Financial Inclusion Specialist – Fintech Specialist

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Financial Inclusion Specialist – Fintech Specialist (Consultant) to support the WEAVE Project.

Introduction

The Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications from experienced consultants to serve as Financial Inclusion Specialist – Fintech Specialist under its Women’s Empowerment and Economic Advancement in Value Chains and Enterprise (WEAVE) project.

To learn more about MEDA’s work, please visit www.meda.org.

Project Overview

Launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, WEAVE is a multi-country initiative designed to expand access to finance and strengthen women’s participation in value chains across Africa. WEAVE focuses on developing innovative financial products, supporting inclusive fintech ecosystems, and building the capacity of investment vehicles that prioritize women-led MSMEs.

The project advances MEDA’s mission of creating business solutions to poverty by delivering:

• Gender-smart, technology-enabled financial instruments,
• Sustainable revolving finance (RF) models,
• Strengthened investment platforms and shared services for women-led funds,
• Community and policy engagement to break down systemic barriers.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The Financial Inclusion Specialist – Fintech Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing WEAVE’s financial inclusion interventions. This consultancy blends fintech strategy, inclusive loan product development, field-level pipeline building, and portfolio oversight to ensure operational excellence and impactful results.

• Based in Senegal, Ghana, or Kenya, the consultant will collaborate closely with MEDA’s Investment, MERL, and Gender teams and report to the WEAVE Managing Director.

• Access to finance to support growth of businesses and entrepreneurial efforts; and

• Build community support for the reduction of social barriers that affect girls’ socio-economic development, including but not limited to, early and forced child marriage.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the WEAVE leadership team, the consultant will:

• Develop and execute the RF investment strategy and design inclusive, gender-smart digital credit products with fintech partners.
• Map MSME pipelines and oversee fintech readiness assessments and onboarding.
• Conduct field visits to monitor deployment, gather market insights, and ensure alignment with WEAVE’s gender and impact objectives.
• Monitor portfolio performance and risks, working closely with Finance and Ops on compliance and tracking.
• Collaborate with MERL teams on baseline, dashboard, and learning frameworks.
• Contribute to donor reporting, communication materials, and represent WEAVE in key sector forums.

Deliverables and Time Frame

This consultancy is expected to commence by August 2025 and will run for an initial period of 6 months, with potential for extension based on project needs and performance.

The consultant will deliver:

• A refined RF investment strategy and inclusive lending product roadmap.
• Field assessments and readiness reports from fintech partners and MSME pipeline development activities.
• Monthly portfolio performance summaries and risk dashboards.
• Contributions to donor reports and communication assets highlighting success stories and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in financial inclusion, fintech solutions, or MSME lending, preferably in Africa.
• Strong record designing or managing digital credit products and partnerships with fintechs or revolving facilities.
• Excellent knowledge of gender-smart financial instruments and inclusive finance ecosystems.
• Experience with international development programs and multi-partner initiatives.
• Outstanding analytical, portfolio monitoring, and field coordination skills.
• Fluent English required; French is a strong asset.
• Ability to travel within the region up to 30%.

How to Apply

Interested consultants are requested to submit their applications online:

1. An up-to-date CV outlining relevant experience.
2. A cover letter highlighting skills and qualifications aligned with this consultancy.
3. A brief statement confirming availability and expected daily or monthly consulting rate.

Please send your application using the *apply* link here.

Application deadline: July 15, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your submission.

SDG Impact