Project Manager – Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM) | UNDP
Location: Aden, Yemen
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (1 Year, with the possibility of extension)
Grade: P3 (Mid-Level Professional)
Practice Area: Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Responsive Institutions
Required Education & Experience:
- Master’s Degree + 5 years of experience OR Bachelor’s Degree + 7 years of experience
- Relevant experience in project management, financial market infrastructure, or digital financial services
Languages:http://UNDP Project Manager – Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM)
- Required: Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Desirable: Knowledge of Arabic
Mobility: Required
Background of the Role
Yemen has been facing a prolonged crisis since 2015, which has severely impacted its banking and financial sector. The country’s financial system is fragile, and only a small percentage of Yemenis have access to banking services or digital financial tools.
Some of the key financial challenges in Yemen include:
- Banking Sector Division:
- The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) has been split since 2016, with one faction in Aden (Internationally Recognized Government – IRG) and another in Sana’a (De Facto Authorities – DFA).
- This has caused difficulties in supervising domestic banking operations and resulted in liquidity crises, frozen assets, and a lack of trust in banks.
- Limited Financial Inclusion:
- Only 10% of Yemenis had a bank account (including mobile money accounts) by 2019.
- Women are especially underserved, with only 13% of mobile money users being female.
- The reliance on cash transactions has limited economic growth and transparency.
- Weak Digital Financial Infrastructure:
- Yemen has one of the weakest payment systems in the Arab world.
- The country lacks Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and Fast Payment Systems (FPS), which are essential for financial stability and growth.
To address these issues, the World Bank and UNDP have partnered to improve Yemen’s financial market infrastructure through the Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM).
Purpose of the Role
The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the YFIIM project. The role involves:
- Developing payment infrastructure in Yemen.
- Improving access to digital financial services, including mobile banking.
- Ensuring financial inclusion, especially for underserved populations (e.g., women and rural communities).
- Managing project resources, partnerships, and risks.
- Ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements.
The Project Manager will work under the Deputy Resident Representative (Programmes) and report directly to the Governance & Peacebuilding Team Leader.
Key Responsibilities@vacancyspaces.com
1. Provide Strategic & Technical Leadership
- Maintain an updated overview of Yemen’s financial sector and identify risks and opportunities.
- Ensure alignment between project components and other UNDP initiatives.
- Develop new programmatic opportunities and funding proposals.
- Support the preparation and revision of strategic documents such as:
- Country Programme Document (CPD)
- Integrated Work Plan (IWP)
- Annual Work Plans (AWPs)
- Monitor project performance, evaluations, and impact assessments.
- Promote gender inclusion and support women and youth in financial development efforts.
2. Project Management & Risk Oversight
- Advise on project strategy and risk mitigation.
- Supervise daily project activities and ensure timely delivery.
- Manage procurement processes, including:
- Drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
- Defining technical specifications
- Evaluating bids and selecting vendors
- Ensure alignment with Central Bank and World Bank regulations.
- Guarantee conflict sensitivity in project execution.
- Represent the project in Project Board meetings and donor discussions.
- Ensure compliance with UNDP policies (Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures – POPP).
- Oversee financial management and disbursement.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital payments infrastructure.
3. Advocacy, Partnership Building & Resource Mobilization
- Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, donors, and private sector players.
- Represent the project at national and international events.
- Lead donor engagement and reporting.
- Ensure the project has a strong social media presence to promote transparency.
- Identify private sector collaboration opportunities for digital financial services.
4. Knowledge Management & Capacity Building
- Work closely with other UNDP teams to integrate financial inclusion strategies.
- Support policy development and technical training for financial regulators.
- Provide guidance and training to the project team on digital payment systems.
- Share best practices and lessons learned with local and international partners.
Skills & Competencies Required
Core Competencies
- Achieve Results: Able to deliver projects successfully within deadlines.
- Think Innovatively: Find creative solutions to complex financial challenges.
- Learn Continuously: Stay updated with digital payment trends and regulatory policies.
- Adapt with Agility: Quickly respond to changes in Yemen’s financial and political landscape.
- Act with Determination: Take proactive steps to resolve project challenges.
- Engage & Partner: Build trust with stakeholders and facilitate collaboration.
- Enable Diversity & Inclusion: Ensure marginalized communities have access to financial services.
Technical & Cross-Functional Skills
- Microfinance & MSME Development – Understanding of financial services for small businesses.
- Public Finance & SDGs – Knowledge of financial policies that support sustainable development.
- Enterprise/Private Sector Recovery – Support for economic stability post-crisis.
- Project & Portfolio Management – Expertise in handling multi-stakeholder projects.
- Procurement & Risk Management – Experience in contract management and vendor selection.
- Digital Financial Services – Knowledge of RTGS, FPS, and electronic payment systems.
Education & Experience Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or Management OR
- Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.
Work Experience
- At least 5 years (with master’s) or 7 years (with bachelor’s) of project management experience.
- Experience in large-scale financial sector projects.
- Hands-on involvement in digital payment systems (RTGS, FPS, mobile banking, financial inclusion initiatives, etc.) is preferred.
- Experience in engaging and training regulators/central banks is desirable.
- Contract management and vendor selection experience (e.g., drafting RFPs, evaluating bids, and negotiating contracts).
- Familiarity with UNDP and World Bank frameworks is an advantage.
Table of Contents
Why is This Role Important?
This position is critical for strengthening Yemen’s financial infrastructure. The Project Manager will play a key role in:
- Enhancing financial transparency and reducing reliance on cash transactions.
- Supporting digital financial inclusion for underserved populations.
- Rebuilding trust in Yemen’s banking sector.
- Helping Yemen align with international financial standards.
The success of this project could serve as a model for financial sector reforms in post-conflict settings.
Conclusion
The Project Manager role for the YFIIM project is a high-impact position requiring expertise in financial markets, project management, and digital payment systems. It offers an opportunity to contribute to economic recovery and stability in Yemen.
If you have the right skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for financial inclusion, this job could be an exciting and rewards
Sure! Below is a comprehensive, expanded version of the Project Manager role for the Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM) at UNDP. This version expands on every aspect of the job, its significance, and the skills required.
Project Manager – Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM)
Location: Aden, Yemen
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (1 Year, Renewable)
Grade: P3 (Mid-Level Professional)
Practice Area: Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Responsive Institutions
Education & Experience:
- Master’s Degree + 5 years of experience OR
- Bachelor’s Degree + 7 years of experience
- Relevant expertise in project management, financial market infrastructure, or digital financial services
Languages:
- Required: Proficiency in English
- Desirable: Knowledge of Arabic
Background of the Role
The Financial and Economic Crisis in Yemen
Since the conflict in Yemen began in 2015, the country has been struggling with severe economic instability and financial sector challenges. Yemen’s financial system was already underdeveloped before the war, but the situation has worsened due to:
- The division of the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) between Aden (Internationally Recognized Government – IRG) and Sana’a (De Facto Authorities – DFA).
- A severe liquidity crisis affecting the banking system, causing many people to lose trust in financial institutions.
- Reliance on cash transactions, with limited access to banking services for most of the population.
- Minimal financial inclusion, with only 10% of Yemenis having a bank or mobile money account.
Women and rural communities are particularly affected, with only 13% of mobile money users being female. This lack of access to formal financial services prevents people from saving money, investing in businesses, or participating in the formal economy.
The Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM)
To address these challenges, the World Bank and UNDP launched the Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM). The goal of this initiative is to develop a modern financial ecosystem in Yemen that is inclusive, efficient, and resilient.
Key Objectives of YFIIM:
- Develop Digital Payment Infrastructure
- Establish Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems.
- Implement Fast Payment Systems (FPS) for faster and more secure transactions.
- Increase Financial Inclusion
- Expand access to mobile money services.
- Provide financial access to underserved groups, such as women and small businesses.
- Strengthen Financial Stability
- Enhance the regulatory framework to ensure financial transparency.
- Promote trust in digital payment solutions.
Why is This Role Critical?
The Project Manager plays a central role in ensuring that YFIIM meets its objectives effectively. This individual will lead a team of experts, coordinate with government and financial institutions, and oversee the development of Yemen’s financial infrastructure.
The project has far-reaching implications:
- Boosting the economy by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently.
- Improving humanitarian aid delivery by facilitating digital payments.
- Enhancing transparency and reducing financial fraud.
This is a challenging but rewarding role for professionals passionate about financial inclusion, economic development, and digital transformation.
Key Responsibilities
The Project Manager will be responsible for leading the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the YFIIM project. The responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Planning & Leadership
- Develop a detailed project strategy aligned with UNDP and World Bank objectives.
- Identify risks, opportunities, and innovative solutions to improve financial services.
- Ensure the project aligns with UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD).
- Collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and financial institutions.
- Monitor economic trends and policy developments to adjust strategies as needed.
2. Project Management & Execution
- Oversee all project activities, ensuring timely and efficient implementation.
- Supervise a team of financial experts, consultants, and field officers.
- Ensure that procurement and financial management processes are in compliance with UNDP rules.
- Prepare and manage Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and budgets.
- Conduct performance reviews and implement corrective measures when necessary.
3. Financial Sector Development & Digital Payments
- Work with regulators to develop and improve digital payment infrastructure.
- Assist financial institutions in adopting Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and Fast Payment Systems (FPS).
- Encourage financial service providers to expand mobile banking and digital wallets.
- Support the development of regulatory frameworks for financial transparency and cybersecurity.
4. Capacity Building & Knowledge Management
- Organize training programs for government officials, financial regulators, and private sector players.
- Develop and disseminate policy briefs, research reports, and case studies.
- Ensure the project team has access to best practices and global financial sector trends.
5. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
- Build strong partnerships with:
- The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY).
- Financial institutions (banks, microfinance providers, mobile money operators).
- International donors and UN agencies.
- Represent UNDP at high-level meetings and conferences.
- Lead advocacy campaigns to promote financial inclusion among underserved populations.
Skills & Competencies Required
Core Competencies
- Strategic Vision & Leadership – Ability to develop long-term financial infrastructure strategies.
- Financial Sector Expertise – Understanding of digital banking, payment systems, and regulatory frameworks.
- Project & Risk Management – Strong skills in planning, budgeting, and mitigating project risks.
- Innovation & Problem-Solving – Ability to design innovative financial inclusion solutions.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership-Building – Experience working with government institutions and international donors.
- Gender & Social Inclusion – Commitment to expanding financial services for women and marginalized groups.
Technical & Cross-Functional Skills
- Digital Financial Services & Payment Infrastructure – Experience with RTGS, FPS, and mobile banking.
- Procurement & Contract Management – Expertise in managing vendor selection processes.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – Ability to track project impact and make data-driven decisions.
- Public Finance & Governance – Understanding of financial sector policies and economic governance.
Educational & Experience Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Development Studies.
- A Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of experience may be accepted in place of a master’s.
Professional Experience
- At least 5 years (with master’s) or 7 years (with bachelor’s) of project management experience.
- Experience in large-scale financial sector projects and digital banking initiatives.
- Hands-on involvement in financial regulatory policy and digital payment systems.
- Prior experience in conflict-affected or fragile economies is a plus.
- Experience working with the UN, World Bank, or other international organizations is highly desirable.
Why Should You Apply?
This role offers:
- An opportunity to shape the future of Yemen’s financial sector.
- A chance to work with global financial experts and policymakers.
- An impact-driven career that enhances financial inclusion and economic stability.
The Project Manager for YFIIM will be at the forefront of transforming Yemen’s financial system. If you are passionate about digital banking, financial inclusion, and economic development.
Project Manager – Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM)
Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Project Manager to lead the Yemen Financial Market Infrastructure and Inclusion Project (YFIIM) in Aden, Yemen. This is a full-time, fixed-term position at the P3 grade level, with an initial contract duration of one year, subject to extension.
This role requires a professional with a strong background in project management, finance, digital payment systems, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. The project aims to enhance Yemen’s financial market infrastructure by modernizing payment systems, increasing financial inclusion, and improving transparency and efficiency in financial transactions. Given the complex political and economic situation in Yemen, the selected candidate must have experience working in conflict or post-conflict environments, along with an understanding of financial sector reforms, digital banking, and public-private sector engagement.
The Project Manager will work under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (P) and will report directly to the Team Leader of the Governance & Peacebuilding Portfolio at UNDP.
Background and Context
Yemen has been facing a prolonged conflict since 2015, leading to a severe economic crisis and financial instability. The country’s banking sector is fragmented, with the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) split into two rival branches—one in Aden, aligned with the internationally recognized government (IRG), and another in Sana’a, controlled by de-facto authorities (DFA).
This division has resulted in:
- Weak regulatory oversight of the financial sector
- Liquidity shortages and banking inefficiencies
- Lack of trust in the banking system, pushing people toward informal financial services
- Low financial inclusion, with only 10% of Yemenis having bank accounts (as of 2019)
- Limited adoption of digital payment systems, with only a small percentage of mobile money users, particularly among women (only 13% of users)
The YFIIM project is designed to support the development of Yemen’s financial market infrastructure, helping the Central Bank and commercial banks modernize their digital payment systems and expand financial services to underserved populations. The project is supported by the World Bank and UNDP, with a focus on developing Real-Time Gross Settlement Systems (RTGS), Fast Payment Systems (FPS), and digital financial inclusion initiatives.
Role of the Project Manager
The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of YFIIM, ensuring that all activities are executed efficiently, within budget, and in line with UNDP’s strategic objectives. The role involves a combination of technical expertise, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and project leadership.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic and Technical Leadership
- Provide expert guidance on financial sector development, digital payment systems, and financial inclusion strategies in Yemen.
- Maintain an up-to-date analysis of the financial sector, including political, economic, and regulatory developments.
- Ensure the coherence of YFIIM with other UNDP projects related to economic development, governance, and financial sector reforms.
- Identify opportunities for new initiatives and partnerships that can enhance financial inclusion.
- Contribute to the development of new proposals related to financial sector modernization and digital banking.
2. Project Management and Implementation
- Lead the day-to-day management of YFIIM, ensuring smooth execution of project activities.
- Oversee the development and implementation of the Annual Work Plan (AWP).
- Ensure the timely procurement of goods and services, including drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) and overseeing vendor selection and contract negotiations.
- Monitor financial expenditures to ensure compliance with UNDP financial regulations.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure that project results are measured, documented, and reported effectively.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Serve as the main liaison between UNDP, the Central Bank of Yemen, commercial banks, the World Bank, and other stakeholders.
- Foster strategic partnerships with government entities, private sector players, financial regulators, and international donors.
- Work with national and international experts to ensure best practices in digital financial services and payment infrastructure are applied.
- Promote public-private collaboration to enhance financial inclusion initiatives.
4. Advocacy, Knowledge Sharing, and Capacity Building
- Advocate for financial sector reforms and inclusive digital payment systems in Yemen.
- Develop and oversee training programs for banking regulators, financial institutions, and government agencies.
- Ensure that gender considerations are integrated into financial inclusion efforts.
- Document and share lessons learned to inform future financial sector programs in Yemen.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be considered in place of a Master’s degree.
Experience
- 5+ years (with a Master’s) or 7+ years (with a Bachelor’s) of progressive experience in project management, preferably in financial sector development or digital financial services.
- Proven experience in managing large-scale projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Hands-on involvement in digital payment systems (RTGS, FPS, mobile money, banking infrastructure, etc.) is desirable.
- Experience working with government agencies, central banks, and financial regulators is highly preferred.
- Strong experience in procurement, vendor selection, and contract negotiations.
- Prior experience in conflict or post-conflict settings is an advantage.
Language Requirements
- **Fluency in English (written and spoken
