Вакансія: SME Finance Specialist

The Investment for Business Resilience (IBR) Activity (formerly known as FSR) is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by DAI Global LLC (DAI). The purpose of the Activity is to support systemic changes in Ukraine’s economy and to increase the supply of finance available to Ukrainian businesses. IBR aims to transform the country’s financial sector into a sophisticated, well-functioning, competitive market that is aligned with European Union (EU) standards and integrated into international financial systems. At the same time, the IBR will support the transformation of Ukraine’s financial sector and work to mobilize private finance for sustained economic growth in Ukraine.

The IBR is looking for candidates to fill in the SME Finance Specialist position, LTTA in KYIV or LVIV.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The SME Finance Specialist will implement IBR activities in SME financing under Component 3, including banking and some alternative finance mechanisms, such as Financial Leasing, Asset Based Lending for financing SMEs. S/he will also contribute to the analysis and introduction of other alternative financing instruments to conventional bank loans. The SME Finance Specialist will work closely with key stakeholders, including but not limited to banks, financial leasing companies and insurance companies, NABU, UUL, and the state authorities. The SME Finance Specialist will be also responsible for analysis of the demand side, SME segments, and monitoring the impact and efficiencies of interventions.

Also, SME Finance Specialist will be in charge of promoting new fintech solutions for businesses and individuals, and digital platforms.

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

• Analyze the current status of the banking/leasing industries (volume and number of contracts, number of players, key constraints to growth, financing needs, NPLs, collateral loss, etc.), asset based lending, and potential capital raising mechanisms (e.g., crowdfunding), and prepare reports.
• Support implementation of grant programs for banks and NBFIs to facilitate leasing/lending/insurance to MSMEs and corporate businesses and expand financial intermediation; monitor the achievement of targets, facilitate promotion and contribute to the success stories.
• Implement technical assistance interventions for the development of lending and financial leasing.
• Support round tables on lending and financial leasing, other promotional events.
• Contribute to the development of the NBU’s regulations on financial leasing market methodology and supervision.
• Support the development of digital financial technologies for wider, more inclusive access to finance for small businesses and individuals.
• Analyze the needs and experiences of Ukrainians (with a special emphasis on refugees, IDPs and military families) with on-line banking services, payments, and other digital finance issues.
• Manage and oversee subcontractors/consultants providing support related to Component 3.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have an advanced degree in one of the following areas: finance, economics, management, finance/corporate law, and audit.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in commercial banks and/or non-bank financial leasing companies preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial products, marketing, strategy.
• Experience with development projects similar in scope and complexity to Ukraine IBR is an advantage.
• Proven experience building linkages among government, private sector (SMEs), and public audiences or consumers.
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s financial sector landscape, actors and issues, and familiarity with relevant policies and reforms are required.
• Solid and persuasive interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written English and Ukrainian skills.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please submit Cover Letter and CV to [email protected] by January 08, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please include “Application for SME Finance Specialist: your name and surname” in the subject line.