Swahili-speaking Climate Finance Expert

You can be a part of this exciting and impactful project as we are currently recruiting a Climate Finance Expert for a 12-month assignment with possible extension. You will work at Norges Vel´s offices in Msasani, Dar es Salaam. As you will be working closely at community level, fluency in Swahili is a prerequisite for this role.  

Background

Climate change has significantly impacted Africa's agricultural productivity, which has declined by 34% since 1961, more than any other region. Eastern and Southern Africa face ongoing challenges, and Tanzania's small-scale food producers are especially vulnerable to climate-related events like droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones. These extreme weather events and climate variability are increasingly threatening the livelihoods of millions of small-scale producers in these regions. Improved access to tailored financial services is crucial for these smallholders and rural small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) such as farmer-owned companies. 

NORCAP is working with Norges Vel to explore how private and public sector may collaborate towards addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable populations, and SMEs, using Norges Vel’s target groups and selected financial institutions as an example to develop one or several concrete business cases, partnerships and/or tailored financial products addressing the needs of these. 

Norges Vel and NORCAP´s focus is on developing financial services to meet the needs of small-scale food producers and rural SMEs. The overall goal is to further develop Norges Vel’s work on financial inclusion and blended finance partnerships. 
 

Purpose

• Further develop Norges Vel Tanzania’s strategy on financial inclusion focusing on enhancing the resilience and adaptive capabilities of small-scale food producers and rural SMEs to climate shocks 
• Lead the collaboration with financial institutions and develop opportunities for blended finance partnerships
• Identify viable business models for financial service providers to support populations affected by climate change in a way that benefit both financial service producers and its clients – in particular target producers supported under the Norges Vel programme. 

Main tasks and responsibilities
As Climate Finance Expert, you will take on the following responsibilities:

• Strengthen Norges Vel’s training approach on financial literacy and other mechanisms to support farmers with financial inclusion.
• Advise Norges Vel Tanzania on best practices in working with financial institutions.
• Represent Norges Vel in strategic partnership meetings on financial inclusion.
• Develop joint funding proposals for financial inclusion and climate adaptation projects.
• Assist in the improvement and development of farmer-owned businesses.
• Explore impact investment opportunities focusing on climate and social impact by SMEs.
• Coordinate with Tanzania-based partners on financial services projects focused on climate resilience and adaptation.
• Assess the usefulness of climate services and data for financial institutions, particularly for risk assessment in vulnerable situations.
• Identify collaborators for developing a digital mobile application as a resource center for agronomic training, weather info, market linkages, etc.
• Improve understanding and development of climate risk-related products, such as weather index-based crop and livestock insurance.
• Assist in product development and scaling up alternative distribution channels for weather-based insurance.
• Develop a risk assessment tool that incorporates climate change considerations in loan applications.
• Participate in field surveys and customer interactions to gather inputs for innovative product

Qualifications and experience
To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent (including proven work experience and skills) in relevant fields, such as innovative climate finance, climate adaptation and resilience, renewable energy, rural lending/financial services, micro finance, and broadly financial services.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience from the financial sector, preferably from a private institution in an emerging market 
• Experience from humanitarian or development sector is preferred
• Understanding of how to develop and implement business strategies and products. Documented results within product development, innovation processes or developing business cases in relevant sector(s) is an asset.
• Experience from working with small-scale food producers and rural SMEs, with a focus on gender equality and innovative financial services such as credit for climate-resilient technologies, energy services, or investment in sustainable agriculture practices. Demonstrated field experience is desirable.
• Experience in working with services that are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, will be an advantage
• Ability to provide access to information, weather-based insurance, credit for climate-resilient technologies, or investment in sustainable agriculture practices.
• Ability to identify and establish potential partnerships and collaborations (FSPs, UN, NGOs, government agencies, etc.) to help improve the provision of financial services to rural populations, particularly small-scale farmers. Knowledge of humanitarian and development agencies in Tanzania is an asset. 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven data collection, research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Experience of working in complex and volatile contexts is desirable.
• Fluency and proficient in English and Swahili.

For more information about the responsibilities and expected outcomes, please see Terms of Reference. 

The main competencies of a NORCAP expert are:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience
   

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or disability.
• Both national and international candidates are encouraged to apply.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 21st April 2025, 11.59PM CET.