Current Opportunities at FSD Africa

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Safeguarding Strategy and integration

• Lead the development, integration and implementation of a Safeguarding Strategy, ensuring alignment with FSD Africa’s safeguarding policies.
• Embed safeguarding principles throughout the delivery programme cycle and maintain safeguarding indicators within the programme’s Monitoring and Evaluation systems.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability by identifying and mitigating potential risks to programme participants, especially children and vulnerable adults
• Work closely with the Manager, Gender to ensure safeguarding and gender mainstreaming approaches are complementary and mutually reinforcing.

Case Management & Reporting

• In liaison with Safeguarding Officers, HR, and relevant authorities where required, manage safeguarding concerns and investigations involving programme teams, partners, and representatives across all interventions.
• Maintain a confidential safeguarding case management system and ensure timely reporting to respective donors and internal leadership in line with policies and donor requirements.

Influencing and Communicating for Impact

• Drive the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual safeguarding action plans, ensuring programme managers follow up on assessments, reviews, and audits.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to uphold safeguarding principles in advocacy, ensuring communication materials and plans are safe, inclusive, and respect informed consent and the protection of participant identities.
• Regularly evaluate programme communications to guarantee ethical representation, prevent harm or exploitation, and promote dignity for all programme participants.

Risk and Compliance Responsibilities 

Support FSD Africa’s organisation‑wide risk and compliance function by contributing to key responsibilities including:

• Lead comprehensive risk assessments for interventions, develop and maintain risk registers, monitor all programme risks (operational, fiduciary, ESG, and safeguarding), and ensure robust risk mitigation plans are integrated into both programme design and implementation.
• Work collaboratively with programme teams to implement and align organisational control frameworks—including financial controls, procurement integrity, environmental compliance, and data protection— ensuring consistency with FSD Africa’s enterprise risk processes.
• Reviewing and strengthening risk management frameworks and policies, ensuring they remain robust, relevant and aligned to best practice.
• Monitoring external developments i.e. Regulatory, economic, geopolitical or sectoral, that may present strategic risks or opportunities for the organisation.
• Conducting internal compliance reviews across pillars to assess adherence to policies, procedures and donor requirements.
• Supporting in due diligence processes for partners, vendors and programme initiatives, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.
• Contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of the Business Continuity Management Framework, including business impact assessments and continuity planning.
• Supporting the preparation of quarterly risk management reports for FARC and the Executive Leadership Team, ensuring timely, accurate and insightful reporting.

Knowledge Management and Capacity Building 

• Collaborate with Manager, L&D to deliver risk, compliance, and safeguarding training, while building safeguarding capacity among staff and partners.
• Promote a culture of safe and inclusive programming, with zero tolerance for abuse, and foster risk awareness through sensitisation and training.
• Stay updated on safeguarding best practices and provide technical support to enhance compliance maturity and strengthen policies and systems.

Relationship Management

Take initiative to build relationships and ensure effective collaboration with and between all programme stakeholders and FSD Africa colleagues; includes managing any consultants deployed to the programmes being managed:

• Foster collaboration across organisational pillars, identifying opportunities for synergy and coordinated actions.
• Respond effectively to stakeholder information needs, organising targeted capacity-building events or knowledge dissemination on risk management, compliance and safeguarding.
• Manage consultants and teams to ensure high performance and effective programme outcomes.
• Engage continuously with stakeholders to nurture relationships, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support for programmes.

Resources Management 

Ensure effective management of resources/budget for programmes under management, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with Mastercard regulations:

• Develop programme plans, budgets, and forecasts to ensure optimal resource utilisation and compliance with organisational policies.
• Liaise internally to manage financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with statutory and donor regulations.

Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.

Requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience of experience in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Psychology, Business, Law or related fields.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Professional certification in risk, compliance, audit, or investigations is an added advantage.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

ADOPT Strategy and Programming 

Work with the Head of Delivery, AFIYA within the context of FSD Africa’s strategy and the Adaptation & Resilience Pillar’s focus, ensuring that the programme results in meaningful real-sector outcomes:

• Lead the overall strategy, planning, and execution of AFIYA ADOPT interventions across implementation countries.
• Manage partnerships with local implementation partners, Foundation agriculture programs, and intermediaries to co-design and deliver training for young women SHFs and agri-preneurs.
• Maintain a strong focus on insurance adoption, climate resilience, and gender equity, ensuring interventions directly support uptake of inclusive insurance and credit.
• Scope out existing research (and undertake additional research if agreed upon), build a deep understanding of how insurance adoption activities can be leveraged to improve programme delivery.
• Share learnings associated with strategy development and programming with the broader FSD Africa organisation and partners
• Work collaboratively with the Development Impact team to devise and manage results measurement and learning frameworks that will yield important insights.

Programme Management

Coordinate the roll-out of a delegated portfolio of community engagement programmes so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality results are delivered; ensuring that ongoing learning from the AFIYA Adopt interventions are fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation

• Lead the co-design and implementation of training programs in collaboration with local and Foundation partners.
• Oversee the operationalisation of Youth Agribusiness Development Hubs in each target country, creating a platform where young entrepreneurs can learn, collaborate, and grow their ventures.
• Build and nurture relationships with cooperatives, agribusiness centres, financial institutions, and other intermediaries to help deliver training and bundle services like financial literacy, access to tools, and insurance
• Monitor training uptake, business development outcomes, and track post-training adoption of climate-smart practices and insurance.
• Support representation of youth voices and feedback into product design and policy dialogues.

Review the Quarterly monitoring and evaluation reports for community engagement activities and take appropriate action based on results and analysis: 

• If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the project, and scaling; 
• If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/approach. 
• Identify, report on and mitigate project risks in a timely manner (project delivery and partnership management). 
• Refine project strategies, creating detailed implementation plans, risk assessments, and tracking frameworks to guide execution.
• Ensure clarity among stakeholders regarding roles, deliverables, standards, and reporting requirements for effective project delivery.
• Lead effective project closure processes, ensuring sustainable outcomes beyond FSD Africa's involvement.

Influencing and Communicating for Impact

Actively participate in development, and lead implementation, of advocacy and communications plans for AFIYA community engagement activities: 

• Map stakeholders and devise strategic communication plans to influence key actors and advance project goals.
• Partner with the Communications team to integrate advocacy into project plans, driving stakeholder engagement effectively.
• Develop impactful content and materials for advocacy efforts, supporting visibility and strategic communication objectives.
• Represent FSD Africa professionally in public forums, enhancing its credibility and influence among stakeholders.
• Monitor communication efforts, adjusting strategies based on effectiveness and stakeholder responses.

Relationship Management

Take initiative to build relationships and ensure effective collaboration with and between all project stakeholders and FSD Africa colleagues; includes managing any consultants deployed to the projects being managed:

• Ensure that all stakeholders involved in the project are fully briefed concerning expectations; especially on project milestone targets, quality standards, data collection/reporting, and compliance with accountability requirements. 
• Proactively build strategic partnerships essential for project success, ensuring alignment with AFIYA objectives.
• Foster collaboration across organisational pillars, identifying opportunities for synergy and coordinated actions.
• Respond effectively to stakeholder information needs, organising targeted capacity-building events or knowledge dissemination.
• Manage consultants and teams through motivational leadership, ensuring high performance and effective project outcomes.
• Engage continuously with stakeholders to nurture relationships, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support for projects.

Risks & Resources Management 

Ensure effective management of resources/budget for projects under management, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Develop project plans, budgets, and forecasts to ensure optimal resource utilisation and compliance with organisational policies.
• Support fundraising by contributing technical sections and budgets to project proposals.
• Ensure rigorous due diligence and risk assessments are conducted, ensuring thorough analysis without impeding ADOPT partner operations.
• Liaise internally to manage financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with statutory and donor regulations.
• Regularly analyse portfolio performance for value-for-money, adjusting strategies to enhance development impact.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Education, Climate Change, or a related field with at least 8 years of experience 
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Programme Implementation Support

Provide logistical and administrative support to the delivery of R3Lab regulatory and policy Programme; acting as part of the team in ensuring the results articulated in project plans are achieved:

• Ensure full understanding of R3Lab regulatory and policy project and the administrative support that will be required; work collaboratively with the team in ensuring successful delivery of the project mandate. 

Assist with the preparation of all documentation required for the onboarding process:

• Liaise between the project team and the procurement team in the development of Terms of Reference and partner selection criteria
• Conduct KYC on partners which include Anti-Money Laundering and related business integrity checks 
• Respond to KYC requests from partners 
• Coordinate the scheduling, planning, and logistics of workshops, policy dialogues, and sandbox planning sessions with regulators and key stakeholders, ensuring effective participation and smooth delivery.
• Support the team in developing relationships with potential implementing partners; provide support to IPs as they navigate the onboarding process, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and given help with producing documentation to standard (if required) 
• Support the team in liaising with key suppliers to ensure maintenance of good relationships and quality of service; liaise with the Legal & Contracts Manager as required to amend contracts and with Finance team to ensure timely payment once delivery has been made
• Provide support to the R3Lab regulatory and policy team in entering projects into the project management system ensuring that key activities and project milestones are comprehensively entered; liaise with the Operations Manager to ensure the involvement of Shared Services is scheduled and coordinated
• Conducting baseline safeguarding risk assessments for the project and ensuring completeness of information reviewed and proper record keeping.
• Assist in the preparation of high-quality materials, reports, presentations, and briefs for donors and internal stakeholders, ensuring timely and comprehensive documentation of project progress and achievements.
• Coordinate all logistics for site visits, stakeholder meetings optimising resource allocation and participant experience.
• Monitor partner deliverables and reporting timelines, providing timely follow-up and technical support to ensure adherence to programme requirements.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing events and learning sessions, and manage the dissemination of programme tools, updates, and best practices.
• Assist the team in preparing presentations, reports, and other key programme documents; as well as editing and formatting documents as requested and in a way that complies with the timelines. 
• Ensure completion of the project approval process prior to signing of contracting documentation and release of funds to implementing partner. Support the team in entering records of project progress into the project management, results tracking and knowledge management systems.
• Assist team members in developing and maintaining good working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; serve as an information resource on status of project/products and respond effectively to queries from stakeholders.
• Support the documentation, quality assurance, and formatting of guidance materials, analytical reports, policy notes, and consultant deliverables to ensure clarity, consistency, and readiness for internal and external use

Research and Analysis

Support in undertaking of research and development of relevant collateral required by the team to achieve the Project’s knowledge management objectives.

• Provide general research support by reading widely, keeping abreast of current events or news and sharing relevant information with the team
• Assist in analysing data and preparing reports related to risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and resilience-building initiatives.
• Compile and synthesize information from various sources to support the team's decision-making processes.
• Support the maintenance of the R3Lab regulatory and policy project knowledge management database (in collaboration with the Development Impact team) and leverage data and information from the database for various operational and strategic objectives. 
• Prepare presentations and documentation as well as other analytical pieces and collateral required for stakeholder engagements.
• Support the development of the programme impact report.
• Support the development of collateral required for project events such as concept notes, agenda, registration forms etc.

Results Tracking and Impact Analysis

Ensure monitoring and evaluation of results is robust and relevant e.g., through timely data collection and active maintenance of a results tracker.

• Maintain and regularly update trackers for regulatory engagements, sandbox milestones, and policy development progress across countries, providing timely status updates to the team.
• Ensure robust and relevant monitoring and evaluation of R3Lab regulatory and policy project results, including timely data collection and proactive maintenance of a results tracker.
• Support impact analysis of R3Lab regulatory and policy –related activities, contributing to periodic pillar reports and external reporting requirements.
• Track periodic reports submitted by implementing partners, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
• Support the systematic tracking and analysis of key indicators of programme initiatives to inform programme improvement and impact measurement sharing updates with the project team and relevant stakeholders, including the Development Impact team.
• Support documentation and record-keeping for R3Lab regulatory and policy activities, including meeting minutes, project plans, and progress reports.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on R3Lab regulatory and policy activities, milestones, and outcomes.

