Local Facilitator - Benin

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Local Facilitator - Benin for a finance, media consultancy assignment financed by EBRD in Benin.

Aninver Development Partners is currently preparing a competitive proposal for an upcoming EBRD-backed consultancy assignment in the finance sector in Benin. The overarching project focuses on scaling up activities and impact within regional housing finance, specifically supporting a prominent mortgage refinancing institution and enhancing access to inclusive housing solutions across the region.

To successfully execute our in-country activities in Benin, we are seeking a qualified Local Facilitator. This role will play a critical part in coordinating field operations, engaging with local financial institutions and housing stakeholders, and providing on-the-ground support for baseline assessments, capacity-building programs, and strategic framework implementations over a dynamic 7-month project duration.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Provide specialized technical support to ensure the EBRD investment is structured and implemented in line with inclusion and impact priorities.
• Facilitate comprehensive baseline and needs assessments, including institutional analysis and market studies on affordable housing solutions.
• Support the development of strategic and operational content, including action plans and rent-to-own operational frameworks.
• Assist in delivering implementation support and capacity building through specialized thematic workshops for participating banks and microfinance institutions.
• Promote the integration of inclusion, environmental, and social standards into expanded housing finance operations in Benin.

Scope of work

• Conduct institutional analysis of financial institutions to evaluate operational capacity, risk management, and portfolio composition regarding low- and middle-income housing finance.
• Perform in-depth market assessments on rent-to-own schemes and affordable housing solutions, identifying regulatory, legal, financial, and operational bottlenecks.
• Map key housing market stakeholders, potential partner financial institutions (commercial banks and microfinance institutions), and target beneficiary segments in Benin.
• Formulate practical strategic action plans to scale up affordable housing activities and integrate inclusive financing products.
• Design comprehensive operational frameworks, providing standardized legal structures, risk-sharing mechanisms, and underwriting guidelines.
• Deliver thematic workshops, training sessions, and technical seminars on housing finance best practices and product management.
• Provide hands-on advisory support during the initial pilot phase of new financial products and operational frameworks.
• Prepare reporting, policy recommendations, and knowledge-sharing materials for stakeholders and the donor.

Your role as Local Facilitator - Benin

• Serve as the primary in-country point of contact and liaison for project stakeholders, including local partner financial institutions and housing sector actors in Benin.
• Coordinate and facilitate targeted in-country missions, stakeholder consultations, and field-level data collection activities.
• Support international experts in conducting baseline assessments, market studies, and institutional analyses within the local context.
• Assist in organizing and delivering capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and technical seminars for local commercial banks and microfinance institutions.
• Provide logistics, administrative, and contextual advisory support for the rollout of innovative financing mechanisms and rent-to-own schemes.
• Contribute to local reporting, progress monitoring, and the gathering of relevant qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ensure smooth communication channels between the core project team, local beneficiaries, and relevant national stakeholders.

Requirements

• University degree in finance, economics, business administration, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated professional experience working within the finance, banking, or housing sector in Benin.
• Strong understanding of the local financial institution landscape, including commercial banks and microfinance institutions.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, project facilitation, and coordination of field-level technical assistance missions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Full professional proficiency in French; working knowledge of English is strongly preferred.
• National of, or based in, the project country

Desirable

• Prior experience working on international donor-funded projects, particularly with the EBRD or similar multilateral institutions.
• Specific knowledge of housing finance, mortgage refinancing, or affordable housing solutions in the region.
• Existing professional network among key financial and housing stakeholders in Benin.

A dynamic local professional with deep familiarity with Benin's financial sector and housing ecosystem, possessing strong stakeholder coordination skills and a commitment to inclusive economic development.

Assignment details

• Location: Benin
• Financed by: EBRD
• Sector: Finance, media
• Estimated duration: 7 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a EBRD-financed project in Benin.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? This position requires a national of, or a professional based in, the project country.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.