UNCDF is Hiring a Fully Home-Based/Remote Investment Specialist (IPSA-10) to Unlock Trade Finance for SMEs Across Africa and the Caribbean @Based/Remote Investment Specialist (IPSA-10) to Unlock Trade Finance for SMEs Across Africa and the Caribbean

Deep trade finance experience and a passion for closing the SME funding gap? UNCDF wants an Investment Specialist to lead a multi-country programme spanning six developing economies and it’s fully home-based.

UNCDF (UN Capital Development Fund) has opened a home-based vacancy for an Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance, tied to a major EU-funded programme tackling one of development finance’s most persistent problems: small and medium enterprises’ limited access to trade credit.

Quick Overview

• Organization: UNCDF
• Position: Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance
• Job ID: 35161
• Grade: IPSA-10
• Location: Home Based
• Vacancy Type: International Personnel Service Agreement
• Contract Duration: 1 Year
• Posting Date: 07/22/2026
• Application Deadline: 08/06/2026, 05:59 AM
• Open to: Internal and external applicants

What Is the SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF)?

The STFF is a multi-country programme designed to address systemic constraints in access to trade finance for SMEs in developing economies. Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented with the International Trade Centre (ITC), it operates across six target countries: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The programme catalyses sustainable trade finance markets for SMEs through capacity building, product innovation, and de-risking instruments moving from grant-supported pilots toward sustainable, market-driven solutions.

What Will This Role Actually Involve?

The Investment Specialist leads the programme’s Trade Finance Innovation workstream, combining technical and investment functions across seven core areas:

• Market Development & Technical Assistance — capacity building for local financial institutions, trade finance readiness programs for SMEs, and support for digitalization initiatives like electronic documents and blockchain solutions
• Trade Finance Investment Underwriting & Due Diligence — assessing SME creditworthiness, structuring instruments like letters of credit and receivables financing
• Trade Finance Product Structuring & Innovation — designing blended finance solutions combining grants, guarantees, and commercial capital
• SME Partner & Stakeholder Coordination — building relationships with banks, export credit agencies, and supply chain anchors
• Portfolio Monitoring & Trade Impact Measurement — tracking utilization rates, default rates, and developmental outcomes like SME job creation and export growth
• Programme Management & Strategic Leadership — acting as Programme Manager, leading donor engagement with partners like the ADB, World Bank, IFC, and IMF
• Knowledge and Capacity Building — organizing training and documenting best practices and lessons learned

Who Should Apply?

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Banking, Economics, Social or Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field — or a bachelor’s degree plus 2 additional years of qualifying experience
• 5 years of experience in Trade Finance (with a master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree)
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible project management experience in SME finance
• A proven track record working with financial service providers, ministries, and regulators on international development projects
• Demonstrated experience engaging with multilateral and bilateral organizations, donors, and government bodies

Desired Skills

• Experience with SME entrepreneurship incubation or acceleration programmes
• Expert knowledge of financing challenges for SMEs and technology startups
• Familiarity with trade and SME finance regulatory environments in the programme countries
• Experience with EU-funded projects and EU reporting requirements
• Experience in joint-UN programming
• Certifications like CTFP (Certified Trade Finance Professional) or CFA are a plus

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
• Professional knowledge of French is considered an asset

A Note on the Tiered Application Process

Most UNDP/UNCDF/UNV vacancies use a tiered application system, prioritizing internal staff facing post abolition or non-renewal, followed by other internal tiers, before external candidates. Applicants should confirm which tier applies to their eligibility.

Important Policies

• UNCDF/UNDP does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment
• Zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority selected candidates undergo background checks
• UNDP may select multiple candidates from this vacancy and consider applicants for similar future roles

Why This Role Stands Out

• It’s a fully home-based senior international role, offering genuine flexibility
• The programme spans six countries across Africa and the Caribbean, offering broad, cross-regional impact
• It combines investment structuring, programme management, and donor relations a rare mix of technical and strategic responsibility
• Direct engagement with major institutions like the World Bank, IFC, and ADB offers significant professional visibility

Final Thoughts

For trade finance professionals ready to lead a genuinely systemic intervention — one blending blended finance innovation with real SME impact across six developing economies this UNCDF role offers scope, flexibility, and a direct hand in closing one of development finance’s most persistent gaps.

Application Deadline: 08/06/2026, 05:59 AM

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