International Consultant – Market Readiness Assessment for Non‑Interest Capital Markets in Rwanda

About the role

The Economic Commission for Africa seeks an experienced International Consultant to lead a market readiness assessment and develop a comprehensive roadmap for non‑interest capital markets (NICM) in Rwanda. The assignment will span eight months and be based in Addis Ababa.

Key responsibilities

• Assess the existing regulatory framework and propose recommendations for issuance, trading, and settlement of non‑interest financial instruments.
• Develop detailed draft regulations and guidelines ensuring Shariah compliance, including the role of supervisory boards.
• Evaluate and improve market infrastructure to support NICM activities.
• Identify risks specific to NICM and design mitigation strategies covering credit, market, and operational risk.
• Create investor protection guidelines and promote fair market practices.
• Design and deliver training programmes and materials for market participants and regulators.
• Produce an inception report, interim market readiness report, and a final report incorporating stakeholder feedback.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Capital Markets, Finance, Shariah‑compliant Economics, Banking or a related field (or equivalent combination of degree and experience).
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in non‑interest finance and global Shariah capital markets.
• Experience working with government ministries, finance ministries, or capital market regulators in sub‑Saharan Africa is desirable.
• Prior work with international organizations, African countries, or Islamic standards bodies is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; French is a working language of the UN Secretariat; Arabic knowledge is desirable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the development of a pioneering non‑interest capital market framework in Rwanda.
• Collaboration with senior officials of the Economic Commission for Africa and regional stakeholders.
• Professional exposure within the United Nations system.