Managing Director – Microfinance

Job Purpose

The Managing Director will lead and operationalize the organisation’s ambitious, digitally led microfinance business model. Take charge of the overall management of the institution, including providing clear leadership and direction to the institution, ensuring solid operating and financial performance, recruiting and developing the talent needed to accomplish high performance standards and overseeing new operational systems and procedures. Drive customer acquisition, retention, and business growth initiatives and achieving the ambitious growth strategy developed by the stakeholders, and for positioning the institution as a leading provider of high-quality financial services in Zambia.

Summary of Key Responsibilities;

• Lead the organisations overall strategy, including designing and implementing innovative, digital-first microfinance solutions tailored to underserved populations.
• Foster a culture of financial inclusion and social impact, ensuring that all initiatives align with the institution’s mission and vision.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the BOZ, financial institutions, donors, and partners.
• Advocate for policy reforms and financial regulations that support microfinance growth and financial inclusion in Zambia
• Oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and risk management in line with the requirements set forth by the Bank of Zambia
• Instill a client-focused approach in all operational practices, ensuring that services are affordable, transparent, and meet the needs of target clients.
• Oversee customer service protocols, ensuring timely and effective client support, and continually improving client satisfaction and retention
• Drive a digital transformation agenda to ensure affordable and accessible services, leveraging technology to optimize service delivery, client experience, and financial accessibility.
• Develop and implement performance metrics to measure financial outcomes alongside social impact indicators.
• Establish sound financial practices to maintain the institution’s sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and best practices in the microfinance sector.
• Ensure optimal utilization of resources to maximize impact and achieve the institution’s goals.
• Design and implement frameworks to assess social impact, ensuring that financial services improve clients’ economic well-being and quality of life.
• Ensure robust risk management frameworks to address operational, credit, and market risks, while maintaining compliance with local and international regulations.
• Lead the development of internal controls and audit processes to uphold financial integrity and mitigate fraud or financial mismanagement risks.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and development, fostering an environment that attracts and retains talent committed to financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
• Ensure strong governance and ethical standards across all levels of the institution.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Strong analytical and strategic abilities
• Attention to detail
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to steer complex relationships with regulators, community leaders, investors, and clients.
• Commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and building a values-driven culture.
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills

Primary Areas of Accountability: