program aims at boosting food and nutrition security, jobs, and wealth creation. The program targets specifically youth, women, and people with disabilities. The innovative design approach combines technical and financial assistance for MSMEs in the form of grants from UNCDF and loans obtained from local financial institutions together with technical assistance provided to financial services providers to handle a sector they are less familiar with. This approach comes with the development of a digital platform to facilitate the delivery of services, reporting and credit scoring of MSMEs active in the agricultural sector.
At the same time, UNCDF has just increased its focus on using mobile data analytics and strengthening its overall all data collection and results measurement on the projects it funds – which often involves strengthening its partners own abilities to do so.
UNCDF Inclusive Digital Economy (IDE) Strategy
UNCDF strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ is based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion in support of the Sustainable Development Goals aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind. https://www.uncdf.org/article/4931/global-strategy-leaving-no-one-behind-in-the-digital-era
UNCDF will focus on understanding the intersection of six categories of digital services entailing (i) agriculture, (ii) transport, (iii) energy, (iv) education, (v) health and (vi) finance across five categories of users: (i)women, (ii)youth, (iii)refugees, (iv) migrants and (v) MSMEs.
To implement this strategy UNCDF will continue to apply a market development approach at country level. The objective of such an approach is to continuously seek to understand and intervene in select market systems to address underlying market dysfunctions that lead to improved efficiencies, effectiveness, and sustainability. The approach will seek to (1) leverage the roles and behaviours of current players in the marketplace, support them to continue doing what they do better or to change their behaviour, and (2) strengthen the systems and relationships among the various market and sector actors (3) work with current players to de-risk new business models to make digital solutions more inclusive for key segments and reduce the digital divide.
UNCDF is looking for a Program Manager and country Lead, P.4, who will have the responsibility for overseeing the UNCDF work in Sierra Leone. The position will directly report to the UNCDF Regional manager P5, based in Dakar Senegal and will receive technical input from other UNCDF & BTCA Technical Specialists.
3. Position Context:
The Program Manager and country lead will be responsible for:
The Program Manager and country lead will be responsible for coordinating UNCDF’s work in Sierra Leone. The Program Manager and country lead will have primary responsibility for managing and overseeing UNCDF’s activities in Sierra Leone. The position will directly report to the UNCDF Regional Manager for the West and Central Africa (based in Dakar, Senegal) and will play a significant role in engaging a wide variety of stakeholders, ranging from policy makers, regulators, government agencies, financial service providers, telecommunication companies, business associations, NGOs and donor agencies.
She/he will work with a cross-section of partners to develop and strengthen initiatives through a variety of efforts, including but not limited to; supportive regulatory reform, research and sector assessment, quality and range of new and existing financial products and services, usage of and access to such products and services by the underserved, consumer protection and digital and financial literacy. With support from UNCDF’s regional team for the West and Central Africa, based in Dakar he/she will develop and manage the UNCDF portfolio and will be responsible for achieving associated outputs, and outcomes under the different programmes in Sierra Leone.
This position will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
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Summary of key functions:
The Program Manager and country lead will be responsible for:
- Lead the Salon Access to Finance, the country Programme and the Team in Sierra Leone and be responsible for the implementation of the strategy.
- Provide targeted technical assistance to selected partners and other stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary support to build successful financial and complementary non-financial services for youth and women, using digital as an accelerator when appropriate.
- Actively participate in the development and execution of activities at the national level (ecosystem activities) in order to increase the level of knowledge and DF capacity of all stakeholders.
- Generate, facilitate, and disseminate research and information sharing to ensure stakeholders are informed on current trends, best practices, market conditions, and special topics as needed.
- Provides support to UNCDF management on corporate initiatives and activities, focusing on achieving the organizational results.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Lead the Salon Access to Finance, the Country Programme and the Team in Sierra Leone and be responsible for the implementation of the strategy:
- Develop in-depth relationship and buy-in from stakeholders of various sectors (digital, finance, energy, agriculture, health, education, etc.) in Sierra Leone at government, private & non-profit sectors & academia.
- Based on discussion with funders and input from stakeholders, update and win acceptance for the Sierra Leone country strategy, identify priorities, strategies, and key milestones to develop the Sierra Leone market.
- Update UNCDF’s country strategy, develop detailed annual work plans and budgets. Submit quarterly reports.
- Ensure proper planning, staffing, and contracting through inputs and to the related plans and reports and monitoring.
Manage an empower a small team between 5 to 10 colleagues with technical, investment, communication and administrative skills. - Expand and deepen the UNCDF country program by mobilizing more resources to support digital transformation within the country.
- Lead progress meetings for the Sierra Leone projects.
- Lead calls with funders and manage partner reporting.
- Work closely with the Results Measurement team to ensure the on-time and accurate reporting of results from partners and facilitating the annual survey to digital market growth.
