Antecedentes

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries.

With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments—through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance—can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development.

By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to several different SDGs.

Digital finance:
UNCDF manages initiatives to develop inclusive digital finance ecosystems which offer a wide range of financial services specially for low income vulnerable communities. Specifically, UNCDF provides a mix of policy, technical and financial support to a range of government and private sector actors in each country, as well as invests in research and other public goods to benefit all market actors. By supporting the development of digital finance ecosystem in these countries, UNCDF aims to increase the financial security of low income and rural households through access to appropriate, affordable and secure means to receive, manage and save money.

Recently, UNCDF has formulated its strategy ‘Leaving no one behind in the digital era’ based on over a decade of experience in digital finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. UNCDF recognizes that reaching the full potential of digital financial inclusion aligns with the vision of promoting digital economies that leave no one behind. The vision of UNCDF is to empower millions of people by 2024 to use services daily that leverage innovation and technology and contribute to the SDGs. UNCDF will apply a market development approach and continuously seek to address underlying market dysfunctions.

Enabling policy and regulation:

UNCDF has been working with national governments to improve access to financial services for over 25 years. In the last decade, we have focused specifically on the role that digital technologies play in accelerating usage of financial services by low-income people. In our role as a technical assistance provider and neutral broker, UNCDF works closely with global and national partners to build capacity and support governments to engage with industry to facilitate solutions to key market constraints at the local and regional level.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The UNCDF Policy team is looking to test a more agile approach for communicating with our primary target audience: financial regulatory authorities based in Africa. Under the supervision of the Lead Specialist, Policy and Regulation for Inclusive Digital Ecosystems, and in close collaboration with UNCDF’s Knowledge Management and Communications team, UNCDF is looking for a qualified agile communications specialist to:

• Identify, validate and engage target audiences using available delivery channels and to promote key messages;
• Develop, iterate and deliver agile communications plans based on a thorough understanding of audience needs, UNCDF’s key messages and communications assets, and Policy team capabilities;
• Manage and contribute to the creation of content produced by the Policy team based in Brussels, Dakar and Kampala;
• Upload and edit content to UNCDF website;
• Draft specifications for third parties (e.g. web developers) where needed;
• Design communication campaigns in advance of relevant events, conferences, workshops, and media opportunities to share UNCDF insights, influence key stakeholders, and position UNCDF as a leader in the inclusive digital economy sector;
• Help embed best practice in agile communications online.

Competencias

• Strong ability to communicate and function effectively in an international and multicultural environment;
• Strong writing and editing skills;
• Strong understanding of the principles of accessible and human-centred content;
• Ability to translate complex technical ideas to a non-technical audience;
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and organisational skills.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, social sciences or related discipline.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressive relevant work experience in the field of communications for international development and/or government and/or digital financial services – including managing content and online channels (e.g. web, blog, social media) and commissioning and overseeing production of creative work by third party professionals (graphic design, digital design) is mandatory;
• Experience in applying agile, iterative, user-centred methodologies to communications is preferable;
• Experience working with international organisations is preferable;
• Experience working with partners or organisations in Africa is preferable.

Language:

• Excellent speaking and writing skills in French and English is mandatory;
• Skills in other languages spoken in Africa will be considered an advantage.

Application process:
All applications must contain the following information:

• Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies;
• Earliest availability;
• Curriculum vitae or resume;
• Signed financial proposal (available at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=29916) indicating all-inclusive daily fee (includes professional fees and other professional expenses such as insurance, taxes, etc.). Travel to Dakar (5 days) and Kampala (5 days) in economy class must be included in the proposal;
• If unforeseen travel outside the Duty Station not required by the Terms of Reference is requested by UNCDF, and upon prior written agreement, such travel shall be at UNCDF’s expense and the Individual Contractor shall receive a per diem not to exceed United Nations daily subsistence allowance rate in such other location(s).

Selection process:
Step I: Screening: Applications will be screened and only applicants meeting the minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting.
Step II: Technical Evaluation
Shortlisting (25 points): UNCDF will technically evaluate candidates as per experience.
Writing test (25 points): The top 3 applicants will be invited to complete a writing test.
Interview (50 points): The top 3 applicants will be asked to participate in an interview. Step III: Financial Evaluation: Only candidates with scores above 70 points will be considered. The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposals: lowest priced proposal/price of the proposal being evaluated x 30%.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.