Head: Information and Research Support FinMark Trust

Reporting line: CEO: FinMark Trust

Qualifications: University bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field such as management, commerce, statistics or economics. A relevant post-graduate qualification would be desirable.

Experience: Extensive management and leadership experience at a senior level in research. Financial services experience in Africa or other developing markets would be ideal. Proof of recent involvement in research projects/research papers published required.

Prime purpose of the role:

The Head: Information and Research Support will have the responsibility for implementing FinMark Trust’s research activities (primarily, but not limited to, FinScope surveys) across Africa, and will therefore require a significant amount of time travelling to these countries. The position requires a high calibre individual with strong leadership qualities, experience in engaging with stakeholders at senior levels, and strong competencies in handling large research projects.

Key performance areas:

Management of the Information and Research Support function:
• Provide strategic direction in terms of information and research activities across all theme areas of FinMark Trust
• Provide technical guidance and support in terms of design and implementation of research initiatives within FinMark Trust as well as with regard to research initiatives commissioned by FinMark Trust
• Ensure quality and integrity of research disseminated by FinMark Trust
• Manage the information and research support budget, deliverables and staff complement
• Engage with financial sector role players in countries in which FinMark Trust operates to advocate for evidence-based interventions to achieve increased financial inclusion
• Develop a strategy and business plan for FinMark Trust to promote the implementation of FinScope Consumer and Small Business surveys across Africa and other developing markets as required
• Play a leading role in the dissemination of all information generated
• Mentor the information and research team in order to build a strong research capacity within FinMark Trust

Research Implementation:
• Participate in the design of research/survey implementation strategies
• Prepare research/survey budgets and oversee agreement of contractual terms reflecting institutional arrangements for implementation
• Support research/survey implementation and ensure quality of deliverables
• Provide input into questionnaire/survey instrument design
• Participate in the preparation and orientation of research houses/consultants regarding research/survey implementation
• Guide analysis and interpretation of research findings
• Ensure technical quality of the content of research/information dissemination material
• Review, adapt, and comment on FinMark Trust initiated research Terms of Reference, proposals, research instruments and study designs

Key competencies required:

• The passion to drive the FinMark Trust purpose of making financial markets work for the poor across Africa
• Strong technical research and analytical skills
• Strong management and leadership skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to respond to very tight deadlines
• Ability to work flexibly and respond to change
• Results oriented
• Team player

Job Email id:

andreaw(at)finmark.org.za