Cenfri is looking for an Research Manager to manage financial and digital inclusion projects. As part of our management team, you will lead projects, teams and portfolios of research across our thematic areas to help inform public, private and development partner decisions and contribute to positive change.

Role Summary

Engagement Managers at Cenfri (as Research Managers are referred to internally) are expected to manage teams to deliver existing financial and digital inclusion projects and develop new areas of work and opportunities that relate to their interests and capabilities. As an Engagement Manager you would:

• Design and manage research and technical assistance projects
• Engage with stakeholders and clients (including building new relationships)
• Develop and manage teams to ensure delivery of project or programme objectives and professional development of team members
• Contribute to developing (and landing) new business
• Deepen your own areas of expertise as a credible thought leader
• Act as an ambassador for Cenfri’s values and support the achievement of our strategic objectives
• Occasionally travel domestically and globally to meet partners and execute projects or programme activities

Requirements

Who you are:

• You are a curious and creative thinker who likes to solve problems based on evidence and an understanding of systems.
• You enjoy managing complex projects that deliver on objectives within budget, deadlines and client expectations.
• Being highly collaborative, you appreciate and learn from the perspectives of those who have different backgrounds and skills.
• You are excited by the opportunity to develop the skills of junior team members.
• You enjoy crafting persuasive narratives in written and verbal form.
• You want to strengthen the business in support of our vision, creating opportunities for future impact founded on trusted networks and quality work.

Qualifications and experience

You have:

• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience in financial services, financial inclusion, digital transformation, sustainable finance or a related field
• A Master’s degree or similar qualification in economics, law, policy, development or related areas
• Excellent analytical as well as verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in research and project design, including proposal development, budgeting, resource management and talent management Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and efficiently, exercising a balance between research rigour, impact and nimble project management
• Fluency in French will be an advantage, but not a requirement
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is of interest but not a prerequisite: data governance, sustainability, climate change, consumer insights, behavioural science, gender inclusion, payments, AML/CFT, regulatory adaptation, MSME development, value chain digitalisation
• Experience working in a consulting environment preferred, but not a prerequisite

Location

Cenfri is based in Cape Town, South Africa, with an office in Kigali, Rwanda. Given the extent of teamwork, it is ideal to be based locally although virtual and flexible work is feasible. We are open to discussing remote working or flexible hours with the right candidate.

Application instructions

If you identify with our values, are excited about impactful research and would like to contribute to our success, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 17 April 2023

To apply for the Engagement Manager role, click here.