Record Keeping

Take overall responsibility in maintenance of AFIYA R3Lab regulatory and policy records and SharePoint folder, storing data according to filing systems for physical and electronic information:

• Ensure that electronic records of all project documents are well organised and stored securely, providing support to the team in maintaining comprehensive records and organising electronic scanning where necessary
• Manage the maintenance of the project’s paper-based record systems; ensuring that all documents required in a paper form for conformance with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations are stored effectively for easy retrieval
• Liaise with communication team to maintain the pillar contact database; includes frequently scanning business cards from contacts and uploading into the master database
• Maintain records of procurements by the team to ensure compliance with policies and procedures

Communication & Social Media

Support the Manager, R3Lab regulatory engagement, policy and team in managing strategic relationships and rolling out the project communication and advocacy plan:

• Work with the project team in the development of written pieces and reports while taking the lead in the dissemination of these reports; ensuring that high standards of written English are maintained, and that content is adjusted to cater for the audience
• Support the project team in drafting and disseminating communications to project stakeholders
• Follow a content plan to develop materials; personally creating, and/or editing content provided by other staff, in line with the given message framework, especially supporting a strong social media presence
• Create and schedule content releases, uploading pre-written pieces and supporting assets

Qualifications and Education

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience or High Diploma with 2 years in Business Administration, Project Management, Economics, International Development, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Project Management or Programme Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) would be advantageous.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Strategy and Programming

Work with the Head of Delivery, AFIYA within the context of FSD Africa’s strategy and the Adaptation & Resilience Pillar’s focus, ensuring that the programme results in meaningful real-sector outcomes:

• Scope out existing research (and undertake additional research if agreed upon), build a deep understanding of how green loan solutions can be leveraged to improve financial resilience, particularly in managing climate risks and supporting young women SHFs and Agri-SMEs.
• Share learnings associated with strategy development and programming with the broader FSD Africa organisation and partners
• Work collaboratively with the Development Impact to devise and manage results measurement and learning frameworks that will yield important insights.
• Monitor developments in green financing, sharing insights into strategic adjustments.
• Participate actively in strategy formulation sessions, contributing technical expertise and innovative solutions.

Project Cycle Management

Coordinate the roll-out of a delegated portfolio of green loan projects so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality results are delivered; ensuring that ongoing learning from the projects is fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation

• In charge of the management of the lending facility, including selection and onboarding of eligible fintech’s, MFIs, and insurtechs.
• Design and manage milestone-based fund disbursements, ensuring effective performance tracking and compliance oversight for implementing partners.
• Coordinate development of bundled insurance products and ensure seamless integration with emergency and working capital loan products.

Review the Quarterly monitoring and evaluation reports for green loans projects and take appropriate action based on results and analysis:

• If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the project, and scaling; 
• If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/approach. 
• Identify, report on and mitigate project risks in a timely manner (project delivery and partnership management). 
• Track program outcomes against KPIs, including loan uptake, default rates, insurance claims, and gender-disaggregated impact.
• Refine project strategies, creating detailed implementation plans, risk assessments, and tracking frameworks to guide execution.
• Ensure clarity among stakeholders regarding roles, deliverables, standards, and reporting requirements for effective project delivery.
• Lead effective project closure processes, ensuring sustainable outcomes beyond FSD Africa's involvement.

 Influencing and Communicating for Impact

Actively participate in development, and lead implementation, of advocacy and communications plans for AFIYA programme: 

• Map stakeholders and devise strategic communication plans to influence key actors and advance project goals.
• Partner with the Communications team to integrate advocacy into project plans, driving stakeholder engagement effectively.
• Develop impactful content and materials for advocacy efforts, supporting visibility and strategic communication objectives.
• Represent FSD Africa professionally in public forums, enhancing its credibility and influence among stakeholders.
• Monitor communication efforts, adjusting strategies based on effectiveness and stakeholder responses.

Relationship Management

Take initiative to build relationships and ensure effective collaboration with and between all project stakeholders and FSD Africa colleagues; includes managing any consultants deployed to the projects being managed:

• Ensure that all stakeholders involved in green loan projects are fully briefed concerning expectations; especially on project milestone targets, quality standards, data collection/reporting, and compliance with accountability requirements. 
• Proactively build strategic partnerships with financial service providers and oversee collaboration with digital platforms to achieve project success.
• Foster collaboration across organisational pillars, identifying opportunities for synergy and coordinated actions.
• Respond effectively to stakeholder information needs, organising targeted capacity-building events or knowledge dissemination.
• Manage consultants and teams through motivational leadership, ensuring high performance and effective project outcomes.
• Engage continuously with stakeholders to nurture relationships, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support for projects.

Risks & Resources Management 

Ensure effective management of resources/budget for projects under management, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Develop project plans, budgets, and forecasts to ensure optimal resource utilisation and compliance with organisational policies.
• Support fundraising by contributing technical sections and budgets to project proposals.
• Ensure rigorous due diligence and risk assessments are conducted, ensuring thorough analysis without impeding Green Loan partner operations.
• Liaise internally to manage financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with statutory and donor regulations.
• Regularly analyse portfolio performance for value-for-money, adjusting strategies to enhance development impact.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English.

go to method of application »

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Programme Strategy & Project Design

Work with the Principal, Innovation for Resilience to develop a portfolio of impactful AFIYA projects in alignment with donor requirements.

• Actively contribute to the development of programme strategy, ensuring thorough understanding of and alignment with the goals of the pillar.
• Collaborate with the AFIYA team to identify and cultivate a portfolio of implementing partners and projects that collectively advance the project’s impact.
• Ensure programme designs are delivery-ready, scalable, and operationally feasible, working with technical and country leads. 
• Take overall ownership of preparing programme documentation—such as concept notes, programme summaries, and proposals—for internal approvals.

Project Planning

Conceptualise and develop a portfolio of Implementing Partners and Projects which will collectively be effective in driving impact & systemic change:

• Oversee the development of detailed implementation plans, risk management frameworks, budgets and cash-flow forecasts that will ensure AFIYA project success and address capacity gaps of partners.
• Draft terms of reference for engaging external consultants and resources to support the implementation of AFIYA projects.
• Identify, engage and build relationships with key Implementing Partners (‘IP’s) and other stakeholders who have the capacity to effectively contribute towards the success of AFIYA project. 
• Support the development of IP workplans; ensuring alignment between partners’ plans and AFIYA’s Theory of Change and that the over-all portfolio of projects has the capacity to leverage systemic change
• Ensure that all staff, consultants and implementing partners involved in a project are fully briefed concerning expectations; especially on project milestone targets, quality standards, data collection/ reporting and compliance with risk management/ accountability requirements

Project Implementation

Coordinate the roll-out of AFIYA projects so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality projects are delivered; ensuring that learning from projects is fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation:

Work with implementing partners and the Programme managers to assist them in implementing their projects according to the project plan:

• Organise a regular progress meeting with the Programme Managers and the Implementing partners to ensure projects are on track.
• Address delivery shortfalls with a coaching style in the first instance
• Negotiate assertively, with the administration of consequences, in case of persistent failure to deliver
• Develop tools and approaches which will guide the team, implementing partners and stakeholders in implementing best practice in AFIYA development; ensure that IPs are provided with any other necessary capacity-building support
• Support the Principal, Innovation for Resilience, in risk management and results monitoring across the AFIYA project portfolio, ensuring alignment with the pillar’s strategic objectives.

Review the Monthly and Quarterly impact Report and take appropriate action on the basis of results and analysis:

• If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’
• If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/ approach

Resource planning & budget management

Ensure effective management of resources/budget for projects under management. Contribute to the management of the AFIYA financial resources; aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Liaise with the Finance Pillar to maintain oversight over budget and spend for AFIYA projects.
• Work with the Finance Pillar teams to develop resourcing plans and budgets for respective projects; including negotiating budgets with implementing partners as required.
• Liaise with the procurement team to develop and monitor procurement plans for respective projects to ensure effective management of external resources. 
• Ensure programme expenditure translates into delivery progress and outcomes, working closely with Finance to flag underperformance, absorption risks, or misalignment between spend and results.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Collaborate with the Development Impact (DI) team to continuously develop broad and deep understanding of AFIYA project.

• Lead in the preparation of periodic programme updates to Mastercard on intervention outputs/milestones, including toolkits and lessons learned.
• Ensure that credible performance and learning evidence is available and actively used to inform delivery decisions, adaptation, and scaling
• Ensure that project measurement and achievement trackers are updated quarterly.
• Liaise with the DI and Strategic Communications team to ensure effective dissemination of key learnings. 

Influencing & Communications

Lead in the effective utilisation of Strategic communications strategies to drive impact and systemic change:

• Contribute towards stakeholder mapping for the Project, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and participating in developing innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets
• Contribute to the project’s advocacy and communications activities, supporting thought leadership activities, co-ordinating events, forums etc. within the areas of responsibility.
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders in order build awareness and influence the thinking around specific AFIYA project areas.
• Coordinate the AFIYA knowledge management activities such as development of toolkits, research notes etc.

Team Leadership

Lead the AFIYA team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to the project and deliver high standards of performance:

• Set a strong delivery culture characterised by accountability, pace, learning, and collaboration across countries and functions
• Ensure that each AFIYA team member is provided with clarity concerning goals and expectations of their personal role in achieving results, standards and behaviour
• Plan and organise the work of the AFIYA team to accomplish project strategic & project goals and targets in the most cost-effective and impactful manner possible
• Ensure delivery of an engaging leadership style that motivates team members and results in high performance

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 11 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience 
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Strategy & Planning

• Work closely with the Director of HR & Talent Management and Principal, Innovation for Resilience to design and execute an HR strategy that supports the project's strategic goals for growth, operational effectiveness, and impact
• Work with Director of HR and the Principal, Innovation for Resilience to forecast workforce requirements and align HR strategies with project goals, ensuring the project is adequately and effectively staffed to meet current and future capacity needs.
• Conduct periodic HR needs analyses and translate findings into structured recruitment, succession, and development plans.
• Participate in the development implementation of the HR operational workplan for the project.
• Lead in embedding FSD Africa’s core values within project team culture through onboarding, leadership coaching, recognition, and employee engagement efforts.
• Champion for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by promoting equitable hiring, development, and progression practices across the project team. Monitor diversity metrics and drive inclusive workplace practices aligned with FSD Africa’s values.
• Contribute to the development of HR strategies aligned with the overall AFIYA programme and Adaptation and Resilience objectives.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Lead and coordinate recruitment and onboarding processes that align with project timelines, and operational needs, with a focus on attracting and retaining high-performing talent to support successful project delivery.
• Champion the onboarding process by ensuring that it’s high quality and up to date and provide clarity and connection for employees so that their roles serve the overall AFIYA programme and pillar vision.
• Collaborate with the project lead to determine staffing needs based on project roles and deliverables. Ensure that job descriptions are developed or updated to reflect both technical expertise and behavioural competencies aligned to the project's objectives.
• Develop and implement recruitment and selection plan, outlining clear timelines, sourcing strategies, assessment tools, and roles of internal team members or external consultants involved in the process.
• Lead the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring transparency, fairness, and timeliness. Maintain clear and consistent communication with candidates, panel members, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and professional experience.
• Lead the onboarding and induction for new project staff, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support to contribute effectively from day one.
• Monitor performance during the probation period, working closely with the supervisors to provide guidance, feedback, and interventions where needed to ensure alignment with project expectations.

Talent Management 

• Support the successful delivery of the AFIYA programme by ensuring that talent management activities are implemented effectively to drive staff performance, engagement, and alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Performance Management: coordinate and document the annual performance management cycle—including goal setting, mid-term reviews, and end-of-project evaluations—to ensure accountability and high performance across the project team.
• Monitor and analyse performance outcomes across the project team to identify skills and competency gaps, using these insights to inform the design and prioritisation of targeted learning and development interventions that strengthen individual and team effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of learning and growth, encouraging staff to build transferable skills and engage in professional development.
• Facilitate meaningful performance conversations by equipping managers with the tools, guidance, and coaching needed to align individual goals with broader organisational and project priorities.
• Identify learning and development (L&D) needs identified through appraisals and day-to-day observations into a project-wide capacity-building plan. Liaise with the Manager, L&D to design and implement interventions that strengthen technical and behavioural competencies needed for successful project execution.
• Implement wellbeing initiatives to promote the holistic wellbeing of the project staff.
• Promote positive work culture, address and or escalate grievances and guide disciplinary procedures.

Risk & Resource Management

• Ensure effective oversight of HR-related risks and optimal use of resources within the project, in alignment with FSD Africa’s policies, and the project’s strategic objectives.
• Manage HR project budget ensuring that finances are utilised in line with FSD Africa's policies and procedures; monitor carefully to ensure that anticipated business benefits are realised
• Ensure full understanding of HR-related risks and the risk management protocols that need to be in place.
• Identify and assess HR risks across the project lifecycle, including staffing continuity, compliance with local labour laws, safeguarding, and reputational risks. 
• Implement all aspects of the Risk Management framework relating to HR Management.

Relationships & Communications

• Design and deliver HR related initiatives within the programme, while ensuring effective internal communication that supports the successful execution of the project's people strategy.
• Oversee internal communication efforts related to HR processes, policy rollouts, learning opportunities, and change management, ensuring clarity, transparency, and staff engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as a communication bridge between HR pillar, project leadership, and staff, ensuring feedback loops are maintained, concerns are addressed promptly, and updates are cascaded effectively.
• Respond to routine staff queries on HR processes, policies, and entitlements; escalate complex issues as needed.
• Coordinate initiatives that promote inclusion, staff wellbeing, and constructive feedback channels across the organisation.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure implementation of the HR policies and manage HR project records to ensure support the integrity, accountability, and operational success of the project.
• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of scalable, efficient and compliant HR operations across the pillar and specifically for the AFIYA programme.
• Coordinate the delivery of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and automation for HR processes for the Adaptation and Resilience pillar and AFIYA programme. Reviews to ensure efficiency, equity and alignment with overall FSD Africa guidelines.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy and consistency and reports to support effective decision making for the project.
• Coordinate the design and deliver of job descriptions and performance contracts for all the roles for Adaptation and Resilience pillar and AFIYA programme.
• Manage the administration of AFIYA programme employee benefits, pension contribution documentation, and insurance schemes, ensuring accurate enrolment, timely renewals, and good staff communication.
• Maintain up-to-date employee records and HR trackers in compliance with FSD Africa policy and statutory obligations.
• Ensure that all legal/statutory requirements associated with the employment of project staff are fulfilled (including immigration requirements and contracting)
• Prepare for and support audits; ensure that any corrective actions relating to HR management are closed out in a timely manner
• Coordinate the processing of salary reviews and related outcomes, ensuring accurate execution aligned with HR policy guidelines
• Support staff transitions during project and or pillar change.
• Handle confidential matters with discretion

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience
• Experience in managing end to end HR function
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English
• Relevant post graduate qualifications are an advantage 
• Membership of relevant professional bodies e.g. CIPD is an advantage

go to method of application »

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Program Design & Strategic Management

Work with the Lead Programmes within the context of FSD Africa’s strategy and the Adaptation & Resilience Pillar’s focus, ensuring that the programme results in meaningful real-sector outcomes:

• Lead the operationalization and ongoing refinement of the Insurtech Solution Partnership for Scaling (BimaLab) in line with AFIYA’s strategy.
• Translate program objectives into annual work plans, budgets, milestones, and impact targets across multiple countries and partners.
• Ensure the program maintains a clear poverty-alleviation and public-benefit focus, with insurtech growth remaining incidental to social impact outcomes.
• Manage the structured, criteria-based selection process for eligible insurtech startups drawn from the BimaLab pipeline.
• Coordinate regulatory engagements, including dialogue with ministries, regulators, and policy stakeholders to ensure program alignment with compliance requirements and to enable an enabling ecosystem for inclusive insurance innovations.

Project Cycle Management

• Coordinate the roll-out of a delegated portfolio of insurtech projects so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality results are delivered; ensuring that ongoing learning from Bimalab projects is fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation
• Design and manage the annual selection process for insurtechs based on poverty-alleviation and gender-inclusion criteria.
• Oversee the implementation of insurtech-led projects, ensuring alignment with AFIYA’s climate and gender resilience goals.
• Develop detailed implementation plans, budgets and cash-flow forecasts that will ensure project success.
• Oversee the effective management of programme budgets, ensuring alignment with approved timelines and the timely disbursement of funds to participating startups based on achievement of defined milestones and deliverables

Review the Quarterly monitoring and evaluation reports for Bimalab projects and take appropriate action based on results and analysis:

• If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the project, and scaling; 
• If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/approach.
• Identify, report on and mitigate project risks in a timely manner (project delivery and partnership management). 
• Monitor, analyse, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to insurance uptake, premium affordability, and the socio-economic impact of payouts, providing actionable insights to inform programme strategy, scale-up decisions, and stakeholder engagement.
• Refine project strategies, creating detailed implementation plans, risk assessments, and tracking frameworks to guide execution.
• Ensure clarity among stakeholders regarding roles, deliverables, standards, and reporting requirements for effective project delivery while ensuring Technical Assistance delivery, market access, and partnership facilitation for participating startups.
• Lead effective project closure processes, ensuring sustainable outcomes beyond FSD Africa's involvement

Influencing and Communicating for Impact

Actively participate in development, and lead implementation, of advocacy and communications plans for Bimalab project: 

• Map stakeholders and devise strategic communication plans to influence key actors and advance project goals.
• Partner with the Communications team to integrate advocacy into project plans, driving stakeholder engagement effectively.
• Develop impactful content and materials for advocacy efforts, supporting visibility and strategic communication objectives.
• Represent FSD Africa professionally in public forums, enhancing its credibility and influence among stakeholders.
• Monitor communication efforts, adjusting strategies based on effectiveness and stakeholder responses.

Relationship Management

Take initiative to build relationships and ensure effective collaboration with and between all project stakeholders and FSD Africa colleagues; includes managing any consultants deployed to the projects being managed:

• Ensure that Mastercard Foundation, FSD Africa, and other stakeholders involved in Bimalab and R3Lab projects are fully briefed concerning expectations; especially on project milestone targets, quality standards, data collection/reporting, and compliance with accountability requirements. 
• Proactively build strategic partnerships essential for project success, ensuring alignment with Bimalab objectives.
• Foster collaboration across organisational pillars, identifying opportunities for synergy and coordinated actions.
• Respond effectively to stakeholder information needs, organising targeted capacity-building events or knowledge dissemination.
• Manage consultants and teams through motivational leadership, ensuring high performance and effective project outcomes.
• Engage continuously with stakeholders to nurture relationships, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support for projects.

Risks & Resources Management 

Ensure effective management of resources/budget for projects under management, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Develop project plans, budgets, and forecasts to ensure optimal resource utilisation and compliance with organisational policies.
• Support fundraising by contributing technical sections and budgets to project proposals.
• Ensure rigorous due diligence and risk assessments are conducted, ensuring thorough analysis without impeding Bimalab partner operations.
• Liaise internally to manage financial resources effectively, ensuring compliance with statutory and donor regulations.
• Regularly analyse portfolio performance for value-for-money, adjusting strategies to enhance development impact.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English.