MSME and Microfinance Specialist – Djibouti

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a MSME and Microfinance Specialist for a finance, youth consultancy assignment financed by UNDP in Djibouti.

Aninver Development Partners SL is currently preparing a technical proposal for an upcoming consulting assignment funded by UNDP in Djibouti. The project focuses on strengthening the financial sector and empowering youth through targeted economic interventions. We are seeking an expert MSME and Microfinance Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team and contribute to inclusive financial sector growth.

The successful candidate will provide high-level technical expertise in microfinance, enterprise development, and financial inclusion. Working closely with local stakeholders, financial institutions, and young entrepreneurs, the expert will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative financial products that address the unique barriers faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country.

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

• Enhance access to finance for MSMEs and youth-led enterprises in Djibouti.
• Strengthen the capacity of local microfinance institutions and financial service providers.
• Design and introduce innovative, inclusive financial products tailored to underserved populations.
• Promote sustainable economic growth and job creation within the targeted sectors.

Scope of work

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of the current microfinance and MSME financing landscape in the country.
• Analyze existing barriers to credit and financial services for youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
• Develop strategic frameworks and operational guidelines for expanding financial inclusion.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and capacity-building sessions with financial institutions.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of pilot financial products and enterprise support programs.

Your role as MSME and Microfinance Specialist

• Lead all technical activities related to MSME finance, microfinance, and youth-focused economic empowerment.
• Design youth-focused and women-focused MSME finance products, including bundled credit and insurance offerings.
• Provide technical assistance and advisory services to partner microfinance institutions and financial intermediaries.
• Draft detailed technical reports, strategy documents, and policy recommendations for the client and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless integration of financial inclusion strategies with broader project goals.
• Represent the consulting firm in high-level meetings and technical discussions with donors and local authorities.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in development economics, finance, business administration, development studies or a related social science field
• At least 8 years of experience working with microfinance institutions, MSME finance programmes or business development services in developing-country contexts
• Demonstrated experience designing youth-focused or women-focused MSME finance products, including bundled credit and insurance offerings
• Languages: Excellent English; working proficiency in French; Arabic an asset

Desirable

• Working knowledge of Arabic as an asset.
• Prior professional experience in the Horn of Africa or similar operational contexts.

An experienced MSME and Microfinance Specialist with a strong background in designing innovative financial products for youth and women in developing economies.

Assignment details

• Location: Djibouti
• Financed by: UNDP
• Sector: Finance, youth
• 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 UNDP-financed project in Djibouti.
• 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? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

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.