Technical Specialist - Financial Inclusion and Enterprise Development

Introduction

The ‘PROSPECTS’ Partnership for improving prospects for host communities and forcibly displaced persons, was launched by the Government of the Netherlands in 2019 in response to forced displacement crises, bringing together the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank.

A second phase of the partnership started in 2024 and will last until end 2027, building on strategic areas of intervention and maximizing impact from phase one. In the Arab States, PROSPECTS operates in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

In Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the ILO is launching multiple interventions across the programme’s three pillars, guided by emerging priorities of the social partners and needs of the beneficiaries. In parallel, the latest political and economic developments in Syria are shaping new dynamics in Lebanon and the region at large and creating real prospects for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their country. In this context, the ILO is engaged in developing several new initiatives to promote durable solutions for Syrian refugees, including under the PROSPECTS Opportunity Fund and a complementary new EU-funded programme, under which it is joining forces with UNHCR and IOM.

Within the framework of the PROSPECTS partnership in the Arab States region, ILO’s focus is on contributing to rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening labour market institutions, enhancing skills systems, and revitalizing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Syria and in the host countries. They are implemented in close coordination to ensure a coherent, cross-border approach to return and reintegration, aligned with the ILO’s Programme of Support for Syria and its broader mandate to promote decent work, social justice, and inclusive recovery.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the  programme, the Technical Specialist, based in Beirut, will be responsible for providing direct technical support to the programmes activities related to enterprise development, with focus on entrepreneurship and access to finance in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon and contribute to the expected outcomes, in consultation with the DWT to ensure alignment with the regional priorities and in coordination with national counterparts, partners, and the UN Country Team.. The incumbent will promote ILO approaches and policies in the programme’ related technical areas and other components of the Decent Work Agenda.

Reporting lines:

The incumbent will report to the Regional Chief Technical Adviser of PROSPECTS responsible for the project implementation and will receive technical guidance and backstopping support from the DWT Beirut Enterprise Specialist as well as from the concerned colleagues in the MSMEs Branch and the Social Finance and Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Units in the ENTERPRISES department. He/she will work closely with other technical specialists in the DWT and in HQ.

Description of Duties

1. Responsible for the implementation of MSME focussed financial inclusion and other enterprise development interventions in the framework of the PROSPECTS  Programme in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, through the provision of technical inputs, planning and control in conformity with ILO policies, Decent Work Country Programmes, and the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus approach.
2. Design and monitor project activities related to enterprise development and access to finance, ensuring effective delivery of expected outputs, quality assurance, and integration of gender equality and non-discrimination in all interventions.
3. Produce technical reports, concept notes and discussion papers to assist in the development and promotion of policies, strategies and implementation tools that strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promote financial inclusion, and improve access to financial services for vulnerable groups, including women and youth. Develop policy and promotion materials and technical manuals or guidelines.
4. Devise intervention models with a systems approach to MSME development, providing technical advice to programme partners on enterprise development, entrepreneurship promotion, access to finance, and financial inclusion, in particular for refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities with a  focus on long-term sustainability and service access.
5. Identify training needs, develop training materials and organize training workshops to enhance capacity building for government institutions, financial service providers, and business development organizations with a view to developing their financial sustainability and strengthen their capacities to support inclusive enterprise growth. Participate as resource person in project capacity-building activities.
6. Design research frameworks, monitor and coordinate research and analytical work conducted by the programme on enterprise ecosystems, on how to better link financial inclusion to non-financial enterprise support services and innovative financing policies and mechanisms; prepare technical reports, policy briefs and knowledge products; and disseminate lessons learned to stakeholders and partners.
7. Coordinate partnerships and collaboration with PROSPECTS partners (UNHCR, UNICEF, IFC, and the World Bank), relevant government ministries, private-sector institutions, financial intermediaries, and other UN agencies to ensure complementarity and coherence of interventions.
8. Represent the two programmes in technical meetings, working groups, and international, regional or national fora related to enterprise development and financial inclusion, and contribute to the promotion of ILO approaches on sustainable enterprise development.
9. Participate in the production of promotional materials which target policy makers, programme managers and the general public that assist in promoting the programme visibility.
10. Promote relevant ILO approaches on enterprise development, and financial inclusion, ensuring that all activities advance decent work principles and contribute to inclusive economic recovery and resilience.
11. Perform other duties as required in support of the implementation and coordination of enterprise and financial inclusion components of the PROSPECTS program.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, business administration, finance, development studies, or another relevant field.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the above fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including at the international level, in the fields of enterprise development, entrepreneurship promotion, access to finance, or financial inclusion.

Proven experience in designing and implementing technical cooperation projects related to MSME development, financial systems strengthening, inclusive finance, market systems development or private sector engagement in development settings.

Experience working in fragile, crisis, or displacement contexts—particularly in the Arab States region—would be a strong advantage.

Familiarity with ILO policies, procedures, and programming approaches, including work with ministries of labour, economic development, or financial institutions, would be an asset.

Languages

• Excellent command of English.
• Good working knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in enterprise development, access to finance, and financial inclusion methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality technical advice and capacity-building support to governments, social partners, and implementing agencies.
• Proven skills in project design, management, monitoring, and results-based reporting.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesize data and produce policy-oriented outputs.
• Strong coordination, communication, and partnership-building skills, including with UN agencies, donors, and private-sector stakeholders.
• Commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and non-discrimination in all aspects of work.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and decent work teams.
• Ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies.
• Good computer skills.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.