JD Lead Consultant: Design and Operationalisation of EDF Financing Windows

Background and Context

The REMIT programme, is supporting Export Development Fund (EDF) in strategic reforms to improve its impact on Pakistan's export competitiveness and sectoral development. a comprehensive EDF strategy was prepared to align the Fund's activities with national trade objectives, promote transparency, and implement targeted financing instruments. This strategy includes the creation of specialized financing windows to respond to export development needs. Priority windows have been identified for immediate operationalization; Firm-level product development and innovation grants, Export marketing and promotion, Standards and Compliance, Capacity building of trade associations and chambers and Challenge Fund.

Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to support the Export Development Fund (EDF) in the design, operationalisation, and initial implementation of strategic financing windows. REMIT will provide technical assistance to EDF in designing and executing the fund architecture for each window, covering governance frameworks, resource mobilisation strategies, eligibility and selection criteria, financing modalities, disbursement procedures, and monitoring and evaluation systems.

Scope of Work

The Lead Consultant will provide overall leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for the design and operationalisation of the EDF Windows, ensuring alignment with EDF's mandate and national export development priorities. Responsibilities include leading the development of fund architecture and operational frameworks, including governance structures, financing modalities, eligibility criteria, and application processes; overseeing the preparation of operational manuals covering SOPs, risk management, disbursement, and M&E frameworks with KPIs; and guiding stakeholder consultations with the EDF Board, trade associations, government bodies, and development partners. The Lead Consultant will also conduct a capacity needs assessment of EDF, supervise and quality-assure inputs from the technical team, and provide leadership during the pilot roll-out, including proposal screening, appraisal, and award processes. Additionally, the Lead Consultant will ensure the development and validation of communication and outreach strategies to promote and operationalise each window effectively.

Key Deliverables and Timeline

Consultant Profile

The Lead Consultant will be responsible for the overall design and operationalisation of three financing windows under the Export Development Fund (EDF). This role requires a highly experienced professional to develop robust fund structures, governance systems, and monitoring frameworks, ensuring alignment with international best practices and Pakistan's export competitiveness objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and operationalisation of the three EDF financing windows.
• Develop fund structures, governance mechanisms, SOPs, and M&E frameworks.
• Supervise technical inputs across all financing windows to ensure coherence and quality.
• Coordinate closely with EDF, Ministry of Commerce, and ReMIT teams for design validation and delivery.
• Conduct high-level stakeholder consultations, synthesize feedback, and integrate into final deliverables.
• Provide quality assurance on all technical outputs and documentation.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Trade, Climate Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in designing or managing challenge funds, export financing schemes, or climate-aligned funding mechanisms.
• Proven track record working with government or donor-funded programmes in fund architecture, governance, and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of export competitiveness, SME development, and performance-based funding

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Pakistan's trade policy environment.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
• Exceptional facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
• High-quality report writing and presentation skills.

Management and Reporting

The consultant will report to REMITs Investment Lead

If you are interested for the role, please apply by Tuesday 26th August.