UNCDF Investment Specialist - SME Trade Finance

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is seeking a highly skilled Investment Specialist to lead its SME Trade Finance Facility, a major EU-funded programme. This home-based role will involve working with six developing economies in Africa and the Caribbean, with at least 5 years of experience in Trade Finance and a master's degree in a related field.

Overview

The SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF) is a multi-country programme designed to address systemic constraints in access to trade finance for SMEs in developing economies. 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.
• It works with local financial institutions, trade finance readiness programs for SMEs, and supports digitalization initiatives like electronic documents and blockchain solutions.

Role & Responsibilities

The Investment Specialist will lead 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Finance, Banking, Economics, Social or Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 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.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Professional knowledge of French is considered an asset.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, candidates must submit their applications through the UNCDF website before the deadline of 08/06/2026, 05:59 AM.

• Internal and external applicants are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must have an advanced university degree and at least 5 years of experience in Trade Finance.
• A cover letter and CV must be submitted as part of the application.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for individuals with a strong background in Trade Finance and a passion for addressing the SME funding gap. Candidates with experience working with financial service providers, ministries, and regulators on international development projects will have an advantage. The ability to work independently and lead a team remotely is essential, as the role is fully home-based.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the financing challenges faced by SMEs and technology startups, as well as experience with EU-funded projects and EU reporting requirements.Certifications like CTFP (Certified Trade Finance Professional) or CFA are a plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What are the target countries for the programme?

The programme operates across six target countries: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Trinidad & Tobago.

What is the required level of experience for the Investment Specialist role?

The role requires at least 5 years of experience in Trade Finance, with a master's degree, or 7 years with a bachelor's degree.

Is the role fully home-based?

Yes, the role is fully home-based, and the successful candidate will work remotely.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is 08/06/2026, 05:59 AM.

What type of contract is being offered?

The contract is an International Personnel Service Agreement, with a duration of 1 year.