Access to Finance Lead

Chemonics International seeks an Access to Finance Lead for the USAID-funded Trade, Investment, and Finance Activity in the West Bank and Gaza. The project seeks to drive transformative impacts for the Palestinian sector through increased trade and exports and position the Palestinian economy for growth. The Access to Finance Lead is responsible for identifying constraints and solutions that Palestinian firms have with accessing financial services needed to increase their competitiveness and expand their business. The Access to Finance Lead must have at least three years of experience working on donor-funded projects in the West Bank and Gaza and/or the wider region. Candidate should have proficient English skills and be well-versed in issues related to economic resiliency and stability, new market opportunities, supply chain logistics, local and foreign direct investments, and inclusive access to finance. This position will be based in Ramallah. We are looking for dynamic individuals with a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.  

Responsibilities    

• Publicly represent the project’s technical coordination of increased access to finance and the improvement of financial services in partnership with key stakeholders, including USAID, local government officials, private sector institutions, business and trade organizations, local financial institutions, and others in politically sensitive contexts 
• Lead the technical implementation for expansion of trade finance programs to streamline and facilitate international trade transactions  
• Promote the integration of digitally enhanced trade practices and adoption of digital financial services 
• Design comprehensive capacity building programs to enhance key skills among local entrepreneurs and small business owners 
• Support the Development Finance Corporation (DFC)-backed Loan Guarantee Facility implemented by the Middle East Investment Initiative (MEII).   
• Establish and maintain a network of contacts with individuals and institutions in the local financial system 
• Work with international and domestic consultants to assess constraints and opportunities to increase access to finance for firms and SMEs  
• Develop specific, implementable strategies and programs to increase finance for SMEs through different mechanisms 
• Ensure that project implementation is in accordance with USAID regulations, Chemonics policies and procedures, and contract requirements 
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the COP 

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Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, trade, finance, or another relevant field is required. An advanced degree is preferred  

• At least seven years of experience identifying and facilitating financial opportunities on donor-assisted projects   
• Experience in economic resilience and stability, finance, trade promotion, and local and foreign direct investments preferred 
• Familiarity with the MEII and DFC, particularly in their use of Digital Financial Services (DFS) to support lending to SMEs 
• Experience working with local financial institutions and financial technology companies such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) 
• Demonstrated experience advancing equitable, inclusive, and accessible programming that engages a diverse range of stakeholders is required  
• Regional development experience in the Middle East and North, specifically in the West Bank and Gaza, is required  
• Understanding of country context and key stakeholders is required  
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity  
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills in English required. Arabic proficiency advantageous  

Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through Apply Now-button below