Overview
The Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance will lead programme implementation of the Enabling Policy and Regulation workstream, aiming to strengthen the policy and regulatory environment for SME trade finance. The role involves conducting assessments, analysing impacts, and designing policy recommendations and regulatory reforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall direction and management of programme activities under workstream 1.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of trade finance regulatory frameworks, identifying barriers to SME access to trade credit and cross-border financing.
- Analyze the impact of Basel III/IV capital requirements, KYC/AML regulations, and correspondent banking de-risking on SME trade finance.
- Evaluate national trade policies, foreign exchange controls, and documentary requirements affecting SME participation in trade.
- Benchmark regulatory best practices across jurisdictions to identify reform opportunities.
- Design policy recommendations and regulatory reforms to address SME trade finance gaps.
- Develop model regulations for innovative trade finance instruments.
- Create policy frameworks for fintech-enabled trade finance solutions.
- Draft guidelines for prudential treatment of SME trade finance exposures.
- Lead policy dialogue with central banks, finance ministries, and financial regulatory authorities.
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder working groups.
- Participate in regional and international forums on trade finance regulation.
- Build coalitions to advocate for SME-friendly trade finance policies.
- Provide technical assistance to regulatory authorities in implementing trade finance reforms.
- Develop capacity building programmes for regulators.
- Support the establishment of trade finance facilitation units and guarantee schemes.
- Design monitoring frameworks to track the impact of regulatory reforms.
- Produce policy briefs, research papers, and regulatory guidance notes.
- Support the development of critical market infrastructure.
- Document case studies of successful regulatory reforms.
- Contribute to global knowledge products on trade finance regulation.
Required Experience
A minimum of five (5) years (with master's degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible experience in financial sector policy, regulatory reform, or trade policy analysis is required. At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in policy advisory, regulatory assessment, or technical assistance to government institutions in the context of financial inclusion or SME finance. Proven track record of experience leading policy dialogue and providing technical advisory services to financial regulatory authorities, trade-related ministries, and government agencies. Demonstrated experience in conducting regulatory assessments, drafting policy recommendations, and supporting the design or implementation of financial sector reforms in developing country contexts. Demonstrated experience in engaging and collaborating with multilateral and bilateral organisations, donors, private foundations, and government bodies.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Public Policy, Economics, International Trade, Development Studies, Finance, Political Science, or a related field is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience.
