BACKGROUND
The European Unionโfundedย RRR Projectย (โCameroon Migration Governance Enhancementโ) supports Cameroon in strengthening reintegration governance, including mechanisms that promote sustainable economic reintegration for returning migrants. Financial inclusion and access to appropriate financial services are essential for the success and sustainability of reintegration pathways, as highlighted in the projectโs focus on building publicโprivate partnerships and strengthening socioeconomic reintegration frameworks (Output 2.2).ย
To operationalize these commitments, the project seeks to establishย strategic collaborations with financial institutionscapable of:
Supporting migrant-led micro and small enterprises, Providing adapted loan and savings products, Acting asย payment and monitoring agentsย for reintegration projects at local level, and Enhancing the financial literacy and financial resilience of returnees.The Reintegration Assistant โ Finance Analyst will lead the groundwork for identifying, negotiating, and preparing these partnerships.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
To identify, evaluate, and engage financial institutions (3โ5 banks or MFIs) and develop a financial partnership model that enables migrantsโ reintegration projects to be financed under the best possible conditions, including mechanisms where banks act as payment and monitoring agents at local level.
The position will produce the analytical, technical, and coordination groundwork required for IOM and the Government to formalize and operationalize such partnerships within the RRR Project.
A. Financial Sector Mapping & Due Diligence
Conduct aย comprehensive mappingย of banks, microfinance institutions (MFIs), fintechs, and guarantee funds operating in Cameroon. Analyse each institutionโs: SME and micro-entrepreneurship products, youth financing schemes, diaspora or migration-related products, risk assessment practices, interest rates and collateral requirements, local presence in target regions (Littoral, Centre, East, North, West). Produceย financial profilesย and comparative assessments to shortlist 3โ5 promising institutions.B. Development of a Reintegration Financing Model
C. Engagement & Negotiation with Financial Institutions
Facilitate bilateral consultations with targeted banks and MFIs. Present project objectives, reintegration profiles, and potential financial partnership models. Identify the institutions willing to develop adapted products or partnership agreements with IOM and Government. Draft initial negotiation notes, technical annexes, and concept proposals for each bank.D. Development of Partnership Instruments
Contribute to the drafting of: MoUs, Letters of Intent, Partnership Proposals, Bank Engagement Agreements, Operational guidelinesย for implementation. Define roles and responsibilities between IOM, Government counterparts (MINREX, MINAS, MINJEC, MINEFOP), and the selected financial institutions. Develop aย risk mitigation frameworkย and due diligence checks.E. Capacity Building & Stakeholder Coordination
Support the RMO and Head of Programme in technical discussions with ministries involved in reintegration. Provide technical briefs for Government counterparts to ensure alignment with national reintegration mechanisms (including the planned National Reintegration Fund). Conduct small workshops with reintegration officers and partners to explain proposed financial mechanisms.F. Reporting & Knowledge Products
Produce: Aย Financial Institutions Mapping Report, Aย Reintegration Financing Model paper, Partnership guidelines for banks, Draft mous/agreementsย ready for negotiation, Aย roadmapย for operationalizing the financial partnership mechanism within the RRR project. Prepare meeting minutes, concept notes, and technical summaries.EDUCATION
High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or, Bachelorโsย degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field from an accredited institution with four years of relevant professional experienceEXPERIENCE
Minimumย three yearsย of experience in: Financial analysis, microfinance, SME banking, or economic development; Publicโprivate partnerships or financial sector regulation (an asset); Livelihood, entrepreneurship, or reintegration programmes (desirable). Experience engaging with banks, MFIs, or fintechs is highly desirable. Experience drafting concept notes, financial models, or partnership documents.SKILLS
Strong understanding of credit products, SME finance, and risk analysis. Ability to design financing mechanisms for vulnerable groups. Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and financial modelling tools.LANGUAGE
For this position, fluency in English, French is required (oral and written).