Senior Manager-Inclusive Financial Ecosystems

About The Role This is an opportunity to lead MSC’s work in digital financial services, payments and agent networks in Ethiopia. The Senior Manager will work with banks, payment service providers, mobile money and agent network operators, the National Bank of Ethiopia, EthSwitch and development partners to expand access to financial services in underserved communities. The role combines technical leadership, hands-on project delivery and business development. The Senior Manager will lead consulting assignments that address practical challenges in cash-in and cash-out (CICO) operations, agent performance and access to financial services. The role also involves guiding project teams in translating research and field findings into recommendations that clients can implement and scale, mentoring MSC colleagues, and ensuring that project deliverables meet MSC’s quality standards. Alongside project delivery, the Senior Manager will help grow MSC’s work in Ethiopia and the wider region by identifying new opportunities, building client relationships, shaping proposals and contributing to pitches and presentations. Requirements Key Responsibilities Lead the design and delivery of consulting assignments in digital payments, agent banking, mobile financial services and financial inclusion in Ethiopia. Set the technical approach, define work plans and oversee delivery from initial assessment through implementation. Assess how financial services reach customers and advise clients on agent network design, agent recruitment and performance, liquidity management, and cash-in and cash-out (CICO) operations. Lead market assessments and field research to identify barriers to accessing and using digital financial services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Use the findings to develop payment delivery models that partners can implement and expand. Analyze financial and transaction data, market trends and operational risks. Translate findings into practical recommendations, implementation plans, technical reports and client presentations. Oversee project timelines and deliverables, review technical outputs and ensure that assignments meet client expectations and MSC’s quality standards. Build and maintain relationships with banks, payment service providers, mobile money operators, agent network operators, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), EthSwitch and development partners. Lead client meetings, consultations and workshops to agree on priorities, validate findings and resolve issues that affect project delivery. Advise clients on how regulatory requirements, market conditions and operational constraints affect the design and rollout of digital financial services. Identify consulting opportunities in Ethiopia and the wider region. Build relationships with prospective clients and partners, shape proposals and technical approaches, and contribute to pitches and presentations. Mentor MSC colleagues through regular guidance, feedback and review of technical work. Share lessons and tools from assignments to strengthen delivery across teams. Qualifications/Requirements 14–15 years of relevant professional experience in digital financial services, digital payments, agent banking, mobile money, financial inclusion or management consulting in these areas, including experience leading technical assignments. A master’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related discipline. Professional certification in digital finance, payments, financial inclusion or a related field Practical expertise in financial distribution networks, including agent network design and management, agent performance, liquidity management and CICO services. Demonstrated ability to assess how market conditions affect the adoption and expansion of these services. Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s financial services ecosystem, including the roles of regulators, banks, payment service providers, mobile money operators and payment infrastructure providers. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for digital payments, agent banking and mobile financial services, particularly in Ethiopia. Familiarity with data protection requirements, including GDPR where relevant to client assignments. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret financial and transaction data, assess market trends and operational risks, and use the evidence to guide decisions and recommendations. Proven consulting and project management experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams, managing work plans and deliverables, engaging senior stakeholders and maintaining client relationships. Business development experience, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals and presenting technical solutions to prospective clients and partners. Familiarity with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, and the ability to assess where they could address practical challenges in banking and payments.