Background

Improving financial inclusion is a priority for the Sri Lankan government. In fact, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has recognized the importance of a national financial inclusion strategy (NFIS) in its 2017 roadmap and has engaged with the IFC to develop the NFIS for the country.

While Sri Lanka performs well along several basic dimensions of financial inclusion, in particular account ownership and branch penetration, there remains significant scope to improve the accessibility, diversity, and quality of financial products and services. Key areas for action include improving account usage, leveraging innovations in electronic retail payments instruments, improving the outreach and commercial viability of non-bank financial institutions, and improving women’s access to formal financial services. The NFIS helped identify the main thematic areas to address the identified market failures which include Financial Literacy, Financial Consumer Protection, Delivery Channels and Digital Finance and MSME Finance.

Objectives

The objective of this assignment is to provide implementation support to the IFC team carrying out the various components of the NFIS.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for tasks which may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Search and collect data to support the assessment of financial, operational, development impact, and market information as well as relevant environmental, social and governance matters, including coordination with clients to obtain required information;
• Prepare documentation for IFC internal processes;
• Perform a range of tasks related to specialized support functions: e.g. participation in project-related meetings and negotiations; preparing minutes and correspondence; drafting and compiling a wide range of operational, administrative or other project documents
• Support the organization of events and meetings;
• Experience in working within tight deadlines and under pressure; flexibility to work overtime during peak periods on a short notice.
• Self-motivation with a positive and professional demeanor

Specific Activities, Timeline and Estimated Level of Effort Required

The consultancy entails up to a maximum of 150 days of work from 01 Nov 2020 to 31 Oct 2021. Payment will be authorized by the IFC Task Team Leader (TTL) upon receipt of the acceptable deliverables from the relevant department of the CBSL.

Selection Criteria:

• Graduates in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Political Economy, Law;
• 2-3 relevant work experience;
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; Sinhala or Tamil compulsory
• Excellent technical writing skills and precise drafting capabilities
• Proficiency and prior experience in MS Office
• Strong client service orientation and high level of diplomacy with an openness to feedback and new ideas;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and flexibility to adapt to change;

Application Instructions:

• Only online applications are accepted. Do not email your application, as it will be neither acknowledged nor accepted.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

How to apply: 

1. Click the "Apply" button
2. Go to "Business Opportunities" at the top navigation bar which leads to the individual consulting engagement
3. Search for the Selection Number: 1270544, Title: E T CONSULTANT FOR IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT - NATIONAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION STRATEGY - SRI LANKA.
4. Click "Express Interest" and enter your details