Head of Partnerships Delivery – Job Vacancy at Ecobank Kenya – Dec 2024 Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Business Delivery oversees the end-to-end delivery of Ecobank’s remittance and fintech products and services. This role involves managing cross-functional teams—including Credit Risk & Finance Specialist, Treasury & Liquidity Specialist, API Integrators, and Developers—to ensure seamless implementation of business initiatives. The incumbent plays a critical role in aligning technology solutions with business strategies, optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

JOB CONTEXT

The Head of Business Delivery operates within a dynamic and rapidly evolving fintech and remittance environment. The role requires deep knowledge of technology integration, project management, financial risk, and cross-functional leadership. The incumbent must navigate regulatory complexities, manage both internal and external stakeholder relationships, and foster innovation to keep pace with emerging industry trends. Success in this role hinges on delivering high-quality, customer-centric products within agreed timelines and budgets, while ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Business and Financial Performance

• Strategic Alignment: Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the delivery of remittance and fintech products, ensuring alignment with Ecobank’s overall objectives and market demands.
• Financial and Risk Management: Collaborate with the Credit Risk & Finance Specialist and Treasury & Liquidity Specialist to identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks associated with product delivery.
• Cost Management: Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget, minimizing financial risks and maximizing operational efficiencies.

Customer Excellence

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise with internal stakeholders—including Compliance, Legal, Operations, IT, Marketing, and Product Development teams—to ensure alignment and support for business delivery initiatives, with a focus on meeting customer expectations.
• External Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external stakeholders such as technology vendors, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and industry networks to ensure successful project outcomes and compliance.
• Customer-Centric Solutions: Oversee the implementation of solutions that enhance customer experience, ensuring seamless and efficient product delivery that meets customer needs.

Leadership and People Management

• Team Leadership: Lead and manage a matrix team comprising Credit Risk & Finance Specialist, Treasury & Liquidity Specialist, API Integrators, and Developers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Innovation and Development: Foster a culture of innovation within the team, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance product delivery and operational efficiency.
• Mentorship and Development: Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, supporting their professional development and ensuring high levels of team engagement.

Process, Control, and Operational Performance

• Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects using agile methodologies, ensuring all projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency by implementing process enhancements and technology solutions, reducing time-to-market for new product releases.
• Compliance: Ensure that all product delivery activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, maintaining high standards of corporate governance and achieving 100% compliance.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Establish and track KPIs to measure the success of product delivery initiatives, reporting progress to senior management and making necessary adjustments to stay on target.

Strategic Initiatives

• Technology Alignment: Coordinate with API Integrators and Developers to design, develop, and implement technology solutions that meet business requirements and enhance customer experience.
• Industry Trends: Monitor industry trends and technological advancements to keep Ecobank at the forefront of fintech and remittance services, continuously improving its offerings and maintaining a competitive edge.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives for continuous improvement, including the adoption of innovative tools, methodologies, and technologies to drive greater operational success.

JOB PROFILE

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree in Project Management, Technology Management, Finance, or related fields is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, ITIL, Agile Scrum Master, or relevant technical certifications are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in business delivery, project management, or technology management within the fintech, remittance, or financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects involving cross-functional teams and technology integration.
• Experience managing teams of technical and business specialists, with strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Familiarity with API integration, software development lifecycle, and agile methodologies.
• Knowledge of credit risk management, finance, treasury operations, and liquidity management in a banking context.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to regional offices and partner sites.
• Experience working in multicultural and regional environments is an advantage.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Ability to align technology solutions with business strategies and objectives, focusing on innovation and competitive advantage.
• Excellent skills in project planning, execution, risk management, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of technology platforms, API integration, software development, and IT infrastructure.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk, finance, treasury, liquidity, and regulatory compliance requirements within the financial services industry.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with technical teams, business stakeholders, and senior management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Experience in managing organizational change, driving the adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and adapt to various cultural contexts.
• High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the bank’s values.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in French is an added advantage.
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.