JOB PURPOSE

The Policy Specialist, Competition & Digital Financial Services will be responsible for advancing knowledge generation, peer learning and implementation activities within the proposed Competition Enablers Knowledge Exchange (CKX) workstream. The incumbent will be the technical lead on the topic of competition enablers for digital financial inclusion and will play a crucial role in facilitating dialogues, coordinating peer exchanges, and capacity building programs related to the topic. Additionally, the incumbent will also support AFI’s Digital Financial Services (DFS) and FinTech workstream in advancing AFI’s knowledge generation, peer learning and implementation activities in the field of competition and digital financial services.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Selection and onboarding of AFI members and stakeholders to the CKX workstream for active participation, based on the agreed timeline.
• Establishment and implementation of the Competition Enablers Knowledge Exchange (CKX) through successful launch of CKX and engagement with select AFI members and stakeholders, based on the agreed scope and timeline.
• Facilitation of collaborative sessions or workshops and support for the regulators, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to enhance CKX deliverables, based on the agreed scope, frequencies, and timeline.
• Development and publication of Knowledge Products (KPs) (e.g., reports, case studies, blogs, guides, etc.) on the initiative’s theme, based on the agreed no. of publications and timeline.
• Design, delivery, and support of capacity-building programs and workshops focused on competition enablement topics, based on the agreed scope, frequencies, and timeline.
• Dissemination of findings and knowledge on competition enablement topics through presentations, webinars, or events across AFI working groups and other platforms, based on the agreed frequencies and timeline.
• Administrative and project management support to achieve a project execution efficiency of at least 95% on time and within budget, utilizing Gantt charts, milestone tracking, and regular status reporting mechanism for an effective execution of projects and programs.
• Workstream support, where needed, for the Digital Financial Services (DFS) and Policy Programs and Implementation (PPI) teams, to advance AFI’s knowledge generation, peer learning and implementation activities.

Period of Contract for Service: Minimum one (1) year until September 2025.

The position will report to Head, Policy Management, and will work closely with AFI’s Policy Programs & Implementation (PPI) team as well as across AFI’s teams as and when required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A Postgraduate Degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Finance, Business, Commerce, Public Sector policies, Laws, Business Administration.
• Minimum five (5) years of working experience in relevant fields such as financial sector policy or regulation; financial inclusion, digital financial services, competition, financial technology & innovation, international development policy, and sustainable development.
• Minimum two (2) years of working experience with direct exposure to financial inclusion policy, financial sector regulation, and competition aspects of digital financial services.
• Working experience at or with a regulatory/policy making institution is strongly preferred.

COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

• Able to conduct and oversee data analysis, primary and secondary research, and analytical works to develop policy recommendations and/or produce strategy documents, especially on digital financial services, e-money and fintech.
• In-depth knowledge of competition dynamics within the context of financial inclusion.
• Strong understanding of the regions and global markets, with ability to keep abreast/aware with internal/external issues, changes and opportunities and anticipates their impacts.
• Excellent coordination and administrative skills to support management of complex projects involving internal and external stakeholders across geographies.
• Able to draft technical Request for Proposals (RFPs), project plans and manage external contractors.
• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency. A track-record of written publications (papers, articles, blogs), and experience of presenting at conferences or in training workshops would be an advantage.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Database is essential.
• Able to work independently and flexible to adapt to changing work requirements.
• Results and solutions oriented with excellent time management skills.
• Strong relationship building, negotiation, influencing, guiding, communication, diplomacy, and advocacy skills, with ability to contribute to building productive relationships and partnerships across the organization and with stakeholders from diverse cultures, personalities, and disciplines.
• Willing to travel, where needed.

KEY CHALLENGES

• At times, the incumbent may have to work in different time zones as AFI members and regional offices are spread across the globe.
• Extensive travel may be required during specific periods depending on members’ demand.
• Multiple projects may run concurrently which are time-sensitive, demanding and of strategic priority to AFI, its members and stakeholders.
• Incumbents may need to constantly upgrade knowledge and technical skills to clearly ascertain competition implications of technology-based innovations and bring forth best policy and regulatory responses.

Interested candidates are invited to apply together with the latest CV and cover letter in English.