CONSULTANT - CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND BUILDING SERVICES MARKETS (x2)

FSD Africa (FSDA) is a new regional programme that promotes financial inclusion by working with financial institutions (FIs) and markets across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to make a transformative impact on the reduction of poverty. FSDA’s initial funding is from the UK’s Department for International Development.

FSDA seeks a dynamic, highly qualified and high performing leadership team to manage significant budgets and develop ambitious new approaches to deliver FSDA’s Strategic Plan to make financial markets work for the poor. 

The role

Reporting to the Director of Change Management and Building Services Markets, the Consultant will be a key member of the team that will manage the implementation of change management initiatives across 20 financial institutions (FIs) in 5 years. He/she will also contribute to the practical implementation of strategies for building services markets in three specific markets: executive coaching and strategic HR, e-training and data management and analytics, and may specifically oversee the building of services in one or more of these markets.

He/she will support the Director of Change Management and Building Services Markets overseeing grants/investments for programmes which will focus on re-purposing established FIs to address underserved markets; and on supporting new entrants (challengers) that seek help in managing change as they grow.

He/she will also support the Director of Change Management and Building Services Markets to work with FIs and services companies to stimulate demand for regionally-based knowledge-based and technical services and, in collaboration with FSDA colleagues, will engage with regional training institutions and companies to increase the supply of trained professionals and good quality technical services into the market.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain relationships with senior leaders at FSP partners
• Conduct needs assessments and support the design of specific programme interventions with FI partners
• Manage external (contractor) relationships, as required
• Oversee collection of data from FI partners and participate in monitoring and evaluation processes
• Contribute to the development of an African-wide consultant and technical services provider

This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with extensive travel within SSA.

Background and Qualifications

This role presents a unique challenge for an individual who would like to contribute to the early stages of an organisation which will deliver significant impact over the coming years, and who would like the opportunity to innovate and create new ideas and ways of working. Over the next five years, the role offers the opportunity to be part of the dynamic FSDA working group and to engage with, and learn from, the community of FSDs and DFID.

The Consultant will bring professional and technical strengths from a career as a manager or equivalent in a specialist consultancy (e.g. strategy, financial sector) or in banking, with a strong focus on change management and/or organisational development, and with strengths in impacting business change. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to making the strategic objectives of the FSDA become a reality.

The appointees to these posts will be private sector professionals, motivated by a passionate interest in the role that markets can play in reducing poverty. 

Applicants should have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and committed to high standards of performance. They must be comfortable with the start-up environment and with taking responsibility as required.

Essential:

• Career in banking or management consultancy in the financial sector at consultant or equivalent level with a desire to commit to supporting the delivery of substantial, multi-year projects across Africa in the next 5-7 years
• At least 7 years’ experience within a consultancy environment
• Knowledge/experience of working in Africa
• Ability to manage a portfolio of projects
• Strong experience in organisational development and/or the management of change
• Strong relationship and project management skills
• Understanding of and commitment to the delivery of a market building approach
• Demonstrable interest in the role that markets can play in reducing poverty (i.e. socially driven as well as outstanding professional skills)  
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English

To apply

For role descriptions, go to www.fsdafrica.org. To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to Warucu Itotia (info@fsdafrica.org) by 7 January 2014.

FSD Africa is an equal opportunity employer.