Team Leader / Islamic Finance and Takaful Specialist – Djibouti

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Team Leader / Islamic Finance and Takaful 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 advisory assignment funded by the UNDP in Djibouti. We are seeking an experienced Team Leader and Islamic Finance and Takaful Specialist to drive financial inclusion initiatives tailored for youth within the country's developing financial sector.

This strategic engagement focuses on expanding access to innovative Islamic financial instruments and micro-Takaful products. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, engaging directly with regulators, financial institutions, and local stakeholders to pilot sustainable financial solutions that empower young entrepreneurs and vulnerable populations.

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

• Lead the overall execution and strategic direction of the UNDP-backed financial inclusion and Takaful assignment in Djibouti.
• Design and pilot structured micro-Takaful and bundled Islamic microfinance products suited for youth and local micro-entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate constructive dialogue and secure approvals from insurance regulators and Shariah supervisory councils.
• Strengthen the capacity of local financial institutions and stakeholders to deliver compliant Islamic financial services.

Scope of work

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current Islamic finance, microfinance, and insurance landscape in the country.
• Formulate a detailed framework for introducing innovative micro-Takaful products targeting youth and underserved segments.
• Coordinate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and training sessions with national financial authorities and market players.
• Oversee the pilot testing and monitoring of newly structured Islamic finance and Takaful products.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, policy recommendations, and strategic roadmaps for long-term sector sustainability.

Your role as Team Leader / Islamic Finance and Takaful Specialist

• Manage the consulting team and ensure the timely delivery of all contractual outputs and reports for the UNDP.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the client, national authorities, and key sector stakeholders in Djibouti.
• Provide technical leadership on all matters related to Islamic finance, microfinance, and Takaful structuring.
• Engage with insurance regulators and Shariah councils to navigate compliance and facilitate product approvals.
• Design and implement capacity-building programs and pilot initiatives for participating financial institutions.
• Monitor project risks, ensure high-quality standards, and oversee the implementation of the work plan.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in Islamic finance, Islamic economics or closely related fields; relevant Islamic finance certification (e.g. CIFE or CIPA) an asset
• At least 10 years of professional experience in Islamic finance, microfinance or insurance in developing-country contexts
• At least 5 years of project management experience leading multi-stakeholder financial-inclusion or Takaful pilots
• Languages: Excellent written and spoken English; working proficiency in French

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience structuring micro-Takaful or bundled microfinance plus Takaful products in low- or lower-middle-income countries, and direct engagement with insurance regulators and Shariah councils on product approval
• Relevant Islamic finance certifications such as CIFE or CIPA.
• Previous professional experience working in the Horn of Africa or similar regional contexts.
• Established network and familiarity with UNDP procedures and development project execution.

An experienced Team Leader with deep technical expertise in Islamic finance and micro-Takaful, ready to lead impactful financial inclusion projects in Djibouti.

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.