Access to Finance Specialist (Open to Internal & External Applicants)
On-site · Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Job Summary
Access to Finance Specialist (UNDP/ITC-led ECoWYERT project) based in Lusaka, Zambia. Lead the Grants and Revolving Fund components to advance finance for cross-border traders and micro/small enterprises, including design/structure of blended finance facilities, partner onboarding (private and public sectors), disbursement oversight, training of trainers, stakeholder engagement, and integration of youth, gender, and disability inclusion. Responsibilities cover risk management, monitoring and evaluation, budget reporting, and knowledge-sharing, with collaboration across UNDP, ITC, and project partners. Requires master’s degree (or BA with additional experience) and 7+ years (master’s) or 9+ years (BA) in banking/finance, demonstrated ability to design and implement blended finance initiatives, strong financial analysis, and excellent written/verbal communication in English. Field-related microfinance, MSME financing, and grants administration experience are highly valued. The role emphasizes building partnerships, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to knowledge products and policy insights for regional trade in Africa.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Actuarial Science, Management, Economics or a related field OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in banking, impact finance, development finance or similar with sound knowledge of structuring blended finance.
- 5 -7 years progressively responsible experience in designing, structuring and implementing innovative and blended finance initiatives;
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc);
- Strong financial analysis skills/experience;
- Demonstrable experience in building effective relationships and working with partners in the public and private (financial) sector;
- In depth understanding of MSME financing needs and challenges including in the informal trade sector;
- Advanced professional and technical writing and communication skills/experience
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
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