Alternative Finance/SME Specialist

The Investment for Business Resilience (IBR) Activity, formerly known as FSR, is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global LLC. The purpose of the IBR Activity is to support systemic changes in Ukraine’s economy and increases the supply of finance available to Ukrainian businesses. IBR aims to transform the country’s financial sector into a well-functioning and competitive market that is aligned with European Union standards and integrated into international financial systems, while directly providing financing to enterprises for sustained economic growth.

IBR is organized into four thematic areas:

• New Investments Facilitation for Enterprise Growth
• Deepened Private Sector Financial Intermediation and Expanded Private Finance
• Improved Market Regulation and Financial Infrastructure
• Enhanced Transparency and Communications about Financial Sector Reform.

The IBR is looking for candidates to fill in the Alternative Finance/SME Specialist, LTTA in Kyiv or Lviv.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Alternative Finance/SME Specialist will manage and implement IBR activities to develop alternative finance mechanisms, such as Financial Leasing, Asset Based Lending for financing SMEs. S/he will also contribute to the analysis and introduction of other alternative financing instruments to conventional bank loans. The Alternative Finance/SME Specialist will work closely with key stakeholders, including but not limited to financial leasing companies and commercial banks, NABU, UUL, international financial institutions, Business Development Fund and the State authorities. The Alternative Finance/SME Specialist will be also responsible for analysis of the demand side, SME segments, and monitoring the impact and efficiencies of interventions. 

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

• Analyze the current status of the leasing industry (volume and number of contracts, number of players, key constraints to growth, financing needs, NPLs, collateral loss, etc.), asset based lending, and potential capital raising mechanisms (e.g., crowdfunding), and prepare reports for IBR and the financial industry.
• Develop and support an active program to expand financial leasing, lending and trade finance for SMEs in Ukraine;
• Support the creation of a guarantee facilities/risk-sharing programs for leasing, lending and trade finance.
• Arrange, manage, and oversee technical assistance and grant projects to support the development of financial leasing, trade factoring and expand lending to SMEs.
• Analyze and report on sectors that have high potential for the introduction of leasing products; 
• Support round tables on financial leasing, hold discussions with international finance organizations, and identify a pipeline of potential transactions/interventions for activities on financial leasing in Ukraine.
• Analyze and recommend best practices on financial restructuring of leasing contracts;
• Contribute to the development of the NBU’s regulations on financial leasing market methodology and supervision.
• Participate in developing a concept for a domestic SME finance marketplace(s) platform;
• Manage and oversee subcontractors (international and local consultants) providing support related to Component 3.
• Promote financial leasing and develop learning materials for financial leasing providers and consumers in the regions of Ukraine.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have an advanced degree in one of the following areas: finance, economics, management, finance/corporate law, and audit. 
• At least 5 years of professional experience in commercial banks and/or non-bank financial leasing companies.
• Experience in developing and implementing financial leasing products, marketing, strategy and project management in the leasing industry., 
• Experience with development projects similar in scope and complexity to Ukraine IBR is an advantage.  
• Proven experience building linkages among government, private sector (SMEs), and public audiences or consumers.
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s financial sector landscape, actors and issues, relevant government ministries, and familiarity with relevant policies and reforms are required. 
• Solid and persuasive interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written English and Ukrainian skills.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please submit Cover Letter and CV to Відправити резюме  by November 21, 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please include “Application for Alternative Finance/SME Specialist: your name and surname” in the subject line.