Senior Program Officer, Digital Financial Systems Supervision

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Established with the mission that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Digital Financial Systems Supervision, will play a pivotal role in leading and developing a portfolio focused on Digital Financial Systems (DFS) Supervision. This position requires collaboration across the foundation and the financial industry to create a comprehensive DFS Supervision strategy. The officer will manage a portfolio of investments that align with this strategy, including those developed under the previous Consumer Protection and Supervisory Technology (SupTech) portfolio. The role aims to explore how risk-based supervision can address significant challenges related to prudential issues and consumer protection in DFS. Key areas of focus include risk-based supervision for prudential and market conduct mandates, consumer protection supervision, and the application of technology tools and data systems to enhance supervisory approaches. The officer will also work on aligning financial inclusion goals with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts, and will engage with various stakeholders to improve supervisory practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for developing a DFS Supervision strategy and managing a portfolio of grants and contracts to implement this strategy. Key duties include identifying critical gaps in risk-based supervision in nine focus countries in Africa and Asia, evaluating and aligning with partners to address these gaps, co-designing proposals and budgets, and providing insightful analyses and recommendations for funding. The officer will manage project implementation, conduct field visits, and seek co-funding opportunities. Additionally, the officer will advise IFS Country and Usage Program Officers on risk-based supervision, engage with financial supervisors and standard-setting bodies, and represent the foundation in international forums. Collaboration with other foundation teams to support DFS supervision aspects of their strategies is also a key responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent experience in law, economics, finance, development studies, public policy, business administration, or related fields. A proven track record in a senior role leading the supervision of payments and other DFS is essential, along with extensive experience providing strategic advice to financial supervisors in LMIC on risk-based supervision. Candidates should have experience managing large complex projects and knowledge of financial inclusion issues in a supervisory context. A thorough understanding of supervisory processes, tools, and risk-based approaches is required, as well as familiarity with data and information systems in supervisory contexts. The ideal candidate will be an innovative thinker, capable of prioritizing and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and will possess strong relationship-building skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as law, economics, finance, development studies, public policy, or business administration is required. Equivalent experience may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have a significant level of experience in leading the supervision of digital financial systems, with a demonstrated impact on strengthening supervisory frameworks in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in guiding and managing complex projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. The ability to synthesize information and communicate effectively is crucial. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in London and does not involve direct people management responsibilities. The role requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time, both domestically and internationally. The application deadline is set for 16 November 202

• As part of the hiring process, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly without regard to various personal characteristics.