Short-Term Consultant: Digital Financial Services Expert

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit IFC is seeking to engage a Short-Term Consultant (STC) with deep expertise in digital financial services, digital transformation, and technology strategy. The consultant will work closely with IFC teams and client institutions to assess current digital capabilities, design and implement digital strategies, and build institutional capacity to deliver inclusive, technology-enabled financial services in the areas of digital micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) banking, digital affordable housing finance, and digital transformation. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT The primary objective of this assignment is to provide strategic and technical advisory support to IFC clients in the areas of digital transformation, digital micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) banking, and digital affordable housing finance, with a focus on: • Enhancing clients’ digital capabilities and IT infrastructure. • Designing and implementing innovative digital financial products and services. • Building institutional capacity to adopt and scale digital solutions. • Supporting financial inclusion through technology-enabled delivery channels. SCOPE AND TASKS Support the FIG Advisory and Upstream teams – South Asia (primary focus) and Asia Pacific (secondary focus). The indicative (but not exhaustive) scope of work includes: a) Digital Strategy and IT Infrastructure Advisory • Assess existing IT systems, including core banking platforms, digital applications, and technology stacks. • Provide strategic recommendations to optimize digital capabilities and align technology infrastructure with business objectives. b) Digital Finance Capacity Building • Provide advisory support for clients in relation to their digital finance capacity building, especially on digital transformation, digital MSME banking, and digital affordable housing. c) Digital MSME Banking Solutions • Advise on the design and implementation of digital banking products and services tailored to MSMEs, with a focus on digital MSME lending. •Support clients in building digital platforms that meet the unique needs of MSMEs and promote financial inclusion. d) Capacity Building and Digital Transformation • Support clients in developing and executing digital transformation strategies. • Leverage emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and automation to improve efficiency and customer experience. e) Core Banking and Digital Ecosystem Enhancement • Guide clients in redesigning and optimizing their core banking infrastructure. • Integrate digital channels, agent banking solutions, and other delivery mechanisms to improve service delivery and outreach. f) Knowledge Sharing and Training • Provide expert guidance on specific digital finance areas, including payment systems, fintech partnerships, and regulatory compliance. • Facilitate capacity-building initiatives to enable clients to adopt and scale digital solutions successfully. DELIVERABLES The consultant will be expected to deliver, at a minimum: • Digital Strategy and IT Advisory: Comprehensive assessment reports and strategic recommendations covering digital strategy, governance, processes, product development, and risk management. • Digital MSME Banking Solutions – Design and Implementation: End-to-end support for the design, development, and rollout of digital products and services tailored to MSMEs. • Digital Transformation and Capacity Building: Customized transformation strategies and targeted capacity-building programs to facilitate effective digital adoption. • Technology Framework and Process Optimization: Detailed plans for redesigning and enhancing core systems, operational processes, and digital delivery channels. • Knowledge Sharing and Training: Development of training materials and facilitation of knowledge-sharing sessions to strengthen client capabilities and institutional know-how. SELECTION CRITERIA • At least 12 years work experience in Digital Financial Service within the financial sector, including consulting and banking, preferably in India. • Has demonstrated success in defining, designing, and implementing digital solutions, such as MSMEs banking solutions and/or affordable housing solutions. • Strong technical skillset across Core Banking System (CBS), Digital Payments, Internet & Mobile Banking Systems. • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with sound business acumen, to identify key issues and deliver innovative and practical solutions. • Ability to respond rapidly and flexibly to client needs, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality output under tight deadlines. • Ability to communicate well in English. APPLICATION & CONTRACT: Interested candidates should submit the following to Manolk Mungale ( ) by December 10, 2025. The subject line of your email must be “STC-Digital Finance - FULL NAME.” • A detailed resume highlighting relevant experience. • A short technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment. • Examples of similar work undertaken. The consultant contract is expected to start by late December 2025 and remain active until June 2026, with additional days to be determined based on discussions with the IFC project & program leads. Additional days beyond June 2026 can be considered, based on the performance. WORLD BANK GROUP CORE COMPETENCIES We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and we do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories, at CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT All information and data provided to the consultant by IFC, or its clients, will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of this assignment.