UNCDF Hiring a Home-Based Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance (IPSA-10)

Professionals with expertise in financial sector policy, trade finance, and regulatory reform now have an opportunity to join the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The organization is recruiting a Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance (IPSA-10) for a full-time, home-based position under a one-year International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA).

This role offers experienced policy professionals the opportunity to contribute to strengthening small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) trade finance systems across developing countries while supporting sustainable economic development.

About the Opportunity

The Policy and Regulation Specialist will support UNCDF’s SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF), a multi-country programme funded by the European Union and implemented jointly with the International Trade Centre (ITC). The initiative aims to improve access to trade finance for SMEs by addressing policy and regulatory barriers, promoting financial innovation, and strengthening financial ecosystems.

The programme operates in:

• Ghana
• Burkina Faso
• Malawi
• Ethiopia
• Rwanda
• Trinidad and Tobago

Working remotely, the successful candidate will collaborate with governments, regulators, financial institutions, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders to create enabling environments that improve SME access to trade finance.

Key Responsibilities

The Policy and Regulation Specialist will lead the programme’s policy and regulatory workstream. Major responsibilities include:

• Conducting assessments of trade finance regulatory frameworks.
• Identifying barriers affecting SME access to trade finance.
• Analyzing Basel III/IV regulations, KYC/AML requirements, and correspondent banking challenges.
• Designing policy reforms that improve SME financing.
• Developing model regulations for innovative financial instruments.
• Supporting fintech and digital trade finance policy development.
• Leading policy dialogue with central banks, ministries, and financial regulators.
• Coordinating multi-stakeholder working groups.
• Providing technical assistance to governments.
• Developing capacity-building programmes for regulators.
• Producing policy briefs, research papers, and knowledge products.
• Supporting the development of market infrastructure such as collateral registries and credit bureaus.
• Documenting successful policy reforms for replication across participating countries.

The role combines strategic policy leadership with practical implementation support.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• A Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Economics, Finance, International Trade, Development Studies, Political Science, or a related discipline with at least five years of relevant experience.

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field with seven years of progressively responsible experience.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Experience in financial sector policy and regulatory reform.
• Strong background in SME finance or financial inclusion.
• Experience advising governments and financial regulators.
• Expertise in conducting regulatory assessments.
• Experience drafting policy recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills.
• Experience working with development organizations and donor-funded programmes.

Desired Experience

UNCDF is particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

• Trade finance regulatory frameworks.
• Basel III/IV capital requirements.
• KYC and AML compliance.
• Correspondent banking.
• Digital trade documentation.
• Electronic warehouse receipt systems.
• Movable asset registries.
• Regulatory sandboxes.
• Multi-stakeholder policy coordination.
• Joint United Nations programmes.

Professional certifications such as Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or equivalent are considered an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

Successful applicants should demonstrate strong competencies in:

• Strategic thinking
• Systems thinking
• Partnership management
• Portfolio management
• Knowledge generation
• Digital inclusion
• Alternative finance
• Innovation
• Project leadership
• Policy development
• Stakeholder engagement

The position requires excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities while working across multiple countries and institutional partners.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Fluency in English.

Professional working knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Why Work with UNCDF?

UNCDF plays a unique role within the United Nations by mobilizing capital for sustainable development in the world’s least developed countries. The organization combines technical expertise with blended finance solutions to help governments and private-sector partners unlock investments that support inclusive economic growth.

Working with UNCDF provides professionals with the opportunity to influence financial policy, strengthen trade finance ecosystems, and contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a home-based international role, the position also offers flexibility while enabling collaboration with experts and institutions across multiple regions.

Application Details

• Position: Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance
• Organization: United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
• Agency: UNDP
• Location: Home-Based
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Contract: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10)
• Duration: One Year
• Application Deadline: 17 July 2026
• Language: English required; French is an asset

Interested professionals with experience in financial regulation, trade finance, SME development, and policy advisory are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact on financial inclusion and sustainable economic development through international policy leadership.

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