Job Title: Product Manager, MFS Accelerator
About this job
Our Client Grameen Foundation is a leader in the fight against poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East/North Africa and Latin America and is seeking to recruit a passionate and driven Product Manager to lead the Organization’s product development for Uganda.
The key to success in this role will be experience in Product Management in Bank and /or Telco’s in East Africa, strong project management skills, ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously and operate in an entrepreneurial, start-up atmosphere.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Product Manager will manage Grameen Foundation’s product development for Uganda and as time allows, beyond Uganda. The Manager will have overall project management responsibilities for one project which has several products to be launched and scaled in Uganda.
Reporting to: The Project Director, MFS Accelerator in Uganda
AVAILABILITY:
The Product Manager will be expected to work a standard work week of 40 hours plus additional hours as necessary to complete the tasks assigned.
The position will be based in Kampala, Uganda. This position will need to be flexible to work in local conditions, and be available to work across different time zones. This position will require infrequent travel (10%-20%) within Uganda.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Product Manager will be responsible for:
Project Development & Launch
Coordinate launch and commercialization of new products and offers with the relevant channels and ensure successful go-to-market deployments for each product
Formulate, direct and coordinate product related activities and policies to promote products and services
Own product requirements and work with MTN cross-functional product development teams to refine product requirement specifications for Bottom of the pyramid (BOP)
Product Processes
Participate in the drafting of Business Processes for New Products in coordination with all actors (MFS team, Telco, Banks)
Develop new procedures as required for the roll-out of new functionality and continual enhancement of procedures for efficiency
Provide product support to internal customers on functionality issues and ensure new functionalities, processes and procedures are fully understood
Relationship Management
Track customer and market needs as articulated by GF, MTN and Banks
Manage a Bill & Melinda Gates funded project to support GF bank and Telco partner(s) product development as they expand into rural areas
Overall product timeline and activities, managing relationship and coordinating activities with implementing partners and internal groups within GF and ensuring project deliverables are being met
Understand and influence development of business processes and IT system interaction to support the intended customer journey for each product
Develop and own capacity building and training plans for all product stakeholders including internally and externally
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Abide by and perform to the best of his abilities all functions, duties and responsibilities to be assigned by the ORGANISATION in due course;
Comply with the orders and instructions given from time to time by the ORGANISATION through its authorized representatives;
Shall not disclose any confidential information in respect of the affairs of the ORGANISATION to any unauthorized person;
Perform any other administrative or non-administrative duties as assigned by any representative of the ORGANISATION from time to time either through direct written order or by oral assignment.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
Vast experience in developing financial products with specific knowledge in banking and/or Telco products; background in mobile financial services a plus
Experience working in East Africa
Good knowledge of various MFS products, current trends, market dynamics and customer needs.
Knowledge of regulatory, KYC and other product and user experience related issues are key this role
Knowledge of telecom, payment and banking systems (related to mobile money) will be an added advantage
Excellent writing, research and communication skills; ability to gather, synthesize and present information in a professional, compelling and practical manner with senior management, staff and external partners
Ability to work well with others and collaboratively across the organization
Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced, energetic, highly creative and entrepreneurial environment
Highly motivated, self-directed and strong attention to detail
Excellent organizational, project management and time management skills
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, finance, business or IT; graduate degree preferred
5+ years financial services execution expertise around financial services; strong preference for candidates with formal banking experience
Deep knowledge of Microsoft office products (MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, etc.)
Deep understanding of financial challenges facing poor, smallholder farmers and corresponding financial needs
Financial product management and launch expertise, including experience integrating products into a financial institution’s processes and systems from a technology standpoint
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
How to apply
Please follow the instructions as stated below as failure to do so could lead to disqualification.
Write an Application letter and CV/Resume.
Merge these two documents into one document in either MS Word or PDF format.
Do not attach or send any scanned documents. These are sometimes too large for our inbox.
Include the job title and/or reference number in the subject line of the email address and send your application by email to grameenjobs@nftconsult.com
Only successful candidates will be contacted. For all other inquiries please contact our offices directly.
Deadline: 7th June 2013