Head Of Innovation Funding at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA)

HEAD OF INNOVATION FUNDING - EFInA

Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) is a leading financial sector development organisation working to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria. Established in late 2007, EFInA’s vision is to be the leader in facilitating an all-inclusive and growth-promoting financial system. EFInA is funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

EFInA is seeking to recruit dynamic, strategic, and committed individuals to newly defined roles to build on its current achievements and accelerate the impact of financial inclusion in Nigeria. EFInA is a rapidly growing organisation with considerable influence in the financial sector. Employment with EFInA offers an exceptional and challenging opportunity for the right candidate.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO of EFInA, the Head of Innovation Funding will assist in developing EFInA’s financial inclusion agenda by initiating, managing and monitoring grants designed to increase the financial options available to the low income segments of the population. By stimulating product innovation and increasing the number of grants awarded, the Head of Innovation Funding will play a central part in achieving EFInA’s strategic objectives. Through these activities, he/she will maximise the impact of the Innovation Fund, by increasing the pipeline of fundable projects and showcasing the demonstration effect of the projects funded.

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 granteesManage 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 proceduresProvide information to the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to support EFInA’s research agenda, and ensure that the lessons learned from grantees are disseminatedEnsure EFInA’s research is used to stimulate product innovation to develop Nigeria’s financial inclusion sectorImplement 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 FundLead the establishment and continuous improvement of a grants management, project appraisal and monitoring and evaluation systemDevelop 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 institutionMinimum of ten years’ financial sector experience with a proven track record in a fund management roleDemonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and managing or facilitating changeStrong relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders at the highest levelSupervision and leadership experienceExperience in assessing and evaluating proposalsCommitment to the financial inclusion agenda

TO APPLY

For a full role description and required qualifications and experience, please visit www.efina.org.ng/careers

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to efina@creativemetier.com by 30 September 2014, ensuring that you state which role you are applying for and where you saw this advertisement.

Previous applicants need not apply.

EFInA is an equal opportunity employer.