About the Organization:
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is a multilateral donor agency under the administration of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It promotes a sector-based approach to financial inclusion and is both a facilitator and an investor in the industry. UNCDF offers a unique combination of investment capital, capacity building, and technical advisory services to promote microfinance and local development in the least developed countries (LDCs). It is channeled primarily to poor rural areas in the LDCs where poverty reduction, capacity, and governance challenges are typically the greatest.
Background
In September 2009, the UN secretary general designated H.R.H. Princess Máxima of the Netherlands as his special advocate for inclusive finance for development (UNSGSA). As UNSGSA and honorary patron of the G20 global partnership for financial inclusion (GPFI), Princess Máxima raises awareness. She also advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse additional stakeholders with a view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty. Headed by the policy advisor, the office is housed at UNCDF in New York City and works in close collaboration with the Princess’ Secretariat in The Hague.
About the Job:
UNCDF is looking for a Programme Specialist – UNSGSA, UNCDF. S/he will Provide specialized technical and policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on key topics and trends in financial inclusion.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Prepare briefing notes and background papers for the UNSGSA’s meetings with government leaders, multilateral organizations, private sector companies etc.;
- Ensure that the relevant developments are appropriately reflected and serve to support the UNSGSA’s high-level advocacy activities and outreach;
- Contribute to the strategic planning and roll-out of UNSGSA country visits and other activities through coordination with technical and expert-partners;
- Represent the office in meetings and events that require technical-level expertise and political astuteness;
- Contribute to an efficient functioning of the office, including through preparation of top quality materials with accurate technical and policy content for communications and other tasks;
- Oversee inputs from and review the accuracy and clarity of technical work of consultants.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Public Policy, or related fields;
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in financial inclusion and /or financial systems or other related development sectors. Experience in applied research and policy development in developing country contexts or multilateral context is preferred;
- Technical knowledge of financial inclusion and the field of stakeholders, with expertise in one or several areas;
- Experience in leadership/high-level representational offices and with policy and advocacy issues at the national or global level, preferably related to financial issues;
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with an ability to sum up key points concisely;
- Fluency in English is required. Working Knowledge in French and other UN languages is an asset.
Closing Date: 15 Sep 2012
How to Apply:
Apply Online
