Background
The Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) works in South Pacific markets to increase the number of low-income customers who adopt formal financial services. PFIP does this by funding financial service providers that are innovating with digital finance, conducting market research, and providing technical assistance to policymakers. The primary countries of focus for the PFIP are Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Solomon Islands (SOI), Tonga and Vanuatu.
The PFIP is administered by UNCDF and UNDP and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the European Union, and the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
UNCDF/PFIP is looking for a seasoned expert to support our efforts to spur innovations in digital solutions for financial inclusion, primarily in the Pacific, but this may include any other countries where UNCDF is active, such as in Asia or Africa. The expert is expected to support in-country teams in identifying relevant opportunities and providing technical support in designing and delivering projects that promote digital finance innovations in our programme countries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scaling the Ave Pa’anga Pau Digital Remittance Solution with Tonga Development Bank
Work with TDB in informing the design and delivery of innovative digital remittances solutions
Oversee and support the implementation of the agreed , resources, deliverables, and communication
Provide technical support on:
User experience optimization for driving adoption and usage
Marketing and customer engagement
Developing customer value proposition, including associated use cases
Growth and scaling
Change management and capacity building
Business case and impact analysis
Design and Implementation of the Asia-Pacific FinTech Innovation Challenge
Support the design of the Asia-Pacific Fintech challenge, including any funding proposals for UNCDF/PFIP’s partners, donors, and internal stakeholders
Coordinate the efforts related to communication and delivery of the challenge from beginning till the end
Manage and coordinate implementation of the three phases of the innovation challenge (Define and kick-off, Bootcamp, Accelerator), ensuring adequate support to innovators and implementing partners
Communicate and report the progress to UNCDF/PFIP and its designated stakeholders on a regular basis
Document the process and support capturing the lessons learned and the creation of KM products through working with UNCDF/PFIP KM and communication teams
Competencies
Strong and communication skills for varied cultural contexts.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Computer literacy (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, ) is a prerequisite.
Additional skills and knowledge of prototyping tools and technology will be useful.
Required Skills and Experience
Educational Qualifications:
Minimum bachelor degree in economics, sciences, management and/or related discipline.
Experience:
At least eight years of relevant professional experience, including experience in digital financial services
At least three prior leading design and innovation efforts related to mass market digital finance.
Demonstrated experience in innovative product and service design for digital solutions in low-fidelity and low-resource environments.
Experience working with banks, MNOs, and technology companies in Pacific markets required.
Knowledge of innovations in the DFS space, particularly of and remittances is desired.