Head of Research and Market Information

About the Organization:
Founded in 2008, the Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade (FAST) is a global, member-driven non-profit association representing financial institutions, sustainable SMEs, and other stakeholders working to improve access to finance for sustainable SMEs. It builds on the history and experience of the micro-finance sector, but applied to the level of certified SMEs across the developing world, understanding, in particular the need to understand and standardize industry practices as a means to generating improved efficiency and impact across the sustainable SME financial market.

About the Job:
FAST is seeking Head of Research and Market Information. S/he will manage and coordinate the work of a research sub-team, and of a market information - data management and analysis sub-team.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Provide leadership in the strategic development and evolution of the team’s mandate;
Ensure the highest industry standards of research reports delivered by the team, addressing research themes that result in maximizing organization’s mission;
Ensure a “state-of-the-art” approach towards data analysis;
Remain up to date in relation to the latest developments of the sustainable SME sector, and of investments in it;
Achieve and maintain market recognition as a leading and influential researcher in the sustainable SME sector;
Deal with the external research analysts and manage the internal human resources;
Coordinate with the market information - data management and analysis sub-team the development and maintenance of relationships with organizations providing the necessary data to the team;
Initiate, innovate, and develop activities aimed at improving the scope and quality of research in the sustainable SME sector;
Ensure that reporting to donators on research activities are provided as required;
Present in conferences whenever possible.

Qualifications:

PhD degree in Economics, Finance or Statistics degree/background with relevant research experience;
At least 10 years of related experience, including at least 5 years of research experience;
Excellent written and oral communication in English;
At least 7 years experience in management or team leadership, with strong leadership and management skills;
Ability and willingness to create a new team;
Ability and willingness to work in a small though growing non-profit organization;
Good interpersonal skills, good team player;
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, with limited resources;
Ability and willingness to travel;
Knowledge of other languages as Spanish and French desirable;
Experience working in international development, the sustainable SME sector, and/or microfinance desirable.