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Created in 2012, FSD Africa is a £30 million financial sector development programme or 'FSD’ based in Nairobi. It is funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID). FSD Africa aims to reduce poverty across sub-Saharan Africa by building financial markets that are efficient, robust and inclusive.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO
Principal-Digital Innovation, Risk & Resilience Pillar, FSD Africa
REPORTS INDIRECTLY TO
Director – Risk & Resilience Pillar, FSD Africa
DIRECT REPORTS
Supporting Consultant(s) engaged in projects, Others TBD
INDIRECT REPORTS
Analyst(s)/Manager(s) – Risk & Resilience Pillar, FSD Africa
JOB PURPOSE
FSD Africa is building a pipeline of digital innovation projects that aims at promoting digital innovation in the Insurance industry, to build digital insurance market. One of the key projects that will enable multiple innovation initiatives and activities is the Digital Innovation platform. This candidate would act as a thought-leader on financial industry digital innovation ,involved in the design of activities/initiatives, implementation, partnership development and digital marketing /PR associated with the initiatives.
In particular, this role will:
1. Manage all Digital Innovation Platform activities, this will include scaling and maintaining launched activities/services and design/implement new activities and services to build and scale platform traffic & impact.
2. Build a network of partners across multiple African markets and industries and manage their onboarding process to the platform. Support partners in utilising the platform to manage their internal and open innovation activities, provide technical assistance to partners and develop and share knowledge around platform activities to other FSD Africa Pillars.
This position will sit within FSD Africa’s Risk & Resilience Pillar and will report to the principle-Digital Innovation
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Build a network of innovation partners
- Lead the development of a diversified database of potential partners, across multiple industries within the African FinTech ecosystem. Each partner category should support one or more of the platform Activities/initiatives.
- Define the priorities of each partner category and design win-win activities /initiates that contributes to platform objectives while being perfectly aligned to the needs of that category of partners.
- Carry out initial ecosystem mapping of potential platform partners and users in selected markets to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the needs and requirements of ecosystem stakeholders.
- Develop a platform strategy, ensure the inclusion of a gender equity and climate dimension, as well as developing a geographic strategy.
- Develop and test theories of change for the Digital Innovation Platform project, aligned to the overall FSD Africa strategy and Pillar-specific theory of change.
- Share learnings associated with strategy development and programming with the broader FSD Africa organisation and partners; a key part of this role will be upskilling our organisation around Digital Innovation related projects;
- Work collaboratively with the Digital Economy pillar and FSDi to contribute to the achievement of their relevant objectives
- Activities/initiatives origination and design
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- Identify, conceptualise and develop a coherent pipeline of activities and implementing partners as well as user profiles/databases which will collectively be effective in driving impact in Tier A countries.
- Design a series of activities and initiatives that might stimulate digital financial innovation in the insurance industry. Such activities will aim at developing a pipeline of InsurTech start-ups, facilitate partnerships with incumbent insurance companies, contribute to growing investment flow into InsurTech start-ups, improve market awareness on InsurTech role in improving resilience, engaging regulators and other government agencies with the InsurTech ecosystem in Tier 1 countries .
- Identify / select potentially impactful activity partners, support them through the design phase including the development of business cases and marketing strategies.
- Ensure that all staff, consultants and activity partners involved in a project are fully briefed concerning expectations; especially on project milestone targets, quality standards, data collection/reporting and compliance with accountability requirements.
- Develop detailed activity implementation plan and budget and address capacity gaps of partners, especially around open innovation
- Activity/initiative pilot & launch
- Co-ordinate the roll-out of Digital Innovation Activities so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality outputs are delivered; ensuring that ongoing learning from projects is fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation:
- Work with activity partners to assist them in implementing their projects according to agreed upon project plans, maintaining a strategic clarity, focus on impact, and collaborative approach at all times.
- In case of an activity partner having challenges, provide technical assistance, or organise the provision of support to ensure activity pilot /launch success;
- Develop and share periodical reports and updates on pilot plan implementation 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’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the activity, 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).
- Communicating for Impact
- Actively participate in the development and implementation of an advocacy and communications plan for all platform Digital Innovation activities/initiatives within the context of the Risk & Resilience Pillar’s communications approach; ensuring that the approach will result in extensive awareness-building, engagement around topics of InsurTech digital ecosystem building, accelerating innovation within insurance industry , growing platform partner and user database, strategic partnerships established, behavioural changes of ecosystem stakeholders in both private and public spheres and created measurable impact .
- Consult and collaborate with the Risk & Resilience Pillar and Strategic Communications team to identify how stakeholders need to be influenced to support the success of digital innovation activities/ initiatives; this may include a need to advocate for legislative/policy reform or to incentivise (or some other supporting mechanism) greater action amongst potential beneficiaries for mindset change;
- Work collaboratively with the Strategic Communications team and Development Impact function to develop and implement work plans and budgets; ensuring that efforts are monitored and evaluated to ensure impact, and this impact is articulated;
- Contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Communications agenda (e.g. by developing content for written materials – blogs, editorials, op-eds, contributing to content development on our website; participating in advocacy campaigns, attending conferences and events etc.);
- Participate in and contribute to the development of annual and quarterly reports, including our publicly-facing strategy documents and impact assessments;
- Represent FSD Africa in public forums and networking opportunities; behaving at all times in a manner consistent with FSD Africa’s brand, values, policies and protocols.
- Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS – ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE
Qualifications and Education
- Good quality bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- Professional qualification and relevant accreditations (Masters level from a globally respected academic institution) in a relevant field (Actuarial Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Finance, or other relevant fields).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills
- Minimum of 7 years’ post-graduation experience of working in a field relevant to innovation preferably in the financial industry , telecommunications industry or information technology industry across multiple countries and institutions, including in Africa.
- Excellent knowledge and conceptual understanding of the financial industry sectors and technology applications/use cases targeting financial industry .
- Track record of measuring and articulating impact measurements systems in practice; including process and framework development.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative and trusted relationships with implementing partners, private-sector players and government & public agency counterparts.
- Demonstrated track record of rigorous project management skills and achievement of results across interconnected and complicated workstreams (with preference for experience managing digital innovation function or related projects).
- Demonstrated skills in managing large budgets, managing risk and ensuring value for money; ability to manage large project portfolios across multiple countries.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate the work of internal colleagues and oversee external suppliers and providers.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with an ability to engage effectively with Senior Management.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment
- Previous experience of working in donor-funded projects, preference for those funded through UK aid
- Languages: French, local African languages
8. KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal Relationships
- FSD Africa Risk and Resilience Pillar
- FSD Africa Management/ Leadership Team
- Other FSD Africa Staff (esp. Strategic Communications & Development Impact)
- Green Finance Working Group
- FSD Africa Portfolio and project managers (esp. regulatory engagement, policy development, and in-country SMEs)
External Relationships
- HMG FCDO and DEFRA officials
- External and Retained Consultants, especially those procured to produce program deliverables
- External private partners from across Africa (e.g. financial institutions and corporates)
- External public partners (incl. sovereigns stakeholders – regulators, MoFs, standard-setters)
- International Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and coalitions (e.g. TCFD and TNFD Secretariats)
- Indirectly – FSD Africa Board, and sub-bodies (esp. Investment & Development Committees)
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PILLAR
FSD Network Gender Collaborative Programme (CoPro)
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports directly to
FSD Network Gender Lead
Reports indirectly to
FSD Network Gender SteerCo
Direct reports
Consultants engaged on projects
Indirect reports
FSD members engaged on funded projects
Note: This position will serve the regional network of FSDs. However, for administration processes, the role will sit within one of the Network member organizations, FSD Africa.
About the Job
The Network Gender Manager will support the Network’s bold initiative to transform their approach to gender in their markets and make significant strides towards leveraging finance for women’s economic empowerment. The Gender Manager will bring energy and vision to this work, supporting network members to deeply understand gender issues, and will be responsible for a portfolio of impactful projects and research initiatives. S/he will bring technical insight and practical experience in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion; with the capacity to provide technical advisory services to the Network.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse & Strategize
Drive and support research and analysis to inform the CoPro’s strategy and to better understand women’s participation in financial systems.
- Intervene
Coordinate the development and roll-out of a portfolio of interventions so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality outputs are delivered; aiming to achieve a meaningful impact on women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
- Learn & Integrate
Ensure that ongoing learning from projects is fully utilised to maximise impact and innovation; support the mainstreaming of effective strategies across the network.
- Advocate & Communicate for Influence
Drive women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication strategies.
- Manage Risks & Resources
Support the good management of the Gender CoPro by ensuring value-for-money procurements, timely development of quality reports, and budget compliance.
Role Requirements
Qualifications and Education
- A quality bachelor’s degree from a recognised learning institution
- Relevant further degree or professional qualifications are an advantage
- Fluent in written and spoken English
Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills
- At least seven years of working experience In Africa in an economic empowerment context; with a strong focus on inclusive finance for women and/or other marginalised groups
- Ability to meaningfully analyse gender-related issues so as to develop practical approaches / strategies for enhancing women’s participation, empowerment and capability
- Good knowledge and understanding of inclusive finance and financial sector development, and of the market systems approach
- Demonstrated track record of acting in an advisory capacity (could include consultancy) with the knowledge, gravitas and practical experience to enable others to mainstream gender in their work
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, leading to an ability to influence and persuade others; ability to liaise convincingly at a Senior Management level
- Extensively networked with regional &/or pan African communities of practice in the gender and inclusive finance space
- Demonstrated track record of rigorous project conceptualisation and management skills and achievement of results
- Experience of managing budgets, managing risk and ensuring value for money
- Ability to apply research techniques, interpret and evaluate results and present them succinctly and clearly; experience in designing/conducting/managing research on gender-related issues
Desirable
- Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment &/or across multiple countries
Personal Characteristics
Commitment & Drive for Results
You have values and personal ambitions that are aligned with FSD Africa’s goal to reduce poverty by strengthening Africa’s financial markets. We’re looking for someone with a desire to make a personal contribution towards women’s economic empowerment through inclusive financial systems. This passion will be exemplified by a track record of delivering high-quality, timely and cost-effective results.
Proactivity & Innovation
You have a strong sense of personal ownership that leads to self-starting, taking initiative, and driving change. We’re looking for someone who is action-orientated and dynamic: tackling challenging situations with a ‘can do’ attitude, coming up with innovative ways of solving stubborn problems. You will have a track record of quickly recognising value-adding innovation and driving real-world change.
Effective Resource Management
The Gender CoPro has been entrusted with significant donor funding and we are looking someone who has an innate concern to achieve Value for Money; wanting to see the maximum beneficial outcome as a result of any investment and feeling uncomfortable with waste and inefficiency. You must have a track record of absolute integrity in the management of financial resources.
Relationship Building
You initiate and maintain positive relationships with others – discerning and appreciating the values, concerns, or feelings of others – and you can draw others in to build an effective team. We’re looking for someone with sophisticated interpersonal skills and an ability to observe and listen to others at a deep level; perhaps by reading body language or thinking deeply about the implications of what someone else has said. You will have a track record of eliciting the contributions of others, including those with divergent opinions, and accommodating the perspectives of others in planning and decision-making.
Communication & Influencing
You deliberately adjust your behaviour in order to address the feelings, needs, or concerns of others; communicating clearly, confidently and appropriately to influence others. We’re looking for someone with the motivation and ability to influence others effectively – not by manipulating or dominating people, but by winning their genuine commitment. You will have a track record of driving change through collaboration and can demonstrate the self-discipline to choose effective strategies when interacting with others.
Thinking & Problem Analysis
You think clearly and intentionally in order to understand issues, solve problems, and make good choices; with an ability to think conceptually and strategically in order to manage complexity. You will be interested in hypothesizing and testing innovative theories of change and a good ability to conceptualise a framework for implementation and impact.
Learning & Resourcefulness
You possess the personal resourcefulness to deal with difficult situations effectively and continually improve skills and knowledge. We’re looking for someone who can manage their emotions well, remaining effective, open, and engaged, despite experiencing an internal emotional reaction. In particular, being able to face a challenging problem, or tough feedback, with a desire to learn, grow and improve; quickly adapting and applying new learning into the workplace. You will have a track record of empowering others by sharing information, resources, advice, and encouragement; you can demonstrate how you have built the capacity of others (perhaps through training, coaching or advisory services).