PFIP Internship Programme- Digital Financial Services Research

Background

The Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP) is a Pacific-wide programme helping low-income households gain access to quality and affordable financial services. It is jointly managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). PFIP aims to increase the number of Pacific Islanders who have on-going access to appropriate financial services and financial education by one million by 2019. To achieve this target PFIP focuses on three main programmatic areas:

• Financial Innovation;
• Policy and Regulation; and
• Consumer Empowerment.

In Samoa, PFIP is working with several private and public sector financial institutions and the Central Bank of Samoa to support product and service innovations for digital financial services, including savings, credit, insurance, remittances, payments and financial education) that are safe, cost-effective and convenient to low-income households, especially those living in rural areas and vulnerable social groups.

PFIP is launching a number of customer research projects to understand and analyse demand-side attributes for product adoption and usage of financial services, in particular, of digital finance.

We are looking to appoint up to two young professionals to support the research work on financial inclusion issues, particularly on remittances, digital financial services, and agriculture credit.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern(s) will support the PFIP team in planning and conducting research activities and in dealing with logistical arrangements for the data collection exercise. The work will include but not limited to:

• Liaising with stakeholders, briefing and arranging visits and focus groups;
• Carrying out fieldwork to collect information, data, and opinions;
• Interviewing customers and other stakeholders;
• Recording and analyzing data;
• Preparing reports, presentations, and assisting in delivery of briefing sessions; and
• Other tasks as requested by PFIP.

Work Arrangements:

• The intern(s) will work a minimum of twenty hours per week unless agreed otherwise with their mentor:
• Flexible working hours arrangements may be made;
• They may work in the PFIP office or telecommute as agreed with their mentor;
• While telecommuting, the intern will be responsible for ensuring connectivity and a workstation;
• In the office, a working desk will be provided with access to the internet and other common services;
• We prefer that the intern(s) bring their own laptop;
• Otherwise, a working computer may be provided, whenever possible;
• Expenses associated with delivering assigned/agreed tasks, including research-related travel, will be covered as per prevailing UNDP/UNCDF policies.

Competencies

• Demonstrated research and analytical capacity;
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills;
• Able to communicate clearly verbally and through email;
• Able to take initiatives and work independently, with limited supervision;
• Able to work effectively in a team and in an international environment;
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of data analysis and info-graphic tools and a willingness to learn new applications;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty;
• Treats all people respectfully without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

The person shall have the following attributes, experience, and knowledge:

• Education shall be at the University level as a minimum;
• Preferably in social sciences, development studies, economics, business or public administration, political science, research programmes, or related field;
• Postgraduate/ Master’s qualification or candidate currently enrolled in a Postgraduate or Master’s program is desirable;
• Good level of computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office products is required.

Experience:

• Sound numerical skills and knowledge of data analysis and evaluation is needed;
• Good organisational, time management skills, self-confidence with good interpersonal skills;
• Be able to work in a flexible manner and multi-task;
• Knowledge of the financial services/telecom/financial technology would be an asset;
• Must be willing and able to converse with local communities and travel to rural areas, including staying away from Apia for several days.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English;
• Ability to speak the Samoan language is strongly desired.

Financial Arrangements and Conditions:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP or UNCDF. The costs associated with the internship must be borne by the intern or their nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students. It is expected that the interns will have their own arrangements for medical, life, and travel insurance. UNDP or UNCDF will not be able to provide any form of insurance coverages.

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP or UNCDF but to complement their studies and gain initial professional experience. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship period.

Application procedures:

All the required documents should be compiled into one file.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter / motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Completed UNDP Application Form for Internships (www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/operations/jobs.html)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

The selection process may consist of interviews and a written test.

The successful candidate will be advised of their selection within two weeks of being interviewed.

For enquiries, please contact Amit Kumar via e-mail - amit.kumar@uncdf.org.