Job Overview
The Strategy and Innovations Executive (SIE) will lead the development and scaling of non-credit business lines across markets in Zambia. This role will directly support the CEO in identifying growth opportunities, designing innovative financial solutions, and driving strategic initiatives that expand Agora’s impact beyond traditional lending.
This will involve, amongst others, the following activities:
Strategic growth and Market Expansion: Lead market research and feasibility studies to identify new business opportunities. Develop and execute strategic plans for launching and scaling non-credit products (e.g., savings, insurance, payments, digital services). Collaborate with the CEO to refine Agora’s long-term growth strategy and translate it into actionable roadmaps.
- Innovation and Product development: Spearhead the design and piloting of customer-centric financial solutions tailored to low-income and rural populations. Benchmark against industry leaders to ensure Agora’s offerings remain competitive and impactful. Build partnerships with fintechs, mobile operators, and service providers to enhance product delivery and innovation.
- Operational Leadership and Governance: Establish performance metrics and KPIs for non-credit business lines, ensuring alignment with regulatory and governance frameworks. Oversee cross-functional teams involved in product rollout, customer experience, and digital channel support. Ensure robust controls, reporting structures, and documentation for board-level visibility and strategic decision-making.
- As this is a Senior Management role, establish relevant relationships with respective departments.
The position is permanent and pensionable.
The following are the job requirements:
1) Master’s degree in business, finance, economics, marketing, or a related field.
2) At least five years of experience in strategy, innovation, or business development within financial services, fintech, or microfinance.
3) Proven track record in launching and scaling non-credit financial products.
4) Significant levels of energy, ambition, and enthusiasm
5) Strong, self-motivated leadership and supervision skills
6) Excellent analytical skills as well as the ability to design efficient processes/procedures
7) Excellent communication skills
Key Competences:
1) Strategic thinking and execution discipline
2) Innovation mindset with a customer-centric design approach
3) Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership
4) Data-driven decision-making and KPI development
5) Visual communication and structured documentation for board engagement
