Enabling Environment Lead

Market Solutions Practice (MSP)

MSP corrects market failures by deploying Kifiya’s four core infrastructures—intelligent data & decisioning, intelligent financial services, digital agriculture, and smart mobility—to enable MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and low-to-middle-income individuals to access finance and markets. Our work drives job creation, social inclusion, and economic empowerment, making us a partner of choice for impact funders.

Program Overview: SAFEE Shared Facility

Under the Sustainable Access to Finance to Enable Entrepreneurship (SAFEE) program (a Kifiya–Mastercard Foundation partnership), the Shared Facility provides digital infrastructure and data-management tools to our Foundation partners. By unlocking $1.2 billion in liquidity through a 1:3 leverage model and declining guarantees, SAFEE empowers 477,861 youth‑ and women‑led MSMEs across Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Digital Entrepreneurship.

Position Summary

The Enabling Environment Lead for the SAFEE (Securing Access to Finance for Enterprise) program will be responsible for addressing the contextual and systemic factors that impact financial inclusion and enterprise growth in Ethiopia. This role will focus on identifying and strengthening the policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks that support Kifiya’s mission and the success of the SAFEE program. The Lead will work to create a conducive environment for various stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, and SMEs, to collaborate and innovate, ultimately driving progress and sustainable financial access.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Regulatory Analysis:

• Lead the research and analysis of existing financial sector policies, regulations, and laws in Ethiopia.
• Identify potential constraints and opportunities for Kifiya and the SAFEE program. Develop recommendations for reforms or new frameworks to improve the financial and digital ecosystem.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials (e.g., from the National Bank of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance), public and private sector partners, financial institutions, and community leaders.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration to foster consensus and support for program initiatives.

Strategy and Program Development:

• Contribute to the development of SAFEE program strategies and action plans, ensuring that enabling environment considerations are integrated throughout.
• Design and oversee the implementation of activities aimed at improving institutional capacity, governance, and accountability within the financial sector.

Capacity Building:

• Develop and deliver training programs and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of partners and stakeholders to engage effectively in policy and regulatory processes that affect financial inclusion.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Design and implement tools to assess the impact of enabling environment interventions on the SAFEE program’s outcomes.
• Monitor progress against key indicators and provide regular reports to program leadership and stakeholders.
• Team Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, ensuring high-quality and consistent work. Supervise project activities and ensure they are delivered on time and within budget.

Education & Experience

• Abachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, law, international development, economics, or a related social science.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and institutional reform, with a strong preference for experience within the financial sector or technology space in Ethiopia.
• Strong understanding of the financial and technology landscape and experience working with key government institutions in Ethiopia (e.g., NBE).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage complex projects, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Amharic. Other local languages are a plus.

Technical & AI Skills

• Preferably experienced in advanced data analysis (SQL, Excel, BI tools) to interpret AI‑driven insights and support decision‑making.
• Proficient in leveraging AI/ML‑powered platforms for reporting, monitoring, and partner performance forecasting.
• Familiarity with digital partnership tools (CRM/PRM) and automated data‑integration workflows.
• Solid understanding of blended finance mechanisms and digital lending ecosystems.

Analytical & Data Skills

• Advanced capability to translate quantitative findings into strategic recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable using BI tools and data visualization to communicate AI‑driven insights.

Behavioral Competencies

• Team player, Strategic thinker with strong execution focus.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style, with a passion for innovation and financial inclusion.