Jobs at BRAC

The Digital Financial Services (DFS) Manager will drive the implementation of BKCL digital strategies that aim to increase outreach, deliver a superior customer experience, increase organizational efficiency, and find the right balance between tech and touch for BKCL customers.

The DFS Manager will drive innovation and coordinate the digitalization of the BKC’s field operations, the implementation of digital delivery channels and the development and delivery of innovative digital financial services (DFS) appropriate for BKCL customers. 

The DFS Manager will think creatively to innovate new uses for technology to address access, usage, literacy, security, and other barriers limiting the use of DFS by BRAC’s existing and target customers especially women and youth.

Key Responsibilities:

DFS Strategy and Innovation

• DFS Manager will drive the implementation of BKCL digital strategies and action plans to increase outreach, deliver a superior customer experience, increase organizational efficiency, and find the right balance between tech and touch for BKCL customers.
• DFS Manager will work closely with BKCLmanagement to provide strategic input and thought leadership on the use of DFS to better meet the needs and improve the livelihoods of BKCL existing and target customers especially women and youth.
• DFS Manager will conduct periodic analysis and review of BKCL’s implementation of existing DFS strategies and its alignment to the BKCL’s overall strategic business plan to ensure the use of DFS and technology is well aligned and is contributing to the achievement of BKCL’s overall business strategy.
• Conduct market assessments to inform the refinement of DFS strategy and development of market-led and innovative technology-enabled financial solutions that meet the needs of BKCL’s existing and target customers.

Digital Processes, Channels and Products:

• DFS Manager will design, test, refine and implement DFS projects at BKCL. S/he will develop and implement DFS project-specific pilot and scale up plans and activities including customer needs analysis, business requirements analysis, detailed project implementation planning, reporting, and change management to maximize the impact of DFS projects on business and customers.
• Develop detailed functional requirements for DFS tools and applications and coordinate the different functions/departments to implement DFS and work with the teams to adapt their processes and products accordingly.
• Monitor and track the progress of DFS projects to ensure project activities are achieved in an effective, efficient, and timely manner.
• Design and implement monitoring surveys and use survey findings to refine and improve BRAC’s processes and products and enhance the customer experience in using DFS.
• Continuous training and handholding of BKCL’s staff in defining and implementing business case and value proposition for DFS channels and products, piloting, and scaling of DFS including documenting and sharing of lessons learned from implementation of DFS projects.
• Design and implement client and staff digital training programs in collaboration with relevant BKCL departments/functions. This includes designing digital training content, training plans and training delivery.
• Disseminate and share knowledge and lessons learned among the different BI MF countries to support the implementation of organizational best practices for designing and implementing different digital projects in BI MF.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders to design, develop, test and refine digital solutions under a structured environment and with ready to use tools.
• Support BKCL to develop/refine and implement digital-related policies, procedures and standards.
• Work with marketing and communication teams to design effective marketing campaigns and communication to enhance adoption and active usage of DFS.
• Cooperate with BI MF digital transformation, IT, operations, and other relevant teams in the implementation of BKCL’s DFS strategies and action plans.
• Develop and manage relationships with third parties such as digital solutions suppliers, FinTech’s, developers etc

Market and Ecosystem Intelligence

• Keep an active watch on digital technologies available in the market that may improve the quality and efficiency of BKCL’s field operations, and product and service delivery.
• Work with other enabling stakeholders, such as regulators, universities, governments, think-tanks, BRAC’s fundraising teams, and others to innovate and maximize DFS for impact

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of team members from any harm, abuse, neglect, harassment and exploitation to achieve the programme’s goals on safeguarding implementation. Act as a key source of support, guidance and expertise on safeguarding for establishing a safe working environment.
• Practice, promote and endorse the issues of safeguarding policy among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.
• Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place, encourage others to do so.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/ Finance/Economics, Development Studies/ IT/Engineering.
• 5+ years’ experience in financial inclusion, product development, digital finance, microfinance, or payments platforms.
• Strong exposure to DFS strategy, including top-level strategy formulation and business process assessment.
• Experienced in customer-centric research and leveraging insights to drive DFS adoption and impact.
• Hands-on experience in implementing digital field tools, mobile payments, agent banking, and DFS projects.
• Solid project management background.
• Experience working with MNOs, FinTechs, financial institutions, or regulators is a plus.

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The IT Manager will be a member of BKCL’s executive management team, reporting to the CEO and will be charged with defining and driving the execution of BKCL’s information technology strategy.

He/She will be responsible for IT leadership, management, and vision at BKCL, and will design and implement information systems that optimise organisational efficiency, ensuring stable operation and maintenance of BKCL’s technology infrastructure. Key expectation will be operational decision-making to support near, and longer-term operating objectives aligned with BKCL’s strategic vision. As a trusted technology advisor to executive management, the IT Manager will lead the thought process in the use of technology in transforming the lives of BKCL clients. The role is key in driving successful implementation of BRAC International’s IT strategic objectives

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Working with other members of the executive management team, contribute significantly to the development of BKCL’s business strategy. Provide strategic and planning input and monitor how BKCL’s operations can be improved to leverage technology innovations, increase critical business drivers and achieve business objectives such as minimise costs, increase outreach, and maximise uptime and data security.
• Develop BKCL’s IT strategy and ensure alignment with the overall BKCL business and BI strategies.
• Coordinate and oversee key IT components of business project implementations – banking system rollouts/upgrades and digital financial services channel (e.g. mobile money, DFA) implementations.
• Effectively manage projects from start to finish including needs assessment/evaluation, scope of work creation, contract negotiation, and delivery of consultancy services, review and approval of deliverables and invoices, and project closure.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in the information and advice provided to Board, Executive Management, and employees.

Management of the IT Function

• Ensure operational integrity of all IT infrastructure (software and hardware).
• Participate in various Board and Management Committees as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Oversee the delivery, installation and proper configuration of all new IT infrastructure and upgrades.
• Build and present strong business cases for all significant IT investments.
• Oversee the documentation and application of sound and up-to-date IT principles and ensure compliance with local banking and finance legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Identify IT requirements and ensure that all IT functions and activities are fully resourced, budgeted for and performance managed to maximise return on IT investments.
• Act as a technical advisor to Management and all users in all matters relating to IT, applications system improvements, enhancements, or changes by remaining current with new developments in the industry.
• Work with department heads to understand business challenges, objectives, and bottlenecks they face to advise on the use of channels and technologies that could enable the business and provide solutions.
• Ensure security and compliance requirements are built into all systems to minimise fraud and enhance information security.

Performance Management & Capacity Building

• Set, monitor, and assess achievements against performance targets, quality standards, and service agreements.
• Set, monitor and evaluate the performance of all IT staff against agreed performance standards.
• Ensure regular client, supplier and staff satisfaction surveys regarding IT services and take corrective action.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality service standards to internal and external clients on issues related to IT.
• Participate in new product development initiatives to ensure appropriate IT skills exist to provide technical support.
• Work with HR in establishing an effective and efficient team with the capability to manage and carry out IT roles.
• Working with HR, identify skill gaps and organise IT training for BKCL staff.

Technology Risk Management

• Develop and maintain a framework for managing BKCL’s cyber and information security risks.
• Develop, enforce, monitor, and document housekeeping and security policies and procedures for all technology systems for the purposes of disaster recovery and user security.
• Responsible for ensuring existence of effective IT disaster recovery (DR) plans, monitor and enforce regular testing of DR plans.
• Provide effective vendor management to ensure value for money in all IT-related transactions.
• Negotiate terms and conditions for purchases and provide ongoing support with computer hardware, software, telecommunication, and power.
• Develop and maintain an effective change management policy and procedure.

Data Protection

• Advise BKCL and its employees on data processing requirements provided under Kenya data protection laws or any other written law.
• Ensure BRAC Kenya complies with its obligations under the Data Protection Policy and Procedures, and the Data Protection Act, its regulations, and any guidelines issued by the ODPC.
• Facilitate capacity building of staff involved in data processing operations.
• Provide advice on data protection impact assessment;
• Cooperate with the Data Commissioner and any other authority on matters relating to data protection.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of team members from any harm, abuse, neglect, harassment and exploitation to achieve the programme’s goals on safeguarding implementation. Act as a key source of support, guidance and expertise on safeguarding for establishing a safe working environment.
• Practice, promote and endorse the issues of safeguarding policy among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.
• Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place, encourage others to do so.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer science, Computer Studies, Engineering, or related field. Master’s Degree is added advantage   .
• At least eight (8) years’ work experience in management of IT within a financial institution (preferably banking) or professional service firms.
• At least five (5) years managing core banking (preferably Temenos) and alternate delivery channel systems in a cyber-secured environment.
• Demonstrates progressive information technology management and leadership roles.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary teams and working in multi-cultural organizations.