Current Job Vacancies at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) - 5 Positions

THE ROLE
Reporting to the CEO of EFInA, the Head of Knowledge and Evidence 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. In accordance with EFInA’s five year strategy, the Head of Knowledge and Evidence 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; showcasing innovation; and supporting a wide range of knowledge-sharing activities in-country, regionally and internationally. It will also involve building market capacity to access and use EFInA’s research to spur both commercial innovation and policy reform, and bringing rigour to methods of measuring the impact of financial sector programmes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•     Conceptualise and manage knowledge-based projects in line with EFInA’s strategic objectives (including evaluating research proposals; planning research projects; developing quantitative and qualitative methodology and research tools; managing appointed market research firms to conduct fieldwork and data collection; conducting analysis; monitoring progress; finalising end-of-project reports and quarterly monitoring reports; managing desk research, literature reviews, and customised surveys and scoping studies)
•     Contribute to EFInA’s ongoing strategic planning process by generating and using research to identify challenges faced by Nigeria’s unbanked and under-banked
•     Provide insightful and meaningful data to support EFInA’s advocacy and policy agenda
•     Lead the implementation of all EFInA’s surveys and studies in line with the organisation’s five year strategy, including EFInA’s Access to Financial Services in Nigeria survey, a nationwide survey with more than 20,000 respondents
•     Ensure effective thought leadership and dissemination of all research undertaken by EFInA
•     Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and ensure linkages to the wider research community
•     Keep abreast of access to finance related research and write papers on key programme areas to contribute to the development of the financial sector
•     Engage with team members across EFInA to support, capture and share their information, research and evaluation-related activities
•     Establish and continuously improve monitoring and evaluation systems and use them to effectively measure, monitor and communicate the impact of EFInA’s work
•     Manage the Communications Officer to develop and implement a communications strategy to distil and disseminate EFInA’s primary research to a wide audience
•     Develop a learning culture, and embed EFInA’s Total Quality Management systems in the Research Department, to ensure standards of excellence across the organisation

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• This position 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 Head of Knowledge and Evidence will be responsible for disseminating EFInA’s research to a wide audience and will ideally possess a 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. He/she must also demonstrate the ability to present EFInA’s research data articulately and compellingly. 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 to manage relationships with market research firms and industry associations 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/she 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 fluid working environment, the Head of Knowledge and Evidence will rapidly assume a wide range of responsibilities and make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation.

Essential:

•     Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
•     Minimum of ten years’ work experience at a senior level in a large private 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
•     Strong experience/capability in directing large national surveys and research projects and 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
•     Strong understanding of the different approaches for measuring and evaluating impact
•     Demonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and 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
•     Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•     Support the CEO in expanding EFInA’s funding activities in line with its strategic objectives, driving financial inclusion initiatives to scale in selected strategic areas, identifying and managing additional funding approaches, and planning for the engagement of future grantees
•     Manage and ensure strategic oversight of the Innovation Fund. This includes managing existing grants; identifying new projects, evaluating proposals, and conducting due diligence; leading the design and implementation of projects; and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
•     Provide information to the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to support EFInA’s research agenda, and ensure that the lessons learned from grantees are disseminated
•     Ensure EFInA’s research is used to stimulate product innovation to develop Nigeria’s financial inclusion sector
•     Implement a marketing strategy, and cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, to secure commitment to financial innovation and to build a strong pipeline of applicants to the Fund
•     Lead the establishment and continuous improvement of a grants management, project appraisal and monitoring and evaluation system
•     Develop a learning culture, and embed EFInA’s Total Quality Management systems in the Grants Department, to ensure standards of excellence across the organisation

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• This is a market making role which requires a highly numerate and analytical individual who demonstrates a high degree of maturity and integrity. He/she will have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and committed to high standards of performance. He/she will proactively identify institutions with the capacity to deliver new projects that are both innovative and inclusive.
• The role demands an individual who possesses the gravitas, credibility and ability to build and maintain a network by proactively developing relationships with key stakeholders across the Nigerian financial sector. He/she will be able to represent and market EFInA’s Innovation Fund at events, conduct workshops and engage in institutional dialogue, in order to trigger interest in, and gain commitment to supporting financial innovation, and provide the funding for developing relevant business models. He/she will also demonstrate strong influencing and interpersonal skills, and ideally possess a good overview of EFInA’s programme areas and of financial inclusion in Nigeria, which will enable him/her to liaise effectively with EFInA’s CEO, Head of Programmes and Head of Knowledge and Evidence.
• The successful applicant will 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 fluid working environment, the Head of Innovation Funding will rapidly assume a wide range of responsibilities and make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation.

Essential:

•     Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
•     Minimum of ten years’ financial sector experience with a proven track record in a fund management role
•     Demonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and managing or facilitating change
•     Strong relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders at the highest level
•     Supervision and leadership experience
•     Experience in assessing and evaluating proposals
•     Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda

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THE ROLE
The Executive Assistant will provide strategic, administrative, logistical and operational support to the Office of the CEO. He/she will act as a sounding board for the CEO and contribute to the development of EFInA’s strategic areas and cross-cutting themes. He/she will be closely involved in EFInA’s strategic planning process and will assist the CEO in achieving a wide range of strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•     Assist the CEO in managing relationships with external stakeholders
•     Prepare the CEO for appointments, meetings and events by undertaking research, collating and preparing information and presentations, and planning for meetings
•     Support and shadow the CEO at committees, working groups and meetings
•     Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and other documentation; collate weekly reports and contribute to EFInA’s quarterly report; proof-read and comment on confidential reports from senior management and external stakeholders
•     Manage the CEO’s calendar, contact database, travel, and expenses
•     Deal with queries from internal and external sources and prepare draft responses
•     Plan and manage logistics for departmental and Board meetings
•     Ensure and supervise the continuous improvement of operational processes and procedures to enable efficient administration of the Office of the CEO

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• The role demands an individual who is resourceful, a fast learner and a creative strategic thinker. He/she will need to be highly adaptable, comfortable in a dynamic and fluid working environment and prepared to assume responsibility for a wide range of tasks, whether foreseen or otherwise.
• This role presents a challenging opportunity for an experienced executive assistant who is passionate about the contribution that EFINA is making to driving economic growth and reducing poverty in Nigeria. It may also appeal to a high flier who has the capability to support the Office of the CEO. 

Essential:

•     Master’s degree in Law, English, Social Sciences, Economics, Finance, Marketing or related field from a reputable institution
•     Demonstrable experience working as an Executive Assistant at Executive Board level, supporting a senior Director, Chief Executive Officer or Executive Chairman.  A minimum of five years of experience, or other demonstrated capacity to deliver at this level
•     Experience developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures
•     Some experience in strategic planning
•     Experience taking minutes at high level meetings
•     Prior experience working in a structured corporate environment
•     Knowledge of Financial Inclusion
•     Professional project management certification
•     Prior legal or para-legal experience
•     Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda

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THE ROLE
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

• This role requires active management of projects, processes and stakeholders. It 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 individual will also possess the gravitas and credibility to build and maintain relationships with current and prospective grantees. He/she would be able to represent EFInA’s objectives and work with partners to deepen financial inclusion.
• The successful applicant will be comfortable with leading change, solving problems and taking responsibility for the success of EFInA’s grant portfolio. A highly process-driven team player, the Grants Manager will be expected to deliver results in a dynamic and fluid working environment.

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 programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
•     Experience in one or more of EFInA’s strategic areas
•     Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda

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THE ROLE
The Research Officer will provide accurate, credible and relevant market information on the Nigerian financial sector by supporting the implementation of EFInA’s research activities and interpretation of research results.
He/she will provide effective and timely delivery of relevant and high-quality research information to support EFInA’s strategic, advocacy and capacity building initiatives. The Research Officer will conduct insightful and compelling analysis to provide external stakeholders and other EFInA departments with relevant, credible information that can be used to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•     Support EFInA’s specialised surveys and scoping studies throughout the project lifecycle (planning, procurement of research house services, development of methodology and research tools, fieldwork, data collection and analysis, reporting, evaluation)
•     Conduct desk research and literature reviews and produce relevant reports
•     Analyse and interpret data collected from EFInA’s specialized surveys and scoping studies, ensuring accuracy, and converting into information that meets stakeholder needs and supports EFInA’s strategic objectives
•     Provide project management support for EFInA’s research projects, tracking project status, monitoring adherence to methodology and quality assurance measures, and developing post-project evaluation reports for sign off by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
•     Support the dissemination of EFInA’s research findings by contributing to research reports, policy briefs and strategy/technical notes
•     Support the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
•     Ensure understanding of, and linkages to, the wider research community, including by providing quarterly summaries of relevant research conducted worldwide and any implications for EFInA
•     Create and maintain an archive of all EFInA data and other research information
•     Respond to and track requests for EFInA surveys and data

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.
 
BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

• The role demands an individual who can leverage knowledge of research methodology and best practices to support planning, design, implementation and dissemination of research conducted by EFInA. The successful applicant will have a strong research foundation and the desire and ability to quickly learn about EFInA’s strategic areas. He/she will be results driven and committed to high standards of performance. He/she will be adaptable, creative, and accustomed to delivering results in a dynamic, fast-paced and fluid working environment.

Essential:

•     Master’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Anthropology, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
•     Minimum of five years’ relevant work experience, including two years’ experience in conducting research
•     Experience in desk research, handling a variety of information sources and producing relevant reports
•     Proven ability to synthesise implications and identify market opportunities from data
•     Experience in statistical analysis using software such as SPSS, Stata, etc.
•     Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda