Job Description

We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record in business development, project management, team leadership, report writing, documentation, and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate should possess strong facilitation and consensus-building capabilities, excellent executive communication and presentation skills, and solid analytical, quantitative, and qualitative research abilities. The role also requires exceptional planning, organizational, and time management skills, with the flexibility to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and consistently meet deadlines. Strong business acumen and strategic thinking are essential.

1. Lead Complex Project Execution

• Lead the design, delivery, and quality assurance of large-scale, multi-stakeholder advisory and research engagements.
  

• Manage cross-functional teams to deliver technically sound, innovative, and high-impact solutions across areas including:
  

  • Financial inclusion strategy and policy formulation
    

  • Social assistance delivery and digital cash transfer programs
    

  • MSME finance and access to credit
    

  • Microfinance institutional transformation
    

  • Digital financial services and agent network development
    

• Provide strategic direction throughout project implementation while ensuring client satisfaction and maintaining the highest standards of quality and delivery.
  

2. Business Development

• Drive business growth by identifying, developing, and converting opportunities with donors, development partners, governments, financial institutions, and foundations.
  

• Lead proposal development, client pitches, and strategic engagement for priority accounts and sectors.
  

• Build and maintain long-term client relationships, positioning the firm as a trusted advisor across target markets.
  

• Shape and expand service offerings in response to evolving market trends and development priorities.
  

3. Human Capital Development

• Mentor and coach consultants at the mid- and senior-level to support professional growth and capability development.
  

• Build a strong leadership pipeline by fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  

• Support recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and internal capability-building initiatives.
  

4. Knowledge Development and Thought Leadership

• Lead the development of high-quality knowledge products, including frameworks, research reports, publications, tools, and blogs.
  

• Represent the firm at industry forums, conferences, and roundtable discussions through speaking engagements and publications.
  

• Collaborate with global teams to capture lessons learned, strengthen intellectual capital, and promote knowledge sharing across the organization.
  

5. Team Leadership and Development

• Provide strategic direction, guidance, and oversight to diverse project teams across multiple countries and contexts.
  

• Foster collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and cross-learning among teams and practice groups.
  

• Promote high levels of employee engagement while ensuring alignment with the firm's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
  

6. Alignment with Global Teams and Capability Leads

• Collaborate closely with global service line and capability leads to ensure consistency in methodologies, project delivery, and knowledge management.
  

• Contribute to firm-wide strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and capability development programs.
  

• Strengthen collaboration across regions and practices to maximize synergies, share expertise, and deliver greater impact across markets.
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field. Professional certifications aligned with the role's area of specialization are an added advantage.
  

• Strong business acumen with strategic thinking, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities.
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports, proposals, and presentations.
  

Desired Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience, preferably in emerging markets, with strong expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  

  • Financial inclusion
    

  • Agriculture finance
    

  • FinTech and emerging technologies
    

  • Banking and financial services
    

  • Inclusive finance initiatives focusing on gender, youth, and other underserved segments
    

• Proven ability to influence and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, donors, governments, and strategic partners.
  

• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex, multi-country or multi-stakeholder programs while effectively navigating multicultural environments and global business processes.
  

• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate insights into practical business solutions.
  

• Previous experience in management consulting, advisory services, or applied research is highly preferred.
  

• Proven track record in developing successful business proposals, concept notes, and technical proposals for clients, donors, or funding agencies.
  

• Demonstrated passion and commitment to advancing financial inclusion and sustainable development.