Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) H (no hardship) Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type CONS International Target Start Date 2025-01-15 Deadline for Applications December 19, 2024 Terms of Reference UNHCR seeks an Impact Insurance Consultant to identify opportunities for designing and piloting impact insurance products tailored to the specific needs of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), while also building the capacity of UNHCR staff through the development of knowledge management materials and training modules to facilitate the integration of these products into financial and economic inclusion programs.

The Consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive review of microinsurance initiatives for FDPs and foreign-born residents, identifying key stakeholders and existing programs through surveys and interviews to produce actionable recommendations for UNHCR. He/she will conceptualize pilot projects for selected countries, assessing the feasibility of microinsurance products for health, agriculture, and climate finance.
Additionally, he/she will support internal capacity-building efforts by equipping UNHCR staff with knowledge on impact insurance, its features, and implementation processes to enhance program delivery.

General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:

UNHCR is expanding its efforts in financial inclusion, with a focus on impact insurance for forcibly displaced and stateless persons (FDPs), particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, and climate risk. The objective is to promote resilience and well-being, enhance food security and agribusiness, and support economic activities for FDPs.

To achieve this, UNHCR plans to pilot new initiatives in select geographies by mapping insurance companies and their offerings for low-income segments, documenting best practices in impact insurance, and assessing the affordability of insurance products and incentives for FDPs participation. The goal is to create sustainable insurance solutions that can be replicated and adapted across different contexts, contributing to broader financial inclusion for both FDPs and host communities.

UNHCR's strategy involves forming partnerships with impact insurance service providers to design and implement effective solutions. By working closely with these partners, UNHCR aims to ensure that the insurance products are tailored to FDPs' specific needs, are accessible, and provide meaningful coverage against health, agricultural, and climate-related risks.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The consultant's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Global Mapping of Microinsurance Initiatives for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Migrants:

Activities: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing microinsurance initiatives (both internally at UNHCR and externally) targeting forcibly displaced persons and migrants. This includes identifying key stakeholders already providing insurance in this area. The consultant will develop a questionnaire,
conduct interviews with insurance providers and subject matter experts, explore potential collaboration opportunities, and compile the findings into a detailed report with key recommendations for UNHCR.
Timeline: first two months of consultancy

• Linking Impact Insurance with Existing Microfinance and Livelihoods Programs for Forcibly Displaced Persons:

Activities: Map out all relevant microfinance and livelihoods programs for smallholder farmers within UNHCR, and assess potential opportunities to integrate microinsurance products.
Timeline: first two months of consultancy

• Internal Coordination and Funding Identification:

Activities: Collaborate with relevant internal staff to ensure alignment and coordination of efforts to promote microinsurance across different teams and projects, and explore funding opportunities for pilot testing.
Timeline: throughout the consultancy

• Pilot Program Development:

Activities: Identify potential countries for pilot programs and design the concept for one or more market assessments to evaluate the needs and feasibility of microinsurance products related to health, agriculture, and climate finance for the targeted population.
Timeline: Months three to six of consultancy

Capacity Building:

Activities: Develop training materials and deliver on-line capacity-building sessions for UNHCR staff, focusing on impact insurance concepts, product features, implementation processes, and linkages with UNHCR’s work on areas such as livelihoods, agriculture, climate and health.
Timeline: Months three to six of consultancy

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:

Degree: Required
Specify: Economics, Finance, or a related field.

Field of expertise, competencies:
Required/mandatory:
Minimum of 10 years of direct experience in designing, piloting, launching, and improving agricultural, climate risk and health insurance products for low-income populations.

Experience working with financial service providers in developing countries to design and introduce microinsurance products, either as a distribution channel for insurance companies or as a direct product by the financial service providers.

Desirable: Experience working with UN agencies

Language:
Required: English
Desirable: French and/or Spanish

Type of contract: Individual Consultancy
Working arrangement: Full-time
Location: Home-based, with mission travels
Duration: 6 months starting 15 January 2025
Standard Job Description Required Languages English , , Desired Languages , , Additional Qualifications Skills Education Certifications Work Experience Other information This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Home-Based Yes