Working ¡n partnership with the financial services industry, the programme’s goal is to expand access to financial services among lower income households and smaller enterprises. The conceptual underpinning of FSD’s work derives from the “making markets work for the poor” approach, which has emerged over the last ten years as an increasingly influential development paradigm. It provided the original impetus for the establishment of FSD Kenya and has guided its activities over the last seven years.
FSD is looking for a Policy Specialist and a Policy Analyst to support a significant expansion in our work in the policy arena.
The policy specialist will have lead responsibility for delivering appropriate and timely support to the Government of Kenya in implementation of financial inclusion related policy reforms. The scope of work will entail:Overall project management of a policy support facility.Work closely with lead agencies to define strategically focussed initiatives and activities ensuring that appropriate and timely support is provided.Direct technical support which will entail identifying gaps relating to financial inclusion policy and providing policy advice on appropriate key issues.Ensure research findings relating to key policy issues are synthesised effectively.Support implementation of facility inputs through identifying capacity challenges across key government regulatory agencies.Support partner agencies in designing appropriate inputs including the development of technical assistance inputs.Manage stakeholder relations with financial sector regulators and key industry representatives.Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent (master’s degree preferred);At least 7 years’ experience working in the financial sector field;Expertise relevant to financial inclusion;Strong project management skills;Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
The policy analyst will leverage the expanding base of data from Kenya and other relevant markets to support more effective, evidence-based policy-making to support and expand financial inclusion. Determine the requirements for evidence based policy analysis and develop approaches to addressing these needs.Develop requirements for primary research studies and ensure high quality studies are conducted in a timely fashion.Participate directly in longer-term policy analysis processes.Undertake financial inclusion policy knowledge synthesis.Build and maintain a database of key policy related indicators with a view to strengthening the feedback loop between policy decisions, implementation and impact.Identify appropriate ICT tools to systematise data capture, validation, storage and analysis.Develop mechanisms to inform key policymakers of emerging trends in the data to ensure developments rapidly impact on policy formulation.Relevant qualifications in social science (minimum bachelor’s degree);Strong research skills and in-depth understanding of analytical methods applicable to policy work;Experience working in the financial services field;Excellent written and oral communication skills.Detailed terms of reference for these positions can be downloaded from our website (under the Opportunities section). If you think you are the right person for these exceptional opportunities, then send your CV and covering letter by email tojobs@hcsafrica.com. Please put ‘Policy Specialist’ or ‘Policy Analyst’ in the subject line. Closing date: Monday 8th July, 2013.
