Position Overview
Position Summary
Women’s World Banking is looking for a talented Policy Advocacy Director to lead our government engagement and policy influence work for India and South Asia. The role will be based in either Mumbai or Delhi, with a primary focus on India, and a secondary focus on other select markets in South Asia like Bangladesh. Policy Advocacy Director will join a forward thinking, high-performing and collaborative team focused on delivering innovative customer experiences, banking services, products and influencing policy to create business and customer value for low-income women.
This position operates within the South Asia regional structure, reporting to the Regional Head, based in South Asia. The role also requires close collaboration with the Global Director of Policy and Advocacy, based in the United Kingdom.
The ideal candidate will have a successful record of operations within the financial services, economics or technology sectors with a sector expertise of government engagement and policy influence using advisory inputs and research-based evidence. She or he will also understand and be able to manage influence on a broader scale, with relations in Government, regulatory bodies, industry associations and other relevant organizations and stakeholders. She or he will be passionate about women’s economic empowerment and eager to serve as a thought leader in the financial inclusion community. We are looking for assertive and self-motivated person who is eager to seek out opportunities and co-create with colleagues across the organization.
Roles and Responsibilities
Stakeholder Management and Thought Leadership
- Review market stakeholder maps identifying key policymakers, policy environment, points of view, relevant messages, and engagement approaches
- Formulate and refresh Policy strategy for the region, including market stakeholder maps identifying key policymakers, environment, points of view, relevant messages , and engagement approaches
- Actively identify emerging and significant policy issues and engage with government and private sector stakeholders on issues of importance
- Monitor political and social events in India/South Asia and work with cross-functional teams to leverage opportunities or mitigate risks
- Identify and establish relationships with the central bank, other relevant policymakers and regulators, industry associations & leaders, trade associations, and other influencers in line with country/regional strategy
- Participate in regional conversations on digital financial inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, and economic empowerment, highlighting the gender perspective
- Working with the Advisory and research team members to synthesize project learnings and field findings to identify opportunities for different stakeholders (primarily Government) to take defined action to advance women’s financial inclusion
- Present information clearly and organized, both internally and externally. Outputs may include webinars, panels at conferences, executive-level briefings, internal presentations, policy briefings, proposals, and more.
Policy Advisory and Influence
- Working with the Regional Head of South Asia and Advisory team to set up and operationalize relevant policy advisory projects/ program
- Working with the Regional Head of South Asia and Vice President of Network & Development to identify relevant government stakeholders and create a scope that talks to the overall India strategy and also considers funding feasibility
- Identify opportunities for evidence-based policy influence within policymaking institutions
- Liaison with the Global Director of Policy and Advocacy to align Women’s World Banking’s policy position for India and other key markets in South Asia (especially Bangladesh)
- Facilitate the development of women-centered policy by policymakers and regulators
- Work with the Global Leadership and Diversity team (L&D) to provide policy advisory to India-based regulators/policy makers participating in L&D training programs
- Manage policy interactions to reach policymakers with the right messaging systematically and strategically to drive action.
- Engage relevant policymakers and local stakeholders in meetings, events, and seminars through media and regional forums
- Track and document activities/outputs to measure and improve program performance per Women’s World Banking’s policy and advocacy M&E frameworks
- Create policy papers and positions on critical regional topics using advisory and data-driven insights
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline - Finance/Economics/Social Science/Public Policy
- 15+ years of relevant work experience in work related to financial services, policy, public affairs and/or advocacy, women’s empowerment, relevant government consulting, or non-profit, with deep expertise and working knowledge of financial inclusion/MSME and policy & regulatory landscapes across India
- Intellectual curiosity and creative problem-solving in research
- Successful track record working within a diverse, multicultural global organization, collaborating with remote colleagues, and delivering high-quality work with minimal supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Ability to travel within India and occasionally to other South Asian countries or our global markets (if required).
Measure of Success
Within the first 75 days:
- Assume full responsibility of the position
- Embrace Women’s World Banking’s values – Think Big, Own and Commit to It, Smarter Together
- Learn and comprehend Women’s World Banking’s business model
- Fully integrate into the India/South Asia team
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.
