Over the past ten years the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) has worked with other leading development agencies to establish financial market development programmes across Africa, including FinMark Trust, Financial Sector Deepening Tanzania (FSD Tanzania), FSD Kenya, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), and Enhancing Finance Innovation and Access (EFInA) Nigeria. These programmes share a common vision of making financial markets work for the poor, increasing poor people’s access to savings, credit, insurance and payments services.

Financial Sector Deepening Africa, FSD Africa, is a new initiative which will build on the success already achieved, increasing synergies across the existing country programmes and providing support in other countries on the continent. Financed by DFID and based in Nairobi, Kenya, it will work with FSD country programmes and others in building the capacity of financial service providers, facilitating skills, knowledge and technology transfers and increasing coordination between markets. At the outset, FSD Africa will formally be operated as a project of FSD Kenya but will be established as an independent trust as quickly as possible.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to establish and head this new programme to achieve its vision of expanding financial inclusion across Africa. The Director will:

  • Lead the development and implementation of FSD Africa’s strategy and business plans;
  • Establish and lead a team of professionals to deliver results;
  • Manage the programme’s external stakeholder relationships; and,
  • Provide thought leadership on financial inclusion.

The right candidate will be highly motivated by this unique opportunity to impact on private sector led development. You will have a deep understanding of the financial inclusion field and significant professional experience working in Africa. A strong track record in management and excellent communication skills are essential together with a minimum of a masters’ degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A competitive remuneration package will be offered. More details can be downloaded from FSD Kenya’s website (under the Opportunities section).

If you think you are who we are looking for, then please send your CV and a covering letter by e-mail to Lydiah Kioko (Lydiah.Kioko@fsdkenya.org). Please put “Director, FSD Africa” in the subject line. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to set up an interview. Closing date: Monday 7th May, 2012.

www.fsdkenya.org