Project Manager

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) reduces poverty and drives inclusive growth in the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by expanding access to finance for households and small businesses, providing grants, loans, and guarantees to mobilize resources and spur innovation. Through its Inclusive Digital Economies (IDE) programme, UNCDF advances solutions in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, climate and energy, women’s economic empowerment, and remittances. In Rwanda, the IDE team leads the Amplifying Cross Border Digital Opportunity project (2024–2027), which leverages digital technologies to support Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs)—mainly women in the informal sector—enhancing access to services, markets, and resources while ensuring trade and digitalization policies deliver tangible benefits.

In Rwanda, UNCDF’s Finwise/IDE team is implementing the "Amplifying Cross Border Digital Opportunity" project (2024–2027) to enhance the livelihoods of Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs) particularly for women through digital technology. The programme aims to:
• Connect SSCBTs to markets and services via digital platforms and financial tools.
• Translate policy into practical benefits on the ground.
• Promote inclusive economic growth and women's empowerment.

Aligned with UNCDF’s broader focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, gender inclusion, and digital development, the initiative seeks to catalyse investment and strengthen local ecosystems to support informal traders' transition to sustainable livelihoods. The UN Volunteer/Project Manager will support in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and impact reporting. His/her contribution will significantly strengthen UNCDF’s ability to localize, implement, and monitor project activities effectively.

Under the direct supervision of the Finwise Program Specialist and with technical oversight from the Eastern and Southern African Regional Digital Manager, as well as oversight from the Inclusive Digital Economies (IDE) Regional Results Measurement Specialist, the UNV will lead the implementation of the results measurement strategy for UNCDF Finwise in Rwanda including:

Project Management & Coordination:
• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project of amplifying digital opportunities for cross-border traders in Rubavu and Rusizi.
• Ensure timely delivery of project outputs and adherence to budget and timelines.
• Prepare regular progress reports, case studies, and documentation of lessons learned.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development
• Facilitate partnerships with fintech's to enhance DFS tailored to SSCBTs.
• Engage with cooperative leaders and local authorities to ensure community buy-in and sustainability.
• Represent the project in relevant forums and stakeholder meetings.

Digital Solutions Development
• Support fintech’s in designing and piloting inclusive, data-driven digital solutions for SSCBTs.
• Oversee the integration of digital tools into cooperative operations (e.g., digital record-keeping, mobile payments).
• Ensure solutions are accessible and inclusive for women, youth, and Persons with Disability (PwD)

Reporting and knowledge-sharing:
• Review and contribute to progress reports and donor reporting.
• Contribute to knowledge products to share programme results and learnings.
• Contribute to annual monitoring and reporting related to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).