The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited is incorporated in Kenya under the Company Act and is also licensed to do the business of banking under the Banking Act. The Bank was initially registered under the Co-operative Societies Act at the point of founding in 1965

The role

The successful jobholder will be expected to:

• Lead in providing innovative digital solutions (USSD, app, web-based) for MSMEs and retail consumers, positioning the bank as a frontrunner in digital banking.
• Responsible for assessing and selecting fintech partnerships that align with the bank’s strategic goals and customer needs. This role involves a deep understanding of fintech innovations, technologies and their applicability to banking services for product co-creation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in financial analysis and understanding of fintech ecosystems and digital banking technologies; skilled in assessing the viability of fintech solutions, commercial models and knowledgeable about regulatory compliance.
• Focuses on identifying and implementing fintech solutions that cater specifically to the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as retail customers.
• Manage and foster long-term strategic partnerships with fintech companies through regular communication and collaboration with fintech partners to co-create and integrate innovative solutions.
• Tracks and evaluates the performance of fintech partnerships and the resultant products
• Drive adoption of new generation banking products distribution channels such as Open Banking, Ecosystem Banking, E-Commerce and Social Media Banking
• Build business relationships with Fintechs, Digital Credit lenders, Payment Service providers offering MSME solutions within timelines.
• Work with service delivery channels to ensure innovation and adoption of the digital channels and products in line with leveraging on the high number of MSMEs.
• Focus on the current and emerging needs of MSME across payments, collections, inventory management, e-commerce, reports, reconciliation, and support.
• Drive use of mobile banking as a check out for Open banking and eCommerce platforms.
• Drive adoption of the digital channels through supporting development of tailor-made digital solutions
• Track the emerging developments within the evolving Financial Technology world.

Qualifications, Skills & Attributes

The successful jobholder will be required to possess the following qualifications: –

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business IT or a related field from a recognized university.
• Professional qualification in Digital Banking Strategy is an added advantage.
• Relevant work experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role in Fintechs, Mobile Network Operators, Payment Service Providers or related areas.
• Proven track record in managing digital channel strategies, preferably with experience in mobile banking or fintech integrations
• A detailed knowledge of MSME operating ecosystem, challenges, opportunities and solutions.
• A good technical knowledge in Open Banking, E-Commerce, Data & Analytics, AI and other emerging technologies
• Strong project management skills, understanding of software development (e.g., Agile methodologies), and knowledge of API integrations and open banking standards.
• Proficient in data analytics and business intelligence tools, capable of analyzing complex data sets, knowledgeable in digital project metrics and KPIs, with experience in reporting and visualization.
• Re-engineering of business, technology and operational processes
• Digital strategy, E-commerce strategy and Digital Payments