The European Microfinance Network (EMN) is a leading network that promotes microfinance as a tool to fight social and financial exclusion in Europe through advocacy, research, and capacity-building. The European Microfinance Network (EMN) is seeking a qualified and experienced consultant to produce two focus papers as part of the Mastercard Strive EU Programme. This program aims to strengthen the resilience and growth of small businesses across Europe by promoting innovative, digital, and data-driven solutions that facilitate access to finance, improve operational capacity, and expand business networks.
The Mastercard Strive EU programme includes a €4.5 million Innovation Fund, offering grants of up to €500,000 to organisations working on solutions in key areas such as Embedded finance, Cybersecurity, Environmental sustainability and Artificial intelligence (AI).
These focus papers will contribute to the programme’s broader goals of knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem development.
Purpose of the call
EMN requires an experienced consultant to research and draft two focus papers exploring:
- Embedded Finance: Innovations enabling small businesses to access working capital and credit through integrated financial solutions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications and tools that help small businesses save time, increase efficiency, and drive growth.
Each paper should:
- Highlight the latest policy for these topics
- Analyse the impact on small businesses
- Offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers
Scope of Work
The consultant will:
- Conduct desk research and interviews with key stakeholders, innovators, and beneficiaries within the Innovation Fund winners
- Produce two focus papers (approximately 10–14 pages each, including an executive summary and a summary), one for each theme
Ensure each paper includes:
- An overview of the theme and its relevance to small businesses
- Analysis of current challenges and opportunities
- Examples of solutions from Innovation fund winners
- Policy recommendations
Timeline
- Assignment starts: July 2025
- Draft papers due: September 2025
- Final papers due: End of October 2025
Consultant Profile
- Proven experience in research and policy analysis related to small business development, digital innovation, or financial inclusion in Europe.
- Strong understanding of embedded finance and/or artificial intelligence as they relate to small businesses.
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
- Experience working with international development organizations, financial sector stakeholders, or innovation programmes is an asset.
Application Process
Interested consultants should submit:
- A CV highlighting similar assignments.
- A financial proposal (including a breakdown per deliverable).
- Potential list of stakeholders to interview for each paper.
Deadline for Applications: 11/07/2025
Send applications to emn@european-microfinance.org with the subject line: “Consultant Application – EMN Focus Papers”.
