Afghanistan: Senior Technical Advisor, Mobile Money Lead

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Senior Technical Advisor, Mobile Money Lead

Description:

FHI 360 seeks an experienced candidate to work on an anticipated five-year initiative to enhance the capacity and reach of mobile money and branchless banking in Afghanistan. The overarching goal of the program is to strengthen the financial sector as a whole, with digital channels facilitating access to financial services and the deployment of new micro, SME, and consumer finance products. The candidate will build the ecosystem for mobile money in Afghanistan by bringing together key private and public sector stakeholders to engage in activities including:

strengthen mobile money infrastructure and regulation; develop strategies for increasing customer uptake of mobile financial services; launch innovative delivery channels and mobile money-based product lines, including products and services that expand access to financial services for women;
integrate mobile payments with existing electronic banking channels and products; and convert G2P payments from cash to mobile money.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with mobile network operators (MNOs), financial institutions and government agencies in Afghanistan, and have private sector experience in the successful development and roll-out of mobile money products and services. The candidate is expected to be available to begin working with FHI 360 in the summer of 2016. This position will report directly to the project Chief of Party, and indirectly to the Technical Project Director at FHI 360.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

• Recruit and lead a team of 3-5 people in order to implement program deliverables on time and within the project budget.


• Build relationships with key stakeholders and partners, and coordinate regular meetings and communications among stakeholders to set and work towards project goals for building a sustainable mobile money ecosystem.


• Identify technical assistance needs of stakeholders/partners, and provide or procure expertise required. Areas of technical assistance may include regulatory policy development, mobile payments infrastructure development, design and operational implementation of new products and services.


• Meet specific program activity targets in terms of products launched, end users reached, and policy implementations completed.


• Manage partner and donor relationships in country, and supervise the preparation of donor reports related to mobile money deliverables.


• Deliver presentations at professional meetings and conferences.


• Regularly communicate program progress and activities to FHI 360 Project Directors and other partners in Washington, DC.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business, finance, IT, or a related field.


• Minimum of ten years of operational experience in the telecommunications industry, preferably with mobile money, with a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative products and services.


• Experience and comfort interfacing with senior government and banking/ telecom industry officials in Afghanistan. Ideally, candidate will have existing relationships within these sectors.


• Deep knowledge of regulation relevant to mobile money and electronic banking in Afghanistan.


• Highly skilled in building and negotiating effective partnerships across organizations and sectors.


• Experience in recruiting and managing a team to successfully meet project targets and drive results.


• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations is preferred, but not required.


• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive fashion with clients, stakeholders, and team members.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as well as either Dari or Pashto.


• Must be based in Afghanistan.


• Able to travel within Afghanistan (up to 10-20%)

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please click here to visit FHI 360’s Career Center for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities