Investment Policy Expert for an Investment Policy Diagnostic

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

About the Project: The Investment Advisory Initiative (IAI) is part of the UNCDF Investment Platform that seeks to inform and improve the policy regime for investments in priority countries across Africa from lessons learned through i) the development and implementation of innovative SDG-positive development finance initiatives in conjunction with other agencies of the UNDS ii) the deployment of capital, including through UNCDF financing solutions, into investment transactions meant to provide demonstration effects and unlock additional capital (in a blended fashion when possible) iii) direct policy support to government at country level, at its request through the RC or RCO. Unlike many other actors, UNCDF is able to anchor policy advice and related work with the real experience and lessons learnt gained as development finance practitioner able to deploy capital and develop financing mechanisms.

Policy underpins the approach of the IAI to help governments identify and respond to barriers to attract long-term finance for the SDGs. In addition to using lessons learned from demonstration effects of blended finance transactions and the implementation of innovative SDG-positive development finance initiatives, the IAI will convene and engage with stakeholders including private capital and businesses to understand the challenges they face to integrate SDG support into their business models, and work with government and other relevant stakeholders to design mechanisms to catalyze private investment for the SDGs.

Based in Dakar, Senegal the Investment Policy Expert will facilitate the dialogue and implementation of policy development and activities between all the relevant stakeholders of the project: an investment policy diagnostic in the agriculture sector in Senegal.

The expert will support, develop and implement the policy advocacy work by leading research to develop and implement policy advocacy strategies towards the most relevant challenges identified as barriers to investments particularly as regards access to credit by women and youth in the agriculture sector in Senegal. The overall responsibility of the Investment Policy Expert is to contribute to policy development and advocacy activities specifically through the implementation of an investment policy diagnostic. Contributions include the design of an evidenced-based approach and analytical tools, organization of policy dialogue including an interactive convening of stakeholders, and other advance work to further investment policy advocacy. He/She will also act as a liaison officer at the country level for RC/RCO, UN agencies, government, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, private sector partners, financial institutions and other relevant stakeholder

a) Design, plan, develop and implement UNCDF’s IAI policy and advocacy projects at the country level b) Design and implement an evidence-based process for policy advocacy and support including appropriate policy diagnostic tools; conduct key informant interviews and surveys, analyze results, prioritize identified challenges, define proposed solutions, etc in support of key deliverables: to plan and moderate policy convenings/dialogues, prepare and publish a policy brief c) Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis on relevant development investment advocacy issues (including identify and prioritize challenges) and related knowledge management d) Desk research on global, regional, and national policies, frameworks, and guidelines that impact UNCDF’s work particularly as it relates to Senegal (identify and document policy anchors) e) Draft analytical report and iterate to incorporate feedback from stakeholders to finalize a policy brief. f) Share approved content across various mediums (i.e., UNCDF’s website, newsletter, and other publications, social media) g) Other tasks as deemed appropriate by UNCDF

Deliverables/Outputs 1. Validated policy diagnostic methodology 2. Conceptual framework tool indicating priority policy areas and key questions that will drive the lines of inquiry of the policy diagnostic 3. Questionnaires and survey tools customized for all the various segments of stakeholders (at least three) 4. At least 20 key informant interviews conducted, and surveys distributed to at least 150 stakeholders 5. Consolidated, analysed survey and interview results document that incorporates findings and policy anchors from desk research 6. Draft analytic report (policy brief) 7. Facilitate interactive convening to receive feedback on the analytic report 8. Final analytic report (policy brief)

• Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Computer and IT skills in Microsoft applications
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship management and negotiation skills

finance and investment, financial or investment regulation design or enforcement, investment policy advocacy, capacity building for SME investment, planning and implementing an advocacy strategy including conducting policy research, survey design and analysis, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to shape an advocacy agenda at the community, national and/or local level

Subject Matter Expertise and Technical Abilities: • Deep knowledge of finance and investment, particularly related to SMEs and social enterprises • Experience working on policy/advocacy research and/or strategies in an African policy context. • Good knowledge of investment policy landscape in Senegal • Good knowledge of policy/decision-making processes in the areas of attracting investment finance to emerging markets (particularly Africa) • Demonstrates ability to undertake research including experience in policy analysis and/or development • Advanced and persuasive written and verbal communication skills • Comprehensive research, interpretation and critical analysis skills

Desired additional skills and competencies: • Experience in designing an evidenced based policy process and design of relevant tools for analysis and assessment. • Experience building and implementing lobbying/advocacy strategies • Experience with group communications (association management, conference moderation, event facilitation, etc.) • Knowledge of or experience in agribusiness in Senegal • Experience with gender in development and/or with women and/or youth entrepreneurs in Senegal • Knowledge and understanding of the UN system and the mandates of constituent agencies • Experience working with relevant ministerial agencies and the private sector as it pertains to understanding the barriers to access to investment finance in agriculture and for female/young entrepreneurs. • Commitment to advancing policy advocacy and support that can contribute to policy reforms in the areas promoting investment finance

Other attributes: • Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and work independently. • Computer and IT skills in Microsoft applications • Exceptional interpersonal, relationship management and negotiation skills

National Experts should be based in Dakar or have knowledge of and comfort with living and working in Dakar.

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