ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Advans’ mission is to build a network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in developing and emerging countries in order to cater to the financial needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and low-income populations, which have limited or no access to formal banking services. The Advans group currently spans ten countries: Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania and Myanmar. Advans MFIs serve more than 600,000 clients for an outstanding loan portfolio of more than EUR 500 million and a deposit base of EUR 250 million; the group employs more than 5,000 staff.
Advans Cameroun was the first institution set up by Advans, in 2007, and it currently serves 48 000 clients, through 15 branches covering the major cities. Advans Cameroun is about to launch an ambitious project with two main goals: strengthening and improving its deposit collection services, and expansion of its activity in remote rural areas. A key component of this project is to design and roll out Alternative Delivery Channels (ADC).
ABOUT THE JOB:
In order to support Advans Cameroun's project, Horus is seeking a project manager in Alternative Delivery Channel for financial services. This 12-month mission is based in Douala, Cameroon. The position is to be filled immediately. Under the direct supervision of the institution’s CEO, the Project Manager will be responsible for defining and implementing the institution’s ADC strategy. He/she will work in close collaboration with the several departments involved in the project and external partners.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Reviewing the mobile collection service (collection of deposits at the client’s doorstep) to improve commercial performance, client satisfaction, and profitability, and reduce operational risks; these measures will include implementation of an IT solution to capture the transactions, using mobile phone technology;
- Following comprehensive market research, identifying new ADC, and related services and products, to improve outreach in rural areas and densify presence in major urban centres: agents network (3rd party or proprietary, using mobile phone technology), cashless mini-branches, partnerships with other financial institutions etc.;
- Defining the ADC strategy, business case and implementation plan and presenting it to Management and Board;
- Leading implementation of the said strategy, by coordinating the efforts of all departments involved (IT, Operations, HR, Risks, etc.). This will imply: designing new services and products offered through ADC (including a pricing strategy), negotiation with key partners (financial institutions, mobile money operators, IT solution providers), the set-up and monitoring of the agents network, specifications for IT implementation, the design of procedures and controls, definition of the marketing plan, recruitment and training of staff;
- Constantly monitoring the results and performances of the new ADC, and making adjustments if required;
- Participating in the training of local staff and transferring knowledge to the Cameroonian managers identified to take over the development of the ADC at the end of assignment.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree or equivalent from a business school or university, with a focus on finance, economy, banking or management;
- Five to seven years’ experience in consulting or project management for financial institutions (retail) or telcos, with a focus on product development or delivery channels;
- At least 2 years’ experience in mobile banking and agent network design/management;
- An experience in emerging countries is an asset.
- Results-driven and client-centric;
- Strong analytical and project management skills;
- Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate with internal and external partners;
- Ability to work well in a team and to work under pressure with tight deadlines;
- Appetite for technology and innovative solutions;
- Pragmatism and capacity to learn new subjects quickly;
- Fluency in French and good command of English.
HOW TO APPLY:
