JOB PURPOSE

The Director Digital Financial Services will lead the Bank’s Digital Financial Services (DFS) program, responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive digital transformation, deepen financial inclusion, expand digital retail customer base and promote cashless economy. The prime responsibility of the DFS Director is the design, development and implementation of the DFS platform that will enable the bank to build and provide DFS products to the market. He/she will oversee the development and delivery of innovative DFS solutions, including digital payments, micro-credit, savings, wealth management, insurance, and intuitive digital channels for both customers and businesses. He/she will lead cross-functional collaboration, leverage strategic partnerships with Telco’s, fintech, and government entities, and adopt emerging technologies to position the bank as a leader in digital financial innovation. With full P&L ownership, the role focuses on driving revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency while delivering seamless, customer-centric operations.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and articulate a clear strategic vision for the bank’s digital financial services to drive growth, customer acquisition, and retention.
• Align digital financial services initiatives with the bank’s broader goals and BK Group’s overarching strategy.
• Continuously evaluate market trends and customer needs to refine strategies and ensure the bank remains competitive.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of digital initiatives.
• Stay abreast of the latest fintech innovations and regulatory developments.

Innovative Leadership

• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging teams to explore new ideas, test emerging technologies, and adopt best practices.
• Introduce transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), block chain, and machine learning to revolutionize operations and product delivery.
• Position the bank as a thought leader in digital financial innovation by implementing cutting-edge solutions that address market demands and set industry benchmarks.

Technology and Digital Transformation

• Drive the design and development of the digital financial services platform, including credit scoring, digital channels and back-end systems.
• Provide leadership in DFS technology to ensure scalability and flexibility to accommodate growth.
• Provide leadership by ensuring DFS solutions are compliant with organizational business continuity and cyber resilience to minimize downtime and service interruptions.
• Drive the implementation of platforms that are integrable and interoperable with existing applications, such as core banking software, payment gateways, and third-party APIs.
• Drive the modernization of the bank’s infrastructure by implementing cloud solutions, automation, and scalable systems.
• Embed digital capabilities across all customer touchpoints to enhance accessibility, convenience, and satisfaction.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Build a robust data analytics framework to derive actionable insights from customer behaviour and transaction patterns.
• Use advanced tools like AI and machine learning to upsell and cross-sell relevant products and services.
• Implement predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs, mitigate risks, and proactively address challenges.
• Continuously monitor and report on key metrics, enabling data-driven course corrections.

Profit and Loss Responsibility

• Own the DFS unit’s P&L by developing and implementing strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth and cost optimization.
• Lead the development of business cases for new products and services, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with the bank’s strategy.
• Optimize product pricing strategies to balance competitiveness with profitability while addressing customer affordability.
• Monitor financial performance through performance management frameworks and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies.

Product Development

• Lead the end-to-end development and delivery of DFS products, including micro-credit, savings, payments, wealth management, insurance, and super app integration.
• Ensure all products meet customer needs, regulatory standards, and are designed for scalability and user-friendliness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to conduct user testing and refine products based on feedback.

Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Telco’s, FinTech’s, Banks, Government entities, and other ecosystem partners.
• Scale services and expand the bank’s reach through mutually beneficial collaborations.
• Oversee the negotiation of commercial contracts, ensuring optimal terms that align with the bank’s objectives.
• Explore and secure partnerships that enhance interoperability, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.

Customer Experience

• Implement a customer-first approach by integrating feedback mechanisms into product design and service delivery.
• Use personalization strategies to tailor services to individual customer needs and preferences.
• Ensure all digital interfaces and channels are intuitive, user-friendly, and optimized for superior customer experiences.
• Regularly benchmark the bank’s customer experience against industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
• Drive customer adoption of digital services through targeted marketing campaigns and customer education initiatives.
• Monitor customer feedback and address any issues promptly.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams, including technology, marketing, compliance, risk, and finance, to integrate DFS solutions seamlessly across the organization.
• Align department efforts to ensure all functions contribute to the success of DFS initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages open communication and teamwork across business units.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all DFS products and services comply with local and international regulatory requirements, including AML, KYC, and data protection laws.
• Develop and implement frameworks to mitigate operational, financial, and cybersecurity risks.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them proactively.

Team Management

• Build and nurture a high-performing, innovative team dedicated to delivering exceptional results.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable culture where employees are empowered to take ownership of their roles.
• Design and implement professional development programs to upskill employees in emerging technologies, data analytics, and customer-centric approaches.
• Ensure alignment of team goals with organizational objectives, maintaining high levels of engagement and motivation.

KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or other related fields.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration or other related fields will be an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications / Certifications

• Relevant professional qualification from a recognized institution

Relevant Working Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years’ experience in Digital Financial Services with five (5) years in a senior management role.

Functional / Technical Competencies / Skills

• Business Development
• Product Development Knowledge
• Visualize Technology Based Product
• Mobile Money Services
• IT Project Management
• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge
• Technical Knowledge
• Strategic Planning

General / Core Skills / Competencies

• Business Agility
• Professional Judgement
• Analytical and Creative Problem-Solving Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Task Prioritization and Execution under Pressure
• Leadership Skills
• Stakeholder’s Management

How to Apply?

Submit your CV to recruitment@bk.rw

Application Deadline: February 26, 2025