IDB3340 – Economic Empowerment Specialist

Job Purpose:

The Economic Empowerment Specialist, as a vital part of the Economic Empowerment Knowledge Solutions (EEKS) section within the Cooperation & Capacity Development Department (CCD), works under the supervision of the EEKS Associate Manager. This role is pivotal in contributing to the development and execution of the Bank’s policies, strategies, assistance frameworks, and action plans concerning Economic Empowerment Knowledge Solutions (EEKS) Initiatives.

Methodology Advancement: Aiding in documenting and enhancing the methodology related to the Economic Empowerment Approach, ensuring that best practices are identified and shared.

Initiative Establishment: Providing support for the establishment of Economic Empowerment Knowledge Solutions Initiatives within Member Countries. This will include coordinating with local partners and stakeholders to implement these initiatives.

Innovative Solutions: Actively exploring novel concepts and intervention approaches that have a pro poor market orientation. These innovative strategies should expand the reach and impact of EEKS’s initiatives.

The Economic Empowerment Specialist will play an integral role in shaping the direction of Economic Empowerment Knowledge Solutions, thereby contributing to the Bank’s mission of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Key Accountabilities:

General Responsibilities

• Program Development: Assist in setting up, conceiving, and crafting capacity development initiatives for Member Countries and microfinance institutions. This includes the design and structuring of these programs.

• Capacity Gap Analysis: Contribute to establishing a framework for assessing the capacity gaps of microfinance institutions concerning their financial, social performance, and economic empowerment efforts.

• Technology Advancement: Support the advancement of IT systems that would promote the implementation of Economic Empowerment including core banking solutions, Fintech and Artificial intelligence.

• Partner Identification: Participate in the identification and evaluation of potential partners with expertise in program execution and technical assistance, aiming to enhance the impact of capacity-building initiatives.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversee the progress and performance of the Economic Empowerment Knowledge Solutions initiatives, ensuring they effectively achieve their goals of development and empowerment.

• Resource Mobilization: Support the implementation of a resource mobilization strategy aimed at securing the necessary resources for EEKS’s initiatives. This includes fundraising and donor engagement.

• Quality Assurance: Assist in quality assurance processes to ensure that the initiatives adhere to CCD policies and regulations. This includes compliance monitoring.

• Manual and Tool Development: Contribute to the creation of manuals and tools pertaining to client selection, partner engagement, and other operational aspects of EEKS Initiatives.

• Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret economic, poverty, inequality, and other statistical data. Continuously monitor trends and conduct in-depth research on economic and development issues in Member Countries. Market Research for Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: Conduct comprehensive research to explore successful and promising trends in the development of underserved markets, particularly in the context of microfinance and poverty reduction.

• Explore opportunities relating to financing value chain development. The insights gained from this research will play a pivotal role in shaping the design of new initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting microfinance.

Technical Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance: Assist in quality assurance processes to ensure that the initiatives adhere to CCD policies and regulations. This includes compliance monitoring.

• Manual and Tool Development: Contribute to the creation of manuals and tools pertaining to client selection, partner engagement, and other operational aspects of EEKS Initiatives.

• Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret economic, poverty, inequality, and other statistical data. Continuously monitor trends and conduct in-depth research on economic and development issues in Member Countries. Market Research for Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: Conduct comprehensive research to explore successful and promising trends in the development of underserved markets, particularly in the context of microfinance and poverty reduction.

• Explore opportunities relating to financing value chain development. The insights gained from this research will play a pivotal role in shaping the design of new initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting microfinance.

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Collaborate with the EEKS and CCD teams to develop and execute actionable short to medium-term operational plans and associated budgets, incorporating operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Participate in the formulation and periodic review of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the section and the department.

• Assist in the evaluation of Annual Work Plans, offering recommendations to enhance performance.

• Generate regular reports detailing the activities and performance of the section initiatives, encompassing essential performance indicators.

• Prepare technical action plans in coordination with relevant stakeholders for program implementation.

• Prepare comprehensive budgets for each program and define clear performance metrics for programs.

• Oversee program implementation, ensure adherence to established timelines, and contribute to troubleshooting and resolution of implementation challenges or bottlenecks.

Knowledge Sharing and Communication

• Summarize insights from the EEKS Initiatives to improve operational processes and guideline updates.

• Actively engage in the transfer of knowledge and the localization of expertise in Economic Empowerment and microfinance.

• Develop systematic approaches, manuals, and practical tools for fieldwork within the realm of Economic Empowerment Programs.

• Provide support to IsDB and Regional Hubs in executing capacity development initiatives related to Economic Empowerment projects and initiatives.

• Promote the widespread adoption of the Economic Empowerment Approach within IsDB projects and Programs, especially in the projects/programs relating to Islamic Microfinance, Rural Finance and MSME finance.

• Formulate training and capacity development solutions tailored for practitioners engaged in Economic Empowerment and Microfinance Operations.

• Elevate awareness regarding Economic Empowerment methodologies and capacity-building solutions among a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to the creation of knowledge products, reviews, briefs, and updates addressing Economic Empowerment topics and department projects. Collaborate independently or in partnership with other entities within the IsDB Group to facilitate this knowledge production and dissemination.

Academic and professional qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, International Development, or related field.

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, International Development or related fields is preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in programs related to economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, Islamic microfinance, market development for the poor, private equity, program design & appraisal, or investment banking.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge:

• Good knowledge of the economic and social challenges in Member Countries Knowledge of economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, approaches, and frameworks.

• Knowledge of relevant industry sector trends, and experience in emerging markets is a plus.

• Business development and client relationship skills.

• Track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively.

• Ability to interact directly and independently with potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials.

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.

• Highly motivated, committed to the highest ethical standards.

• Genuine commitment to sustainable economic development

• Experience of working with Donors and International NGOs and other projects in conflict areas.

• Analytics on performance of funds and reports

• Computer use and related programs.

• Project management skills

• Monitoring & Evaluation Skills

Languages:

• English – Mandatory

• French – Mandatory

• Arabic – Preferred