Remote UN Opportunity: UNDP Seeks SME Trade Finance Investment Specialist (IPSA-10) for 2026

Lead Global SME Finance Initiatives Through a Remote UN Consultancy

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) system, is inviting applications for the position of Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance (IPSA-10). This international remote opportunity is open to internal and external candidates and offers professionals the chance to support financial inclusion, trade development, and private-sector growth across developing economies.

The position is home-based, full-time, and offered under a one-year International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA). The application deadline is 6 August 2026.

About UNCDF and the SME Trade Finance Facility

UNCDF works to increase access to capital and investment opportunities in developing countries, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Through grants, loans, guarantees, and blended finance solutions, UNCDF helps mobilise public and private investment to support sustainable development.

The SME Trade Finance Facility (STFF) is a multi-country initiative designed to address barriers preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from accessing trade finance.

The programme operates across six countries:

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

Funded by the European Union and implemented jointly with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the programme aims to strengthen trade finance markets through:

• Capacity building.
• Financial product innovation.
• Risk-sharing mechanisms.
• Investment solutions for SMEs.

Role Overview

The Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance will provide technical, investment, and programme leadership for UNCDF’s Trade Finance Innovation workstream.

Reporting to the Regional Investment Specialist for East and Southern Africa and Arab States, the successful candidate will manage relationships with financial institutions, development partners, government agencies, and private-sector stakeholders.

The role combines investment expertise with programme management responsibilities, including portfolio monitoring, donor engagement, resource mobilisation, and strategic partnership development.

Key Responsibilities

SME Finance and Technical Support

The Investment Specialist will:

• Lead implementation of SME trade finance activities.
• Support financial institutions in improving SME trade finance services.
• Develop SME readiness programmes covering documentation, compliance, and financial management.
• Promote digital trade finance solutions, including electronic documentation and online platforms.
• Contribute to policy discussions on improving access to trade credit.

Investment Assessment and Due Diligence

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting financial and operational assessments of SME trade finance opportunities.
• Evaluating SME creditworthiness and business risks.
• Structuring trade finance solutions such as:
  • Letters of credit.
  • Supply chain financing.
  • Invoice discounting.
  • Receivables financing.
• Assessing trade risks including foreign exchange exposure, commodity risks, and regulatory challenges.

Product Innovation and Blended Finance

The specialist will design innovative financing approaches by:

• Developing blended finance solutions combining grants, guarantees, and commercial investment.
• Creating risk-sharing mechanisms with financial institutions and development partners.
• Structuring financing facilities to increase SME access to capital.
• Supporting investment mobilisation for SME trade corridors.

Partnership Development

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement with:

• Commercial banks.
• Development finance institutions.
• Export credit agencies.
• Fintech companies.
• Government ministries.
• SME associations.
• Trade organisations.

The successful candidate will build partnerships that strengthen SME trade ecosystems and expand access to finance.

Portfolio Management and Programme Leadership

The Investment Specialist will also serve as Programme Manager, overseeing:

• Programme budgets and implementation plans.
• Portfolio performance monitoring.
• Impact measurement activities.
• Donor reporting.
• Resource mobilisation strategies.
• Knowledge sharing and lessons learned.

The role will track both financial outcomes and development impact, including SME job creation, export growth, and improved market access.

Who Can Apply?

UNCDF is seeking professionals with strong expertise in trade finance, SME investment, and international development.

Applicants must have:

• A master’s degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field with at least five years of relevant experience; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least seven years of experience.

Candidates should have:

• At least five years of experience in trade finance.
• Minimum three years of project management experience in SME finance.
• Experience working with financial institutions, regulators, governments, and development partners.
• Proven ability to manage partnerships with donors, multilateral organisations, and private-sector stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

Additional experience in the following areas is an advantage:

• SME entrepreneurship programmes.
• Technology startup financing.
• EU-funded projects and compliance requirements.
• Joint UN programmes.
• UNCDF or UNDP operational frameworks.
• Trade finance certifications such as Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP) or CFA.

Required Languages

Applicants must have:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Professional knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Opportunity Details

Position: Investment Specialist – SME Trade Finance, IPSA-10
Organisation: UNCDF / UNDP
Location: Home-Based (Remote)
Contract Duration: One year
Work Schedule: Full-time
Application Deadline: 6 August 2026

Why Apply?

This role provides an opportunity to contribute to global development by helping SMEs access the financial resources needed to grow, trade, and create employment opportunities.

Professionals with experience in investment, banking, trade finance, and development programmes can use their expertise to support inclusive economic growth while working with a leading United Nations development organisation.

The Investment Specialist position is ideal for candidates who want to combine financial expertise with development impact and help build stronger, more sustainable SME finance ecosystems worldwide.

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