WAM international

Background

YouthSave is a proposed multi-year project to develop and test the development and commercial impacts of youth savings accounts (YSAs) in 4 countries.  The project will represent the largest initiative to date to study youth demand for savings facilities in developing countries, and to satisfy that demand by developing commercially viable savings services in conjunction with local financial institutions (FIs). YouthSave also includes a significant research component, with plans to implement a landmark experimental/quasi-experimental impact study of the effect of YSA usage on youth development.

Primary Purpose

The Regional Technical Advisor - Africa (RTA) will be responsible for the design and execution of YouthSave's program of technical assistance (TA) and project support to partner financial institutions (FIs) in Africa.  He/she will ensure high-level relationship management with partner FIs, evaluate their TA needs, create a program of customized technical support necessary to develop and roll-out one YouthSave-supported youth savings product/service per FI, structure project support for the development and roll-out of the product, ad provide ad hoc consulting to FI management.  He/she will be assisted in the day-to-day management of TA and project support by one full-time Program Manager (PM) in each African country. The RTA will also serve as a key project spokesperson within Africa, representing the YouthSave Consortium at industry/stakeholder gatherings and to practitioner and policy audiences, and contributing to Consortium communications products.

THIS POSITION IS CONDITIONAL ON FUNDING BY SPONSOR.

• Evaluate the TA needs of partner FIs and create a customized program of technical support for the development and roll-out of a youth savings product/service. The RTA will structure the product design and roll-out process and guide the FI project team through it, including leading workshops, conducting fieldwork and analysis with the FI team and PM, and incorporating external TA/service providers as necessary.  The RTA will retain overall responsibility for the quality and appropriateness of technical support.
• Structure project support for product development and roll-out. In addition to a program of TA, each partner FI will benefit from project support to defray costs involved in designing and launching the product.  Using this project support fund, the RTA will guide the PMs in procuring the products and services agreed with partner FIs to ensure the selection of quality providers as well as the appropriate timing, sequencing, and quality of deliverables.
• Ensure high-level relationship management with YouthSave's partner FIs in Africa. The RTA will be YouthSave's main interlocutor with top management of partner FIs on matters related to product design and roll-out. The RTA will be responsible for maintaining smooth, collaborative relationships with partner FIs, keeping key FI managers briefed on project progress, accomplishments, and implications.
• Provide ad hoc consulting to partner FI management. The RTA will be expected to respond to other product development-related, strategic, and operational questions that may arise among FI management as a result of or in connection with YouthSave project activity.
• Represent YouthSave. The RTA will articulate YouthSave goals, strategy, and progress in a variety of forums including conferences and other stakeholder gatherings such as site visits by practitioners and policy makers from neighboring countries.  He/she will seek out opportunities to engage with various stakeholder audiences (FIs, NGOs, policy makers, scholars) and disseminate project learnings. The RTA will also contribute to the Consortium's printed and online external communications.

Background and Experience

• At least 15 years experience in retail banking/financial services field in developing countries, with focus on low-income clients.  At least 5 years in senior management capacity. Strong preference for Africa experience.
• Track record of successfully managing the full cycle of product development, preferably in retail banking/financial institutions, including market research, prototype design and refinement, piloting, and roll-out.
• Demonstrated ability to lead innovation/consulting projects, effectively communicating results and delivering sound recommendations to top-level enterprise managers.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to track and manage the activities of teams in multiple locations and maintain clear communication lines with diverse team members and stakeholders to ensure timely project progress.
• Familiarity with youth development field and NGO operations a plus.
• Foreign language skills a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviors

• Leverages past technical experience to quickly assume leadership position within a unique, innovation-based project; diagnose needed technical skills within partner FIs; and design a plan for providing or procuring corresponding TA.
• Track record of managing across geographic and cultural boundaries, building the professional and technical skills of direct and indirect reports.
• Experience and comfort managing through influence to fulfill multiple agendas in complex teaming environments.
• Articulate and compelling public speaker, presenter, and writer.