Jobs at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA)

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Innovation Funding, the Grants Manager will manage and monitor the performance of all grants awarded by EFInA, including the Innovation Fund and the Scale Fund. The Grants Manager will support the development of a robust and diverse grants portfolio, establish an effective grants management system, track the performance of each grantee, and advise grantees as needed to help maximise the impact of grant-funded projects. The Grants Manager will be responsible for reporting on the performance of the grants and engaging with grantees and other stakeholders to maximise impact of EFInA’s funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage EFInA grants throughout the full grant lifecycle, from identifying prospective grantees to reviewing proposals, conducting due diligence, developing Grant Agreements, monitoring grants according to the terms of the Grant Agreements and leading the grant conclusion or termination process
• Actively support the development of a robust and diverse grants pipeline by identifying and engaging with prospective grantees
• Effectively manage all EFInA grants by developing, implementing, and maintaining effective grants management processes. Regularly update the Innovation Fund Policies & Procedures Manual for approval by the Head of Innovation Funding
• Manage the grantee relationship by maintaining regular contact with all grantees, conducting at least one site visit per quarter for each grantee, arranging regular feedback/interaction sessions and providing technical assistance where applicable in order for grantees to meet their financial inclusion targets
• Monitor and evaluate grants to ensure that: grantees are supported to meet milestones/targets, the impact of grant-funded projects is clear, lessons learned are shared broadly, and the achievement of successful grant-funded projects is showcased
• Ensure that all project reports are developed and submitted within the timelines specified in the Grant Agreement. Produce quarterly reports summarising progress of all existing grants for sign off by the Head of Innovation Funding
• Oversee the financial management of grants, including grantee budgets and audits, to ensure timely grant disbursement, ensure appropriate deployment of grants, and prevent financial mis-appropriation
• Capture lessons learned based on the grantee experience for dissemination within EFInA and among relevant stakeholders
• Support the Head of Innovation Funding and Head of Knowledge & Evidence in communicating the achievement of EFInA’s grant portfolio to various stakeholders to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Background and Qualifications

The Grants Manger will possess the gravitas and credibility to build and maintain relationships with current and prospective grantees. He/she will be able to represent EFInA’s objectives and work with partners to deepen financial inclusion. The individual will be a strong team player who is able to develop and inspire action among peers and direct reports.

This is a market making role that requires a fast learner who can understand the technical elements of the grants and excel in monitoring the grants portfolio throughout the lifecycle of the grants. The role demands a person who is an analytical problem solver. He/she will have a successful track record of innovative thinking and constant improvement of processes and systems. 

The successful applicant will be comfortable negotiating change, taking responsibility, solving problems and making complex strategic and operational decisions. Highly adaptable, creative, and used to delivering results in a dynamic and fluid working environment, the Grants Manager will be expected to contribute to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation.

Essential

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Banking, Law, Business Administration, or any other related discipline (A Master’s degree in International Development or a relevant Social Science related discipline is advantageous)
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a grants management related role, with a track record of success
• Strong relationship management experience with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience working in a complex and pioneering environment and of managing or facilitating change
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Experience writing and reviewing contracts and agreements
• Experience evaluating business proposals, including reviewing and creating budgets
• Highly numerate
• Demonstrated project management experience (Prince 2 or a similar project management certification would be advantageous)
• Proven ability to produce concise and well-structured reports and presentations
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft programmes (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience in one or more of EFInA’s strategic areas
• Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda

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Job description

The Programme Manager will design, develop and execute EFInA’s strategy to establish and deepen access to financial services in Nigeria. He/she will use the breadth of EFInA’s pillars – research, advocacy, capacity building and funding – to drive large scale formal inclusion and ensure that customers have easy access to convenient and trustworthy financial products/services. He/she will convene and work with financial institutions, regulators, relevant stakeholders and development partners to ensure a balanced approach to building trusted, robust and pervasive financial services. Through these activities, the Programme Manager will support EFInA’s executive team in creating and implementing the services and structures required to achieve EFInA’s strategic objectives over the next three to five years.

Key Responsibilities

• Keep abreast of, document, and share information on the current global and local landscape of financial inclusion and the various channels for its effective delivery in Nigeria
• Understand, identify, explore and advocate for policy reforms, innovative approaches and business models that accelerate the growth and development of financial inclusion in Nigeria
• In conjunction with the Research and Communication Manager, conduct and disseminate research related to financial inclusion in Nigeria; produce focus/strategy notes based on findings
• Develop a strategy for leading the implementation of innovative financial products/services, especially for the low income population in Nigeria
• Work with the CEO to effectively implement EFInA’s activities as set forth in the Annual Business Plan
• Identify and develop a pipeline of projects for the Innovation Fund; participate in the grants proposal review and evaluation process; support the Head of Innovation Funding in monitoring and supporting EFInA’s grants
• Identify, maintain and deepen partnerships with key stakeholders that have a role in driving and deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria
• Engage key stakeholders by communicating financial inclusion information, convening stakeholders to discuss and resolve financial inclusion issues, and providing capacity-building to assist stakeholders in driving financial inclusion initiatives

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background and Qualifications

The role demands a highly numerate individual who has the capability to work effectively and thrive in a complex and fast-paced organisation. The right candidate will be able to evaluate and synthesise large amounts of information. He/she must be a strategic thinker who is able to execute EFInA’s strategy. The Programme Manager must possess deep technical knowledge of financial inclusion in Nigeria (including consumer behavior, product development, and value chains); the ability to apply global best practices to develop and deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria; and a proven track record of identifying, implementing and driving innovation, with minimal supervision.

The Programme Manager should have strong organisational and project management skills to proactively identify, develop, budget, monitor and drive EFInA’s strategy. In addition, he/she should have excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, and possess the gravitas, credibility and track record for building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

The successful applicant will have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and be committed to high standards of performance. The candidate must be comfortable with negotiating change, taking responsibility and making complex strategic and operational decisions. Highly adaptable, creative, and accustomed to delivering results in a dynamic and challenging working environment, the Programme Manager will be expected to make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation. 

Essential

• Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, Finance, Business Administration or other related discipline
• At least eight years’ experience in development or financial services (preferably in Nigeria), with either a minimum of three years in inclusive finance, agent banking, electronic payments (including mobile money), women-focused initiatives, or the capability to quickly understand these models
• Strong relationship management experience with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience working in a complex or pioneering environment and managing or facilitating change
• Project management experience with relevant certification
• Supervision and leadership experience
• Experience in evaluating proposals

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Job description

The Role

The Research and Communication Manager will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by leading the implementation of EFInA’s research activities and the interpretation of research results. The Research and Communication Manager will ensure the successful delivery of all strategic research goals across EFInA’s core programme areas; thereby sustaining EFInA’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria. This will include overseeing the production and dissemination of new research; and supporting a wide range of knowledge-sharing in financial inclusion in-country, regionally and internationally. It will also involve building market capacity to use data to spur both commercial innovation and policy reforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and manage research related projects in line with EFInA’s strategic objectives, to maintain EFInA’s leadership at the cutting-edge of financial sector development in Nigeria
• Contribute to EFInA’s on-going strategic activities by generating and using research to identify the challenges faced by Nigeria’s unbanked and under-banked population
• Manage all research projects conducted by EFInA in line with the organisation’s Annual Business Plan, including evaluating proposals for all research commissioned, actively liaising with market research firms, conducting quality assurance for fieldwork, ensuring adherence to agreed data collection methodology, and reviewing and finalising research reports
• Synthesise lessons learned from research findings of EFInA surveys and scoping studies conducted and draw implications and/or conclusions that are actionable, impactful and accessible to stakeholders, in the form of policy/strategy/technical notes
• Provide insightful and meaningful data to the Programmes Team and Head of Innovation Funding to support the evaluation of proposals received
• Develop and ensure the successful implementation of EFInA’s communications strategy
• Ensure effective dissemination of all research undertaken by EFInA
• Manage the publication and promotion of EFInA’s materials, including design and printing
• Contribute to the development of the financial sector and EFInA’s position as a thought leader within it, by writing and publishing papers on key programme areas
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including academia, market research firms and industry associations working on initiatives related to financial inclusion

 This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background and Qualifications

The role demands a highly analytical and strategic thinker who is able to articulate the role of data in deepening financial inclusion. He/she will have very strong experience and capability in undertaking both qualitative and quantitative research, and will be familiar with current research trends in financial sector development. The Research and Communication Manager will draw on this background to establish, implement and continuously improve data collection and dissemination to effectively measure, monitor and communicate the impact of EFInA’s work. 

The Research and Communication Manger will ideally possess good knowledge of EFInA’s programme areas and financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she will have the ability and curiosity to rapidly digest new information and identify and contribute to new and emerging thinking about ways to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she must also demonstrate the ability to effectively present EFInA’s research in an articulate and compelling manner. He/she will have the gravitas, credibility and ability to proactively build and maintain both existing and new relationships with key stakeholders in academia and with institutions in the public and private sectors working on access to finance related initiatives. 

The successful applicant will have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and committed to high standards of performance. He/sh must be comfortable with negotiating change, taking responsibility and making complex strategic and operational decisions. Highly adaptable, creative, and used to delivering results in a dynamic and challenging working environment, the Research and Communication Manager will rapidly assume a wide range of responsibilities and be able to make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation. 

Essential

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Communications, Marketing, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy, or related field, from a reputable institution
• Minimum of ten years’ work experience at a senior level in the private sector, social sector or academic research environment
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in undertaking social research and managing research firms or departments, and the ability to conduct statistical modelling
• Prior experience working in a communications role in a fast-paced organisation
• Experience communicating large amounts of data in a compelling and innovative way
• Experience in implementing or leading large national surveys and research projects
• knowledge of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods with extensive experience in: Conducting fieldwork such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; Designing research guides, survey tools and questionnaires; Developing analysis frameworks; Research and survey administration, data management and data analysis
• Track record of publishing papers and articles
• Strong knowledge and understanding of research trends in financial sector development
• Demonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and of managing or facilitating change
• Supervision and leadership experience
• Strong relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of senior stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors