Position Overview
Position Summary
The Policy Director for Women’s World Banking Africa will be a strategic leader responsible for driving policy initiatives across the African continent. This role will involve shaping and influencing public policy, supporting implementation of financial sector policies and fostering partnerships towards advancing women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Development:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy aligned with Women’s World Banking’s mission and goals for Africa.
- Identify key policy issues affecting women’s financial inclusion and advocate for policy changes at national and regional levels.
Partnership and Coalition Building:
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and civil society organizations.
- Represent Women’s World Banking at policy forums, conferences, and meetings to advocate for women-centric financial policies and practices.
- Lead campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness and drive change on critical issues affecting women’s economic empowerment.
- Establish and nurture partnerships with relevant organizations, networks, and coalitions to amplify advocacy efforts and drive systemic change.
Research and Analysis:
- Conduct research and analysis on policy trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment.
- Provide insights and recommendations to inform advocacy strategies and organizational priorities.
- Develop policy positions and recommendations to influence decision-makers and policy makers including regulators and governments.
Thought Leadership:
- Work with internal functions to develop and oversee the creation of advocacy materials, including briefing papers, policy briefs, and communication strategies.
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure effective communication of policy positions and advocacy messages through various channels, including media, publications, and social media
Policy Advisory:
- Work closely with regulators and policy makers to support the implementation of policy initiatives and programs including providing capacity building support on policy issues related to women’s financial inclusion.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Work closely to monitor and evaluate the impact of policy efforts and policy changes on women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
- Prepare reports and presentations on advocacy activities, outcomes, and recommendations.
Team Collaboration and Leadership:
- Work closely with the Women’s World Banking Africa team to ensure alignment of policy efforts with organizational goals and strategies.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to team members involved in policy and advocacy work.
Resource Management:
- Develop and manage the budget for policy and advocacy activities.
- Work closely with Fundraising team to identify and secure funding and resources needed to support policy efforts.
Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Development, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, or a related field, with a focus on financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women and youth
Skills:
- Experience working with policy makers, regulators and policy setting bodies
- Strong understanding of policy processes, regulatory environments, and advocacy strategies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior and diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in managing advocacy campaigns and influencing policy changes.
- Ability to analyze complex issues, synthesize information, and provide actionable recommendations.
Knowledge:
- In-depth knowledge of women’s financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and gender equality issues in Africa.
- Familiarity with the political and regulatory landscape across African countries.
Languages: Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in French or other African languages is an advantage.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate Advocate: Deep commitment to advancing women’s rights and economic empowerment.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies.
- Collaborative Leader: Skilled in working with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
- Resilient and Adaptable: Capable of navigating complex and dynamic environments with resilience and flexibility.
Measure of Success
Withing the first 75 days:
- Stakeholder Mapping: Create a list of influential stakeholders in the region (government, NGOs, private sector).
- Relationship Building: Conduct at least 10 introductory meetings with stakeholders to understand their perspectives and build relationships
- Policy Mapping: Complete a comprehensive analysis of the current policy environment and identify gaps in existing policies in our priority markets
- Draft Advocacy Strategy: Develop a preliminary advocacy strategy outlining key issues, target audiences, and desired outcomes.
- Internal Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment on advocacy efforts.
- Identify Opportunities: Pinpoint at least two quick-win advocacy opportunities to demonstrate immediate impact and build momentum.
We offer comprehensive benefits including:
- Competitive salary & top tier benefits
- 15+ paid time off days in addition to paid sick days and holidays
- Company closes for two paid Mental Health and Rejuvenation Weeks per year (July & December)
- 401(k) with employer match / pension contributions where applicable
- Company paid professional development opportunities
- Flexible work options available, including work from home options (outside of fieldwork)
About Women's World Banking
We believe in being a force for the greater good, devoted to accelerating and growing the financial inclusion of women. With rapidly changing markets, influenced by technology and social behavioral expectations, we are embarking on a new chapter to transform the way we design and implement solutions.
For over 40 years, Women’s World Banking has partnered with financial institutions, showing them the benefit of investing in women as customers. We equip these institutions with in-depth research and data driven insights to develop financial products and educational programs. While our clients are financial service providers, our mission is to engage consumers – women who are marginalized by financial systems.
Women’s World Banking and WWB Asset Management is an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
