ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Accion is a global nonprofit dedicated to building a financially inclusive world with economic opportunity for all, by giving people the financial tools they need to improve their lives. We are building the next generation of top-tier microfinance institutions, and over the last 50 years have helped create 64 such institutions in 32 countries on four continents that today reach millions of clients. Our impact investing initiatives are pushing beyond microfinance to catalyze more than 20 innovative start-ups dedicated to improving the efficiency, reach and scope of financial services for the poor. And our Center for Financial Inclusion is helping to build a stronger industry with high standards. Currently, our work spans nearly two dozen countries, including the U.S., where we are the nation’s largest nonprofit microfinance network.
ABOUT THE JOB:
The Senior Director for Channels and Technology (C&T) will be a member of Accion’s Africa Operations management team and the Global C&T team. He or she will be responsible for driving and helping implement innovative technologies and delivery channels, providing technical and management advisory services and project management for regional partners.
Under the day-to-day supervision of the Africa Regional Operations Head, he/she will contribute to the planning and delivery of advisory services and training to regional partners, manage professional technical staff and consultants, and deliver advisory services and training for technology and delivery channel projects in the region. The Senior Director will also report to the SVP for C&T and be responsible for supporting the implementation of channels and technology related activities with Accion’s Africa region partners.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Provide Channels and Technology guidance, Advisory Services and Project management for Microfinance Bank partners;
- Provide Channels and Technology guidance, Advisory Services and Project management for non-bank partners;
- Provide input on the strategy and planning for developments and improvements of offerings by non-bank partners;
- Knowledge development and sharing;
- Management.
Qualifications:
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 40% of time;
- 10-12 years’ experience in the banking, microfinance and/or consulting industry, preferably with significant operational experience in microfinance;
- Understanding of financial services and banking; knowledge of microfinance banking sector in Africa;
- Business and technical skills in key functional area(s) which include delivery channels, information and communications technology, financial services technology, and training and capacity building with channels and technology;
- Passion, curiosity, knowledge and understanding of new technologies and digital delivery channels;
- Ability to define strategic planning and business requirements for use of channels and technology;
- Project management experience: detail and process oriented; able to motivate and develop staff;
- Consultancy experience: able to contribute to management of partner relationships;
- Ability to operate with a minimum of supervision;
- Strong industry related analytical skills, e.g. read and interpret financial statements;
- Collaborative in nature, strong written and oral communication skills and high comfort-level in presenting to executive teams.
- Strong negotiation skills and business judgment;
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, and/or related fields is required. Masters or MBA is preferred.
- Prior work experience in Africa required;
- Fluency in English; proficiency in French would be a plus.
HOW TO APPLY:
