RFQ: Credit Specialist (MSME Lending) – Building Innovative Credit Solutions for Micro and Small Enterprises in Africa
Position Overview
Roles and Responsibilities
A key component of our work is advocating for and providing technical support to financial service providers (banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, Saccos, and credit unions) to advance financial inclusion. One of our key focus areas is enhancing access to productive credit for micro and small enterprises (MSMEs), with a special emphasis on women and youth. To strengthen our support to financial service providers, we are seeking an experienced Credit Specialist to work with us on a retainer basis, to support our partners in designing and implementing innovative credit solutions that are responsive to the unique needs and business realities of MSMEs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support to financial service providers in designing and refining MSME credit solutions, including digital and non-digital products.
- Develop and advise on cash-flow-based lending models and alternative credit scoring approaches to enhance access to finance for MSMEs.
- Support the development and improvement of credit risk assessment frameworks, underwriting models, and loan approval processes tailored for MSMEs.
- Documenting of lending operational policies and procedures and developing relevant templates where necessary.
- Guide financial institutions in streamlining credit processes and procedures to improve efficiency and accessibility for underserved MSME segments.
- Provide insights on emerging trends and best practices in digital credit, MSME finance, and gender-responsive lending.
- Support capacity-building efforts for financial institutions through training, workshops, and advisory sessions.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in credit product development, lending models, or credit risk management, particularly for MSMEs.
- Strong expertise in cash-flow-based lending, alternative credit scoring models, and digital credit solutions.
- Experience working with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, or credit unions in developing MSME-focused financial products.
- Knowledge of credit risk assessment frameworks, portfolio management, and data-driven credit decisioning.
- Familiarity with the financial inclusion landscape, particularly in Africa.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and advisory skills.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and approach to supporting FSPs in innovative MSME credit solutions by March 4, 2025.
Note: This RFP does not guarantee or commit Women’s World Banking to proceeding with the above-described work. Due to the overwhelming responses not all candidates will be contacted.
Women’s World Banking is an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Women’s World Banking will be unable to contract with any individual who is US citizen or resident without an LLC or LP or similar structure.
About Women's World Banking
We believe in being a force for the greater good, devoted to accelerating and growing the financial inclusion of women. With rapidly changing markets, influenced by technology and social behavioral expectations, we are embarking on a new chapter to transform the way we design and implement solutions.
For over 40 years, Women’s World Banking has partnered with financial institutions, showing them the benefit of investing in women as customers. We equip these institutions with in-depth research and data driven insights to develop financial products and educational programs. While our clients are financial service providers, our mission is to engage consumers – women who are marginalized by financial systems.
Women’s World Banking and WWB Asset Management is an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
