Digital Payments Specialist – UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Type: International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA)
Application Period: August 2026

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Background

UNDP, through the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA), is implementing a regional initiative to promote responsible, interoperable digital payment solutions for cross-border traders within the East African Community (EAC).

The project aims to reduce reliance on cash by supporting digital payments that improve financial inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating at border points such as Namanga, Rusumo, and Gatuna.

The initiative aligns with:

• East African Community (EAC) Cross-Border Payments Masterplan
• African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade
• World Bank East Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP)

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Position Summary

The Digital Payments Specialist will support the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) and UNDP Tanzania in designing and implementing initiatives that promote digital financial inclusion, develop knowledge products, strengthen partnerships, influence policy, and support the adoption of cross-border digital payment systems across Africa.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Theory of Change

• Develop a Theory of Change for transitioning from cash to digital payments.
• Demonstrate how digital payments improve:
  • Financial inclusion
  • Gender equality
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Align strategies with UNDP priorities and regional frameworks.

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2. Research & Impact Assessment

• Assess the socio-economic impact of digital payments.
• Analyze legal and regulatory frameworks affecting digital finance.
• Produce:
  • Research papers
  • Policy briefs
  • Knowledge products
  • Comparative regional analyses
• Generate evidence on how digital finance improves livelihoods.

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3. Partnerships

• Collaborate with universities and research institutions.
• Build research capacity among academic partners.
• Coordinate with:
  • SDG Academy
  • Regional institutions
  • Knowledge platforms.

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4. Knowledge Management

• Document lessons learned and best practices.
• Develop case studies from pilot projects.
• Promote inclusive and gender-responsive approaches.
• Share knowledge across Africa.

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5. Policy & Advocacy

• Prepare policy recommendations.
• Support financial inclusion reforms.
• Engage governments and regulators.
• Promote regional collaboration with:
  • COMESA
  • SADC
  • ECOWAS
• Support implementation under the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol.

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6. Capacity Development

• Train UNDP staff and partners.
• Organize:
  • Workshops
  • Training sessions
  • Peer-learning events
• Develop guidance manuals and toolkits.

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7. Additional Responsibilities

• Support development of new donor-funded programmes.
• Coordinate implementation with UNDP Country Offices.
• Perform other duties assigned by the office.

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Institutional Reporting

The successful candidate will:

• Report to the UNDP Tanzania Programme Specialist.
• Work closely with the BTCA Advocacy & Partnerships Specialist (Nairobi).
• Coordinate with:
  • UNDP Country Offices
  • Regional Hubs
  • Universities
  • Regional economic communities
  • Government stakeholders.

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Required Qualifications

Education

Applicants must possess either:

• Master’s degree in:
  • Economics
  • Public Policy
  • Development Studies
  • Finance
  • Digital Innovation
  • Related field

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus two additional years of qualifying experience.

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Experience

Applicants must have:

• 5 years of relevant experience (Master’s degree)

OR

• 7 years of relevant experience (Bachelor’s degree).

Experience should include:

• Digital finance
• Financial inclusion
• Policy development
• Knowledge management

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Required Skills

Candidates should demonstrate experience in:

• Developing theories of change.
• Writing policy briefs and knowledge products.
• Financial inclusion programmes.
• Research and evidence generation.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Partnership management.

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Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

• UN agencies or international organizations.
• Communication and advocacy.
• Working with universities and research institutions.
• Regional organizations such as:
  • COMESA
  • SADC
  • ECOWAS
• Gender-responsive development.
• Inclusive digital finance.

Professional finance certifications are considered an advantage.

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Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (Required)
• Knowledge of Kiswahili (Desirable)

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Core Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Results orientation
• Innovation
• Continuous learning
• Adaptability
• Strategic thinking
• Partnership building
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Strong communication skills
• Systems thinking
• Knowledge generation

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Equal Opportunity

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and merit-based recruitment. The organization does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or exploitation in any form.

Important: UNDP does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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