2. Provide targeted technical assistance to selected partners and other stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary support to build successful financial and complementary non-financial services for youth and women, using digital as an accelerator when appropriate:
- Conduct a diagnostic of the DFS ecosystem in the Sierra Leone drawing on existing tools, including an update on the inventory of relevant policies, laws and regulations; identification of key actors, and use of DFS in the country with key recommendations.
- Support the development of a market research support strategy to identify client’s needs, demands, behaviours and attitudes, draft TORs, procure and manage consultants for market research.
- Support the development of a product research support strategy for market research that supports pro-poor product development that can be implemented by partners, draft TORs, procure and manage consultants.
3. Actively participate in the development and execution of activities at the national level (ecosystem activities) in order to increase the level of knowledge and capacity of all stakeholders:
- Conduct a diagnostic of the DFS ecosystem in the Sierra Leone drawing on existing tools, including an update on the inventory of relevant policies, laws and regulations; identification of key actors, and use of DFS in the country with key recommendations.
- Support the development of a market research support strategy to identify client’s needs, demands, behaviours and attitudes, draft TORs, procure and manage consultants for market research.
- Support the development of a product research support strategy for market research that supports pro-poor product development that can be implemented by partners, draft TORs, procure and manage consultants.
4. Generate, facilitate, and disseminate research and information sharing to ensure stakeholders are informed on current trends, best practices, market conditions, and special topics as needed:
- Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals.
- Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issue.
5. Provides support to UNCDF management on corporate initiatives and activities, focusing on achieving the following results:
- Develop Country annual work plan and budget.
- Provide inputs for UNCDF semi-annual reporting.
- Assist in implementation of mid-term and final evaluations of the programmes.
- Support annual and cumulative UNCDF results analyses and substantive inputs into Unit work plan and UNCDF and FIPA Business Plans.
- As requested, assist in fundraising and relationship management with donors
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent will have a supervisory responsibility.
Keywords:
- Program management
- Inclusive growth
- Resource mobilisation
- Partnerships
- Investment
Competencies
Expected Demonstration of Competencies
| Core | |
| Achieve Results: | LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact |
| Think Innovatively: | LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems |
| Learn Continuously | LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences |
| Adapt with Agility | LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands |
| Act with Determination | LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results |
| Engage and Partner | LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion | LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity |
People Management Competencies:
Motivate and Direct:
- Create and communicate a compelling vision and purpose.
- Align people and resources with organizational vision, strategy, objectives.
- Understand and proactively builds the team/organization culture.
Manage Performance and Ensure Accountability:
- Ensure regular conversations with people about work
- Provide positive and constructive feedback
- Discuss poor performance in a timely manner
- Provide praise and recognition, as well as ensure accountability
Demonstrate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:
- Genuinely care about people; demonstrate empathy with joys and pains of others.
- Enable the wellbeing of the team(s).
- Read a group’s emotional currents and power relationships, identifying influencers, networks, and organizational dynamics; adapt leadership styles at the appropriate times.
- See the positive in people, situations, and events.
Show Managerial Courage
- Face up to organizational and people problems
- Not be afraid to take decision and action when and as needed
- Not hold back anything that needs to be said, respectfully and diplomatically
- Address conflict in a timely manner, not allow conflicts in teams linger
- Help others through emotional or tense situations, tactfully bringing disagreements into the open and finding solutions all can endorse
Lead with Humility
- Be authentic and transparent, act with integrity
- Be accessible and available to team members they lead
- Encourages debate and discussion, creating a culture where people are comfortable to challenge senior leaders and feel listened too
- Be modest, giving credit for success to others and admit own shortcomings.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| Business Direction and Strategy | System Thinking |
|
| Business Direction and strategy | Negotiation and Influence |
|
| Business Direction & Strategy | Business Acumen |
|
| Business Management | Portfolio Management |
|
| Partnership management | Relationship management |
|
| Partnership management | Resource mobilization |
|
| 2030 Agenda: Partnerships | SDG Finance |
|
5. Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required OR a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
- Minimum 7 years of relevant experience or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) in managing financial inclusion, access to finance, investment programs or similar initiatives. This includes overseeing projects that aim to expand access to financial services and catalyze investments, promote financial literacy, or enhance the capacity of financial institutions and digital transformation.
- Experience in engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders at a high level, including government agencies, donors, financial institutions, NGOs, community groups, and beneficiaries.
- Knowledge of the regulatory framework governing financial services in Africa or LDCs is required. This includes an understanding of regulations related to microfinance, banking, and consumer protection.
- Experience in development programmes in Africa is advantageous .
- Experience/understanding of UNDP/UNCDF policies, programming frameworks and procedures is advantageous.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP (Quantum).
Language requirements (Required / Desired)
- Fluency in written and spoken English (required).
- Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP/UNCDF, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP/UNCDF is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP/UNCDF reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP/UNCDF has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP/UNCDF is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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