The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a fellowship program to match qualified professionals with organizations. The ILO’s Social Finance Programme invites qualified professionals in inclusive finance, microfinance, insurance, and development to apply for its Fellowship Programme. This initiative aims to match experts with organizations at the forefront of financial inclusion to support innovation projects in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands. The projects are set to begin at the end of Q3 2024.

Benefits and Financial Aids

Fellows will benefit from the program as follows:

• Placement with a host organization to support innovation projects.
• Opportunities to work with multiple financial institutions.
• Development of skills in financial inclusion and microfinance.
• Hands-on experience in developing countries.

 Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Provide 5-10 years in the financial services industry, project management, business analysis, development cooperation, financial product design, mass market distribution strategies, and digital technologies.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (Portuguese required for Mozambique applicants).
• Applicants must have financial inclusion, insurance, digital finance, and public-private partnerships expertise.
• Proactive attitude and commitment to documenting learning experiences.
• Willingness to work in developing countries.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Capable of managing travel, life, and work in a new environment.
• Commitment to continuing practicing in the field post-fellowship.

Duties and Outputs:

• Liaise with ILO, host, and partner institutions for project efficiency.
• Align recommendations with local regulations.
• Develop client segmentation approaches.
• Conduct client visits and interviews.
• Identify incentives for formalization.
• Contribute to financial product design.
• Review internal processes for efficiency.
• Facilitate partnerships between organizations.
• Document lessons learned during the project.

How to Apply?

To apply for the 2024 ILO Fellowship for Young Professionals, please follow the following steps:

• Download and complete the application form.
• Submit the application form, CV, and cover letter to the submission email below.
• Use the subject line “Application – Social Finance Fellowship in Mozambique/Solomon Islands/Sierra Leone.”
• Ensure submission by the deadline: 11 June 2024, 23:59 (CEST).

Submission Email: [email protected]

Further details regarding the ILO Fellowship are available on the official ILO website.

Check More Fellowships:

The Mira Fellowship for Mid-career Professionals

The Global Good Fund Fellowship 2025 for Emerging Entrepreneurs

Watson Institute’s Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2024 ($45,000 Seed-Funding)

National Library Digital Fellowship 2024 (Funded)