Financial Sector Lead - Millennium Challenge Corporation MSME Finance Project

Financial Sector Lead – Millennium Challenge Corporation MSME Finance Project

About Palladium:

Operating in over 50 countries, Palladium is a global consulting and implementation company working in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to design and deliver solutions that create lasting positive impact. We address some of the world’s most complex challenges across infrastructure, economic growth and natural capital, health, energy, climate and environment, and digital transformation—strengthening systems, institutions, and markets to support inclusive and sustainable development. Our more than 2,100 staff worldwide work as trusted advisors across diverse contexts, combining deep technical expertise, implementation techniques, and innovative technology to deliver locally informed, client-focused solutions that help organizations achieve measurable, sustainable impact.

Palladium is part of GISI’s global family of companies, which aims to create solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With annual revenues of $14 billion, GISI’s approximately 15,000 employees are engaged in projects across 100 countries worldwide providing construction, program/project management, and engineering consulting services.

Project Background:

The Millennium Challenge Account–Indonesia II (MCA Indonesia II), acting on behalf of the Government of Indonesia with support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is implementing the MSME Finance Project under the Indonesia Infrastructure and Finance Compact. The project aims to address structural constraints that limit MSME access to finance by establishing an integrated ecosystem that links MSME capacity building, financial sector strengthening, and market creation. The project will be implemented through a dedicated MSME Service Provider (MSP) responsible for coordinating MSME development, strengthening Financial Service Providers (FSPs), and structuring strategic partnerships to unlock new markets using a results based implementation approach.

Please note this is a bid opportunity and there will not be a role unless the tender is awarded. Estimated award date is the end of 2026 with start-up activities following immediately after award in early 2027.

Position Summary:

The Financial Sector Lead will oversee engagement with financial institutions to expand MSME access to finance, develop financial products, and strengthen lending practices while supporting results-based financing mechanisms. Fluency in English required; Bahasa Indonesia preferred.

Location:

• This role and project will be based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Candidates must be authorized to work in Indonesia as visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this role.

Reporting and Supervision:

• The Financial Sector Lead will report to the Team Lead
This role may supervise 1-2 staff members
• 
  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for the project’s financial sector partners
  
• Define the strategy to drive the introduction and/or scale of financial products/services adapted to the needs of the target agricultural value chains
  
• Structure partnerships with financial institutions and introduce smart incentives to increase financing to targeted value chains
  
• Provide technical leadership around the design and development of tailored products and services
  
• Oversee the provision of technical assistance to finance providers (banks and non-bank intermediaries) to enhance their products and services
  
• Participating in annual work planning and component design
  
• Represent the project’s financial institution-related activities in meetings with public and private sector actors including the Government of Indonesia, non-governmental organizations, business associations, among others
  
• Supervise implementing partners, subcontractors, and grantees as they undertake tasks relating to expanding and supporting financial institutions

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in finance, economics, business, or related field
  
• 10–12 years of experience in MSME finance, agricultural finance, or financial sector development
  
• Experience working with financial institutions, including banks, microfinance institutions, non-bank financial institutions, and fintechs
  
• Expertise in financial product development and risk management
  
• Experience providing technical assistance to FSPs
  
• Experience with blended or results-based financing
  
• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills
  
• Experience working in Indonesia required
  
• Fluency in English required; Bahasa Indonesia preferred

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual, or for any other circumstance, please email our team at [email protected] and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.