Application Deadline: April 27, 2022

Company Description 

Our client, FSD Ethiopia, is a newly established development agency that aims to strengthen the financial sector ecosystem in Ethiopia by addressing constraints to an effective, transparent, stable, and inclusive financial system. FSD Ethiopia will work alongside the Government of Ethiopia, public sector stakeholders, the private sector, development partners and other actors in the financial system to make Ethiopia’s financial system work better for businesses and households. 

FSD Ethiopia was registered in February 2022 as a Foreign Organization and is supported by UK Aid and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. FSD Ethiopia is incubated by FSD Africa, a specialist development agency that works to make finance work for Africa’s future. 

Main Purpose of the Job 

The Digital Financial Services Lead is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of FSD Ethiopia’s digital financial services projects. The job holder will lead the coordination of the Pillar’s interaction with FSD Africa, funders and country stakeholders, providing their technical expertise and leading the pillar team in conceptualizing, implementing, and managing Digital Financial Services projects. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead the development of the Digital Financial Services programme strategy, ensuring personal understanding of and engagement with the goals of the pillar. 
• Lead the Digital Financial Services team in identifying and developing a portfolio of implementing partners and projects that will collectively contribute to FSD Ethiopia’s intended outcomes and impact. 
• Lead the design and development of specific Digital Financial Services interventions.
• Develop terms of reference for engagement of external resources to support the implementation of Digital Financial Services projects. 
• Prepare proposals for approval by the CEO or the Board as needed. 
• Support the Director of Programmes in risk and results monitoring for the Digital Financial Services portfolio of projects. 
• Lead the coordination of the Pillar’s contribution to programmes design and implementation, ensuring effective management of the pipeline and portfolio under Digital Financial Services. 
• Lead and manage the implementation of special (preparatory, exploratory or innovative) projects within the Digital Financial Services Pillar.
• Manage specific Digital Financial Services projects by providing backstopping support and/or taking overall responsibility for such projects. 
• Build and/or manage relationships with implementing partners, consultants, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of projects and prompt resolution of challenges that may arise. 
• Participate in the development of resourcing plans and budgets for respective projects; including negotiating budgets with implementing partners as required. 
• Contribute towards resource mobilization e.g., by developing detailed plans and budgets for funding proposals and assisting in identifying and securing funding. 
• Coordinate with the Procurement team to monitor procurement plans for respective projects to ensure effective management of external resources. 
• Oversee the monitoring of the Digital Financial Services Pillar spends and support in re-budgeting or taking necessary corrective action 
• Oversee the preparation of periodic Digital Financial Services programme updates to the Board and external stakeholders, including toolkits and lessons learned. 
• Ensure collection of quantitative and qualitative data from project stakeholders, as per the project plan and monitoring reporting and measurement (MRM) framework; following up as necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness. 
• Ensure that project measurement and intervention outputs/milestones achievement trackers are updated quarterly. 
• Liaise with the MRM team to collate, analyze, and use quantitative and qualitative data and coordinate with the Communications and Advocacy team to ensure effective dissemination. 
• Participate in monitoring, result management, and learning for projects being implemented, ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions.
• Lead stakeholder mapping for the pillar, identifying key decision makers/power brokers and participating in developing innovative ideas. 
• Develop content for relevant written pieces and reports on specific areas for dissemination aiming to influence/ communicate on topical issues on Digital Financial Services.
• Contribute to the Pillar’s advocacy and communications activities, engaging in and overseeing thought leadership activities, events, forums etc. within the areas of responsibility. 
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders to build awareness and influence the thinking around specific Digital Financial Services areas. 
• Oversee the maintenance of the Digital Financial Services database including key financial sector trends, risks and opportunities to inform knowledge products and presentations.
• Oversee the Digital Financial Services Pillar’s Knowledge Management activities such as the development of toolkits, research notes etc. 

Job Requirements

Professional Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Finance, Banking, Business, Commerce, Accounting, or relevant field
• Relevant professional qualification in Project Management and a background in Information Technology. 
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience with at least five (5) years of supervisory experience managing teams and financial resources in equivalent roles.
• Knowledge of digital financial services, mobile money, fintech platforms and driving financial inclusion. 

Practical experience in areas relevant to the role in one or multiple aspects of the following: 

• Private Sector (e.g., Financial institutions, Mobile Network Operators), Governments, Central Banks, 
• or public policy organizations; with an emphasis on finance and technology experience in Ethiopia, 
• Financial inclusion donor or similar grant-making organization, Development organization utilizing technology to address specific needs of low income and vulnerable people, 
• Technology company with a focus on large-scale enterprise platforms, financial services with an emphasis on providing products to mass-market consumers or low-income audiences, 
• Start-up ventures in the digital products and services market, including firms that provide venture capital and advisory services. 
• Exceptional planning and organizing skills with the ability to drive concrete results.
• Ability to manage large scale projects which involve a partnership with donor organizations, and private and public sector actors. 
• Experience working in the financial sector, with practical experience in managing digital financial services, building/managing a project/product that was distributed through digital channels such as mobile, internet, ATM or POS. 
• Experience working at a donor organization or working on a donor-funded project will be advantageous. 

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity. 
• Ability to operationalize short term plans, programs and budgets developed at the strategic and senior management level. 
• Ability to implement plans, programs, SOPS, and coordination of workflows.
• Interpersonal and leadership, people management skills. 
• Project management skills. 
• Presentation skills. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to develop proposals, reports and related documents for funders and the senior management team. 
• Analytical skills. 
• Problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrated strategy skills and capacity to conceptualize, structure and supervise projects/programs. 
• Ability to build personal and institutional relationships and networks. 
• Fluency in both English and Amharic working languages is required. 

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants can submit their CV and cover letter to apply@yes.et with the subject line "Digital Financial Services Lead" or apply using THIS LINK.

Note: Applications may be reviewed as they are submitted, until the application deadline. 

Completion of satisfactory employment reference checks, background checks, and proof of education are essential conditions of employment.