Company: EFInA
Job description:
Reporting to the CEO of EFInA, the Head of Innovation Funding will assist in developing EFInA’s financial inclusion agenda by initiating, managing and monitoring grants designed to increase the financial options available to the low income segments of the population. By stimulating product innovation and increasing the number of grants awarded, the Head of Innovation Funding will play a central part in achieving EFInA’s strategic objectives. Through these activities, he/she will maximise the impact of the Innovation Fund, by increasing the pipeline of fundable projects and showcasing the demonstration effect of the projects funded.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the CEO in expanding EFInA’s funding activities in line with its strategic objectives, driving financial inclusion initiatives to scale in selected strategic areas, identifying and managing additional funding approaches, and planning for the engagement of future grantees
Manage and ensure strategic oversight of the Innovation Fund. This includes managing existing grants; identifying new projects, evaluating proposals, and conducting due diligence; leading the design and implementation of projects; and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
Provide information to the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to support EFInA’s research agenda, and ensure that the lessons learned from grantees are disseminated
Ensure EFInA’s research is used to stimulate product innovation to develop Nigeria’s financial inclusion sector
Implement a marketing strategy, and cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, to secure commitment to financial innovation and to build a strong pipeline of applicants to the Fund
Lead the establishment and continuous improvement of a grants management, project appraisal and monitoring and evaluation system
Develop a learning culture, and embed EFInA’s Total Quality Management systems in the Grants Department, to ensure standards of excellence across the organisation

This role is based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Desired Skills and Experience
This is a market making role which requires a highly numerate and analytical individual who demonstrates a high degree of maturity and integrity. He/she will have a strong strategic focus, be results driven, and committed to high standards of performance. He/she will proactively identify institutions with the capacity to deliver new projects that are both innovative and inclusive.

The role demands an individual who possesses the gravitas, credibility and ability to build and maintain a network by proactively developing relationships with key stakeholders across the Nigerian financial sector. He/she will be able to represent and market EFInA’s Innovation Fund at events, conduct workshops and engage in institutional dialogue, in order to trigger interest in, and gain commitment to supporting financial innovation, and provide the funding for developing relevant business models. He/she will also demonstrate strong influencing and interpersonal skills, and ideally possess a good overview of EFInA’s programme areas and of financial inclusion in Nigeria, which will enable him/her to liaise effectively with EFInA’s CEO, Head of Programmes and Head of Knowledge and Evidence.

The successful applicant will be comfortable with negotiating change, taking responsibility and making complex strategic and operational decisions. Highly adaptable, creative, and accustomed to delivering results in a dynamic and fluid working environment, the Head of Innovation Funding will rapidly assume a wide range of responsibilities and make decisive and tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation.

Essential:
Master’s degree in Statistics, Economics, International Development, Public Policy or related field, from a reputable institution
Minimum of ten years’ financial sector experience with a proven track record in a fund management role
Demonstrated experience in a complex or pioneering environment and managing or facilitating change
Strong relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders at the highest level
Supervision and leadership experience
Experience in assessing and evaluating proposals
Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda
For details on how to apply, visit http://naijainvestgateway.com/2014/09/head-of-innovation-funding.html