Field Associate

About UNCDF and Position Overview

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is an autonomous UN organization aimed at supporting economic development in developing countries, notably the least developed, through innovative finance solutions such as grants, loans, and guarantees. It seeks to mobilize capital flows towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) by addressing vulnerable communities' needs and promoting equitable growth. UNCDF operates as a hybrid development organization and finance institution, focusing on SME finance, sub-national finance, and digital finance. With offices in regional hubs, including a significant portfolio in Ghana concentrating on youth empowerment, SME financing, and climate finance, UNCDF is currently seeking Field Associates for technical project implementation in Takoradi, Tamale, and surrounding regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support local implementation and delivery of UNCDF projects by assisting partners in the designated regions.
• Provide technical guidance and assist partners in overcoming challenges during project execution.
• Coordinate daily field activities involving local authorities, community leaders, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Engage communities and facilitate stakeholder participation to enhance program effectiveness.
• Assist in pilot activities, training sessions, and awareness campaigns as needed.
• Contribute to effective collaboration among stakeholders and maximize project linkages.
• Participate in monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities by facilitating information exchange, tracking implementation progress, and contributing to data collection.
• Prepare various reports including field and mission reports and propose solutions to any implementation issues.
• Support knowledge sharing by contributing to content such as blogs and case studies, and staying informed on digital and FinTech market trends.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local government entities and promote UNCDF's objectives.
• Provide logistical support for field missions, trainings, and workshops, ensuring compliance with UNCDF and UN regulations including safeguarding standards.
• Perform other relevant duties as required to support office and organizational efficiency.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum secondary education required; university degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory.
• At least seven years of relevant experience for secondary education holders or four years for bachelor's degree holders in development projects supported by international donors, particularly in digital innovation or access to finance sectors.
• Experience in community engagement or operational fieldwork and data collection/reporting systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Strong exposure to local level stakeholders.
• Experience with UN entities or funded programs is an asset.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Competencies

• Results-oriented with good planning and quality delivery skills.
• Innovative thinker open to new ideas and pragmatic problem-solving.
• Eagerness to learn and share knowledge, open to feedback.
• Adaptability to change and ability to handle uncertainty.
• Determination and calmness under pressure.
• Compassionate with strong interpersonal relationship-building abilities.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and addressing unconscious bias and discrimination.
• Technical skills in systems thinking, sustainable development goal (SDG) monitoring, developing innovative financing mechanisms, project management, relationship management, and monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

Additional Information

UNCDF is an equal opportunity employer valuing diversity and inclusivity. The organization operates with zero tolerance towards harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority, with relevant checks conducted during recruitment. Multiple candidates may be selected from this vacancy. The recruitment process is free of any charges.