Research and Innovation Officer - 1 Position at Stima Sacco

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Head of Research and Innovation, the job holder will responsible for among others execution of Stima Sacco’s research, innovation and product development agenda by generating actionable insights, coordinating, innovation projects and driving the design and rollout of new or enhances products , services and digital solutions aligned to the 2025 -2029 strategic plan

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate, collate, and conduct research on growth trends, strategic opportunities, and innovative approaches to drive Sacco growth.
• Support the Head of Research and Innovation in developing policies , standards and procedures that embed research and innovation within the Society.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate research and innovation into business operations and product development.
• Support staff/members who identify innovations across the organization.
• Provide technical input and support for all research activities within the Sacco.
• Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and technical documents for management and stakeholders.
• Formulate project proposals for external financing and strategic partnerships.
• Conduct due diligence and translate complex information into clear, actionable strategies.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging solutions to inform strategic decisions.
• Develop and maintain innovation dashboards and performance metrics to track progress and impact.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and capacity-building initiatives on research and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with data governance, research ethics, and financial sector regulations in all research activities.

Person Specifications
Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years relevant work experience, with at least 2 years in research or innovation-focused roles.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of analytical and financial software such as SAP, QuickBooks, SPSS, and other digital tools.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of innovation in the financial sector, including technology, social, and business model innovations.
• Strong people skills and ability to work independently in dynamic environments.
• Proven capacity to deliver high-quality outputs under minimal supervision.

Key Result Areas

• Deliver timely and comprehensive reports.
• Support implementation and generation of innovative ideas
• Provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making
• Drive innovation initiatives that align with organizational goals and enhancement of financial wellness