Professional### * Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentRemote work accepted

NoTarget Start Date

2024-07-01Job Posting End Date

February 14, 2024Standard Job Description

Senior Financial Inclusion Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Financial Inclusion Officer is expected to oversee development and promotion of a global financial inclusion strategy within UNHCR, securing endorsement at both the Headquarters and field levels. To successfully advocate and support the financial inclusion of forcibly displaced, UNHCR needs a long-term vision and strategy based on a sustainable market-based approach. UNHCR needs to expand its work with the investors’ community, with specialized development agencies in the field of financial inclusion, and with responsible and sustainable financial service providers to facilitate access for forcibly displaced to a wide range of financial services. UNHCR – thanks to its presence on the ground, its relationship with local authorities and its expertise about forcibly displaced legal status, protection issues, and livelihoods needs – can play a facilitation and advocacy role, enabling and convening relevant stakeholders to include persons of concern in existing services or programs. This agenda supports the SDGs, where financial inclusion is positioned prominently as an enabler in 8 of the 17 goals, and of the Global Compact on Refugees and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework.

The Senior Financial Inclusion Officer will work as the reference person for the organization on financial inclusion under the supervision of the Chief of Self-Reliance and Inclusion Section. S/he will have a broad range of tasks and responsibilities related to strategic planning, programs’ design, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships’ creation, and support of field operations. S/he will be responsible for designing and coordinating the financial inclusion strategy for UNHCR at the global level; support field operations with the screening and implementation of financial inclusion projects and partnerships; identify new areas of work for UNHCR to promote access to finance for forcibly displaced, such as insurance and transborder payments; establish key partnerships with financial inclusion actors – in particular investors, financial service providers and specialized development agencies; train UNHCR staff in technical areas such as financial education, marketing skills for financial inclusion and development of insurance products; and manage multi-country programs which require HQ direct supervision and coordination.

S/he will provide guidelines to field-operations on the criteria to follow for the selection of financially viable and socially oriented financial service providers willing to serving forcibly displaced. S/he will also select and train field operations on key indicators to track based on well-established international standards for financial inclusion.

In terms of coordination with other UNHCR operations at the HQ, s/he will be the liaison person between the Self-Reliance and Inclusion and the Cash Based Intervention Sections for projects related to payments and digital finance, whenever overlaps exist and areas of partnership are identified. S/he will promote awareness about the needs for access to finance for forcibly displaced and disseminate findings of UNHCR work in this area by planning and delivering on a research agenda, represent UNHCR at key events on financial inclusion and writing relevant communication pieces and papers as needs arise.

S/he will establish and maintain close and effective partnerships with the financial inclusion sector, in particular investors, donors and financial service providers. Where this involves the private sector, s/he will coordinate closely with Private Sector Partnerships (PSP). S/he will also ensure UNHCR representation in appropriate regional coordination mechanisms and networks.

S/he will supervise consultants that might be hired on a need-basis to support financial inclusion operations at HQ.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

As primary specialist in the area of financial inclusion at UNHCR, identify priorities to advance financial inclusion work in the organization as well as opportunities for technical and strategic partnerships.
In support of regional Bureaus and operations, jointly decide areas of priority and of intervention for implementing projects and fostering partnerships with the financial community.
Support the strengthening of UNHCR country operations in implementing their financial inclusion strategy and monitor progress towards goals.
Design tools and learning materials for staff and partners using innovative digital methods and communication tools.
Train UNHCR Staff in technical areas, such as financial education, insurance, transborder payments and marketing skills in financial inclusion.
Initiate or coordinate innovative initiatives to address needs of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in the areas of the insurance and cross-border payments.
Identify, design or coordinate innovative projects to advance financial education for forcibly displaced.
Select indicators for financial inclusion that field operations can use for monitoring, based on the international financial standards.
Provide inputs and support Bureaus and operations to judge the quality of project proposals coming from implementing partners to promote access to finance for forcibly displaced.
Represent UNHCR at public events related to financial inclusion.
Research and write knowledge products pertaining to financial inclusion/resilience of forcibly displaced for publication.
Support UNHCR field operations to raise awareness about access to finance for forcibly displaced within the financial community and to establish partnerships with qualified financial service providers.
Provide technical guidance to UNHCR field operations engaged in partnerships with financial service providers, including the renewal of existing revolving loan schemes.
Review and provide technical guidance to project proposals submitted by field operations in the area of access to finance for forcibly displaced.
Train financial service providers and other key stakeholders in the industry about the financial needs of forcibly displaced by organizing workshops and focus groups with refugees in field operations.
Liaise with the Cash Based Interventions Section, to identify common areas of project planning and coordination to facilitate access to financial services to forcibly displaced, particularly for digital payments and remittances services.
Identify and build solid partnerships with the financial sector, research institutes, competent technical agencies and others that can bring knowledge, know-how and networks in support of creating financial inclusion opportunities for forcibly displaced and hosting communities.
Participate in joint needs assessments.
Raise awareness about the needs of forcibly displaced in access to finance and on the work done by UNHCR in this area by writing publications and presenting at key events.
Proactively seek new opportunities for effective shared value partnership building and resource mobilization amongst highly qualified financial institutions, as well as development actors and donors.
Manage and supervise consultants to be hired on a project-need basis.
Identify fundraising opportunities and draft project proposals for donors interested in collaborating with UNHCR (at its Headquarter) to promote access to finance for forcibly displaced through new project and research opportunities.
Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Development Economics; International Development; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

HCR Protection Learning Programme

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Solid professional experience at international level in the financial inclusion sector with the ability to guide the development and implementation of financial inclusion projects, research pieces, monitoring and evaluation activities, and partnerships creation with development financial institutions, investors and financial service providers. Minimum of three years of experience in designing and managing financial inclusion programs for forcibly displaced populations. Certified experience in financial education and deep understanding of the insurance sector and cross-border money transfers in developing contexts. Ability to provide technical advice and guidance on the latest policy development in the area of financial inclusion and financial health. Strong expertise in conducting workshops and preparing training materials that promote knowledge dissemination and capacity building around financial inclusion for forcibly displaced populations, including conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups with refugees, financial needs assessments.

Proven experience in setting-up credit guarantees within the microfinance sector. Proficiency in evaluating grant proposals from financial service providers (FSPs) seeking technical assistance for forcibly displaced populations. A solid knowledge of the microfinance industry standards, with proven expertise in social performance management and consumer protection. Experience in actively participating in and influencing the development of organizational policies and projects in financial inclusion. Confident and articulate speaking abilities with excellent communication skills for public settings, excellent presentation skills and advocacy skills. Solid English writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to write thought leadership articles for the financial inclusion industry (the candidate will be asked to provide links to relevant publications). Excellent computer skills including Excel, Word and Power Point.

Desirable

UNHCR HQ or Field experience. Field experience working for a microfinance institution or program in the developing world. Track records of participation as speaker at key financial inclusion conferences to advocate about financial inclusion for forcibly displaced. Experience with budgeting and fundraising.

Functional Skills

LV-Microfinance and Banking sector analysis

LV-Livelihood Project Development and Implementation

MG-Project Management

MG-Management Planning

SO-Networking

CO-Drafting, Documentation

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Performance

Judgement and Decision Making

Strategic Planning and Vision

Leadership

Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Policy Development and Research

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The incumbent should have extensive international experience in financial inclusion, with field experience being a strong asset, demonstrating the ability to lead projects and conduct research, with a track record of practical implementation of financial inclusion and engagement in monitoring and evaluation. With a minimum of three years of experience in designing financial inclusion programs for forcibly displaced populations, the incumbent should have certified experience in financial education and a deep understanding of the insurance sector and cross-border money transfers in developing contexts.

Furthermore, the incumbent should have a strong background in shaping organizational policies and providing technical advice on the latest policy developments in the area of financial inclusion and financial health.

Relevant UN/UNHCR experience, especially in microfinance in the developing world, along with a track record of speaking at financial inclusion conferences and fundraising experience, is preferred. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are a must for this role. The incumbent should excel in interpersonal, and leadership skills, enabling effective collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders both internally and externally.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

Desired languages

French,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Senior Financial Inclusion Officer will report to the Chief of Self-Reliance and Inclusion Section within the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS) and will play an important role in advancing the global financial inclusion strategy for UNHCR. Key responsibilities will include expanding collaboration with investors, development agencies, and financial service providers, as well as providing timely strategic and technical support to country operations.

The incumbent will serve as the organization's focal point for financial inclusion, overseeing strategic planning, program design, monitoring and evaluation, partnership creation, and field support. S/he will design and coordinate the global financial inclusion strategy, identify new areas for UNHCR involvement, establish key partnerships, train staff in technical areas, and manage multi-country programs with HQ supervision.

The incumbent will provide guidelines to field operations for selecting financially viable and socially oriented service provider. Additionally, s/he will coordinate with the Cash Based Interventions (CBI) Section on projects related to overall financial inclusion, payments and digital finance, ensuring effective liaisons and promoting awareness of financial inclusion needs. The role will include representing UNHCR at key events, conducting research, and disseminating findings in the financial inclusion field.

The incumbent will establish and maintain partnerships with external financial inclusion stakeholders and collaborate with relevant divisions and services within UNHCR such as the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) for engagements involving the private sector. S/he will also ensure UNHCR representation in regional coordination mechanisms and networks.

The Senior Financial Inclusion Officer may be requested to supervise consultants who might be hired on a need-basis to support financial inclusion operations at HQ.

Living and Working Conditions:

Geneva is a HQ duty station offering high standard living conditions with a relatively high cost of living. Switzerland is in general a safe place with very little crime.

Staff members assigned to Geneva have also been granted the opportunity to reside in neighbouring France on the understanding that the preconditions to acquiring a French residency permit are respected.

Medical care is up to international standards. Under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act health insurance coverage is compulsory for all persons domiciled in Switzerland within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country. International staff members and their family members holding a Carte de legitimation or an attestation delivered by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs are exempt from this compulsory insurance provided that they are covered by another health insurance scheme (i.e. UNSMIS).

With regard to educational facilities in the Geneva area, international schools (La Grande Boissière, Châtaigneraie and Pregny) have difficulties to find places for new admissions. It is therefore advisable to make requests for admission for children as early as possible. For more information on this subject, staff can contact the Association Genevoise des écoles privées in Geneva (www.agep.ch), tel: (+41 22 735 7671).

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Development Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International DevelopmentCertifications

HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCRWork Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Policy research & development, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales