Project Specialist, NPSA 10, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea (UNCDF) - [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Overview

The Project Specialist will support the day-to-day implementation of UNCDF-led activities under the LEED Joint Programme in the Highlands region, focusing on access to finance, digital financial services, and risk mitigation instruments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day implementation of UNCDF-led activities under the LEED Joint Programme.
• Prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts.
• Coordinate and oversee field-level execution of activities related to access to finance, digital financial services, risk mitigation instruments and blended finance.
• Support beneficiary targeting and outreach.
• Maintain regular field presence to monitor progress and provide implementation support.
• Support the deployment of financial instruments and ensure follow up with investees.
• Serve as the primary UNCDF field focal point in the Highlands.
• Facilitate coordination with FAO, ILO, HJP2 field teams, and government counterparts.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with financial service providers and private-sector actors.
• Participate in provincial-level coordination meetings and community consultations.
• Conduct community needs assessment on gaps to accessing and utilising financial services.
• Represent UNCDF in relevant field-level forums.
• Provide operational and technical support to the rollout of financial inclusion interventions.
• Support partners to implement UNCDF instruments.
• Assist implementing partners in understanding and complying with UNCDF and UN operational, financial, and procurement procedures.
• Support the development of financial literacy training packages.
• Support due diligence processes and field-level assessments.
• Oversee the development of parametric insurance packages.
• Identify operational risks and constraints and propose solutions.
• Support the collection and verification of field-level data and beneficiary feedback.
• Contribute to progress reports and donor updates.
• Identify, document, and share lessons learned and good practices.
• Support monitoring visits, joint reviews, evaluations, and audits.
• Ensure implementation adheres to Do No Harm principles, conflict sensitivity, gender equality, disability inclusion, and UNCDF social and environmental safeguards.

Required Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with a Masters’ Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of relevant work experience in project implementation in financial inclusion, rural development livelihoods or private sector development or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, or remote contexts. Experience in at least one, but preferably several, of the following areas: Agricultural SMEs, Clean energy SMEs, SMEs promoting digitalization in the context of financial inclusion (FINTECH), Project finance, Micro Finance Institutions, Guarantee instruments within the space of development finance. Experience in project preparation and/or in development of investment opportunities, especially for investment projects with social objectives in developing countries. Strong project coordination and field implementation skills. Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community groups and government counterparts. Computer literacy, including proficient use of research and applied software. Experience working in project management, implementation and M&E at the national level. Experience working on GBV or peacebuilding or related issues would be an asset. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is an advantage. Strong reporting, documentation, and communication skills are desirable. Ability to work independently in remote field locations with limited supervision is an advantage. Sensitivity to gender, disability inclusion, and peacebuilding contexts is an asset. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes is desirable.

Qualifications

An Advanced (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development, business administration, finance, marketing, economics, accounting, social sciences or related fields is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Other Details