Job Description
Department: Commercial
Location: Blantyre- Head Office
Validity period: 11/02/2025 – 24/02/2025
About the Role
Role Purpose:
The Digital and Product Manager is responsible for mobile financial services and development of new mass retail financial services through a combination of technological innovations with non-branch channels, which primarily consists of mobile phone and retail agent outlets.
The Digital and Product Manager will also lead the development, implementation, and management of innovative financial products that address the needs of FINCA Malawi’s customers while aligning with the organization’s strategic goals. This role involves conducting market research, analyzing customer needs, and identifying opportunities to enhance the product portfolio. The Digital and Product Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, to ensure product success from ideation to market launch.
Additionally, the role will focus on monitoring product performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving financial growth through customer-centric solutions. The Digital and Product Manager will act as a key driver in expanding financial inclusion and supporting FINCA’s mission to empower underserved communities in Malawi.
Key Result Areas & Duties:
Mobile Financial Services (MFS)
- Manage the MFS as a business unit using a strong commercial focus with full P&L accountability.
- Leading the development and piloting of new retail financial services and other products, typically through non-branch channels, such as Mobile Financial Services, POS Agents network and other digital platforms.
- Ensure the MFS channels (mobile banking, USSD, App, Nano loans and savings) are managed effectively to provide superior customer experience.
- Responsible for management and delivery of projects assigned to him/her in terms of scope, time and budget by ensuring necessary acceptance and approval of business cases, keeping track of all phases of the project lifecycle, monitoring milestone completion and developing and maintaining project documents.
- Explore and negotiate new partnerships with other potential service providers, including, but not limited to, mobile network operators, donors, banking and non-banking financial service providers, retail distributors and technology providers.
- Responsible for the development and management of value-added services (domestic and international money transfers, airtime, school fees, tax payments, utility payments and TV payments) including negotiation of commercial terms, development of business cases and technical integrations. Managing digital platforms vendors and partnerships
- Managing digital platforms vendors and partnerships
- Responsible for digital literacy, marketing and social media strategy
Product Strategy and Development:
- Define and execute product strategies and roadmaps that align with FINCA’s mission and objectives. This includes identifying market opportunities, conceptualizing new products, and enhancing existing offerings to meet customer needs.
Market Research and Analysis:
- Conduct comprehensive market research to understand customer needs, competitive dynamics, and industry trends. Utilize this information to inform product development and positioning.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with departments such as marketing, sales, IT, operations, and finance to ensure cohesive product development and successful market launches. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among teams.
Product Lifecycle Management:
- Oversee the entire product lifecycle from conception to launch, including post-launch performance monitoring and iterative improvements based on customer feedback and market demands.
Financial Performance Monitoring:
- Develop and manage product budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics. Ensure products meet financial targets and contribute positively to the organization’s bottom line.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure all products comply with local regulatory requirements and align with FINCA’s internal policies and ethical standards.
About the Candidate
Job Requirements
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, marketing, economics, engineering, or IT or a related field is typically required.
- An advanced degree or relevant certifications in product management or microfinance would be advantageous.
- Certificate in Customer Experience, User Experience and /or User Interface Designs will be an added advantage.
Experience:
- Innovative product or channel development experience
- Project Management experience/knowledge
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, preferably within the financial services or microfinance sector. Demonstrated success in developing and managing financial products is essential
Knowledge and Skills:
- Good understanding of traditional as well as new financial services and channels: Cards/ATMs, banking agents, mobile banking and internet banking
- Possess a unique blend of business and technical savviness
- Creativity to combine untapped market opportunities with new technologies to create new financial services for FINCA’s target customers
- Strong partnership development skills
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with a focus on ability to “pitch” ideas and getting buy-in from the management team as well as the larger organization and with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and effectively convey complex ideas to diverse stakeholders
- In-depth understanding of the Malawian financial services market, including customer behaviors, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment
- Graphic Designs.
- Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity to work with a dedicated and supportive team
- Professional development and training opportunities
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter, with three (3) traceable referees detailing their relevant experience to vacancy@fincamalawi.org
Join us in making a difference in our customers’ lives!