Policy and Regulation Specialist - SME Trade Finance, IPSA10, Home-based, UNCDF, [Open to Tier [...]

Duties and Responsibilities The Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance will report to the Global Lead, Investment Climate and Policy Advisory. The Policy and Regulation Specialist – SME Trade Finance will lead programme implementation of the Enabling Policy and Regulation workstream, providing overall direction for activities aimed at strengthening the policy and regulatory environment for SME trade finance. The role requires conducting comprehensive assessments of trade finance regulatory frameworks, analysing the impact of international prudential standards and correspondent banking de‑risking on SME access to trade credit, and benchmarking regulatory best practices to identify reform opportunities. The Specialist will design policy recommendations and regulatory reforms to address SME trade finance gaps, develop model regulations for innovative trade finance instruments, and create policy frameworks for fintech‑enabled solutions. A core function of the role is leading policy dialogue with central banks, finance ministries, and financial regulatory authorities, coordinating multi‑stakeholder working groups, and representing the programme in regional and international forums. The position also carries responsibility for providing technical assistance to regulatory authorities in implementing reforms, developing capacity‑building programmes for regulators, and supporting the establishment of critical market infrastructure. Additionally, the Specialist will produce policy briefs and research papers, documenting successful reform case studies for replication across programme countries. Policy Analysis & Regulatory Assessment Provide the overall drive, direction and management of the implementation of programme activities under workstream 1 Conduct comprehensive assessments of trade finance regulatory frameworks, identifying barriers that limit SME access to trade credit and cross‑border financing Analyze the impact of Basel III/IV capital requirements, KYC/AML regulations, and correspondent banking de‑risking on SME trade finance Evaluate national trade policies, foreign exchange controls, and documentary requirements that affect SME participation in trade Benchmark regulatory best practices across jurisdictions to identify reform opportunities that could expand SME trade finance access Regulatory Reform & Policy Development Design policy recommendations and regulatory reforms to address SME trade finance gaps, including simplified documentation requirements and risk‑based compliance frameworks Develop model regulations for innovative trade finance instruments such as movable asset registries, electronic warehouse receipts, and digital trade documentation Create policy frameworks for fintech‑enabled trade finance solutions including regulatory sandboxes for testing blockchain‑based trade platforms Draft guidelines for prudential treatment of SME trade finance exposures that balance financial stability with market development objectives Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy Lead policy dialogue with central banks, finance ministries, and financial regulatory authorities on SME trade finance reform priorities Coordinate multi‑stakeholder working groups bringing together regulators, banks, SME associations, and development partners to address systemic barriers Participate in regional and international forums on trade finance regulation, including WTO, ICC Banking Commission, and regional development banks Build coalitions with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and trade bodies to advocate for SME‑friendly trade finance policies Implementation Support & Capacity Building Provide technical assistance to regulatory authorities in implementing trade finance reforms, including drafting of regulations and operational guidelines Develop capacity‑building programmes for regulators on emerging trade finance products, digital innovations, and international regulatory standards Support establishment of trade finance facilitation units within central banks and specialised SME trade finance guarantee schemes Design monitoring frameworks to track the impact of regulatory reforms on SME trade finance volumes, pricing, and accessibility Lead Knowledge Management & Market Infrastructure Development Produce policy briefs, research papers, and regulatory guidance notes on SME trade finance topics for government and industry stakeholders Support development of critical market infrastructure including credit bureaus, collateral registries, and trade information platforms that facilitate SME risk assessment Document case studies of successful regulatory reforms and their impact on SME trade finance markets for replication in other jurisdictions Contribute to global knowledge products on trade finance regulation, participating in research initiatives with multilateral organisations Other duties within the functional profile may be assigned as required. Competencies Core Competencies Achieve Results – LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, having lasting impact Think Innovatively – LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously – LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination – LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner – LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter‑agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity Cross‑Functional & Technical Competencies Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking – Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system Strategic Thinking – Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNCDF’s mission and objectives, based on systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; anticipate and effectively respond to current and future trends; demonstrate foresight. Digital Digital inclusion – Knowledge of how digital inclusion works, opportunities and challenges for governments and society Alternative finance – Ability to identify potential alternative forms of finance and mobilise them for the purpose of addressing development challenges; review the skills, capacities, procedures and protocols needed to enable new financial mechanisms; assess risks, limitations and implications; set up processes and structures to design, test and implement new mechanisms; manage outreach and stakeholder engagement. Business Development Knowledge Generation – Ability to research information and turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need; apply existing concepts to new situations; develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Business Management Partnerships Management – Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Portfolio Management – Ability to select, prioritise and control the organisation’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment; knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. Required Skills and Experience Education Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Public Policy, Economics, International Trade, Development Studies, Finance, Political Science, or a related field is required, or First‑level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered. Experience Minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in financial sector policy, regulatory reform, or trade policy analysis. Required Skills At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in policy advisory, regulatory assessment, or technical assistance to government institutions in the context of financial inclusion or SME finance. Proven track record in leading policy dialogue and providing technical advisory services to financial regulatory authorities (e.g., central banks, financial sector supervisory bodies), trade‑related ministries, and government agencies on matters relating to trade finance, financial inclusion, or SME access to finance. Demonstrated experience in conducting regulatory assessments, drafting policy recommendations, and supporting the design or implementation of financial sector reforms in developing‑country contexts. Experience in engaging and collaborating with multilateral and bilateral organisations, donors, private foundations, and government bodies to build partnerships and manage external relations. Desired Skills Experience in regulatory frameworks, including Basel III/IV capital requirements, KYC/AML compliance, correspondent banking dynamics, and their impact on trade finance for SME. Experience in designing or supporting the development of enabling legal and regulatory frameworks for innovative financial instruments, such as movable asset registries, electronic warehouse receipts, or digital trade documentation. Proven experience in coordinating multi‑stakeholder working groups or policy platforms bringing together regulators, financial institutions, industry associations, and development partners. Experience with the policy and regulatory environment for trade and SME finance in the programming countries, including engagement with institutions such as central banks and ministries of trade. Experience working in the context of joint‑UN programming. Required Language(s) Fluency in English is required. Professional knowledge of French is considered an asset. Professional Certificates Relevant certifications, such as Certified Trade Finance Professional (CTFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or similar, are a plus. Equal opportunity As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organisation. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all. Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. Right to select multiple candidates UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Use of AI by candidates Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection. 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