Senior Manager, DFS Configurations at Equity Bank Kenya

THE ROLE PURPOSE

• The Senior Manager, DFS Configurations is responsible for developing and executing the strategy, overseeing the budget, managing costs, and driving delivery of the Core Mobile Money Systems.
• role involves leadership at both the operational and strategic levels, working closely with teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and maintaining high levels of performance, availability, and security across all facilities.
• The key drive of the Senior Manager, DFS Configurations will be to drive delivery of Core DFS platform across all of Equity subsidiaries, while ensuring that the system is designed and delivered in the most cost-effective way. This means standardizing the configurations across all subsidiaries and building a Centre of Excellence with regards to DFS Core Platforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Leadership

• Provide guidance and leadership to the configuration of Core DFS Platforms.
• Ensure that all Core DFS systems are delivered within defined timelines, focusing on quality, performance, and re-usability.
• Ensure re-use of common functionality across all subsidiaries hence reducing costly Change Requests
• Ensure management of configurations across all subsidiaries

Strategic Management

• Develop and implement the overall Core DFS Platforms to ensure alignment with the organizations long-term business objectives.
• Oversee the planning and execution of strategic initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades, capacity planning, and technological advancements of the DFS Platform.
• Lead long-term planning for Core DFS expansions, features and upgrades, ensuring scalability and sustainability.

Budgeting and Cost Management

• Develop, manage, and control the Core Platforms DFS budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and optimizing costs.
• Monitor and manage operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX) related to DFS Core Platforms.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements in DFS applications and infrastructure.

Operational Leadership

• Provide guidance and leadership to the DFS Managers and other direct reports, ensuring the efficient implementation of Core Mobile Money systems.
• Ensure that all Core DFS systems are delivered within defined timelines, focusing on quality, performance, and reliability.
• Ensure re-use of common functionality across all subsidiaries hence reducing costly Change Requests

 Risk and Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, certifications (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO), and regulatory requirements across all systems
• Oversee the development and implementation of risk management and disaster recovery plans.
• Ensure DFS system is designed and implemented securely and that all security measures comply with organizational policies.

Audit Management

• Manage both internal and external audits related to Core DFS systems, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Coordinate audit preparation activities, ensuring all necessary documentation and processes are in place.
• Address audit findings and recommendations, implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
• Liaise with internal audit teams, external auditors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring clear communication and timely responses.

Qualifications

TECHNICAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong IT Background
• Strong understanding of Huawei Mobile Money Platform architecture
• Software Development Background is a must
• Architecture
• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Financial Acumen
• Leadership and Team Management
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Project Management Skills

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS  

• Working experience of the Huawei DFS Platforms
• Minimum 7 years of experience in FinTech Systems, with a focus on strategy and operational leadership.
• Proven experience managing large-scale Mobile Money/Fintech teams.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Mobile money systems
• Understanding and proven working experience with API integration
• Excellent knowledge of industry standards and best practices including compliance and risk management.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS 

• University degree in Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• IT certifications on architecture, cloud, agile, Containerization technologies