Partnership Associate (2 Positions)

Kifiya is an AI-powered ecosystem technology company specializing in intelligent data-driven decisioning, financial services, digital agriculture, and smart mobility infrastructure solutions. For over a decade, we have built robust technological infrastructures and implemented transformative initiatives that address market failures. We empower MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and low- to middle-income consumers by providing access to financial services and markets. Kifiya is scaling its technology infrastructure to create a more inclusive and sustainable future in Africa.

Over the past 14 years, Kifiya has grown from a startup into a leader in digital financial services and AI-driven technology, showcasing the power of data and innovation to drive meaningful change.

Market Solution Practices (MSP)

The MSP corrects market failures by leveraging 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. MSP’s integrated solutions drive job creation, social inclusion, and economic empowerment.

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, data-management tools, and AI-enabled analytics for 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.

Position Summary

As Partnership Associate, you’ll be a mid‑level specialist (approx. 7 years’ experience) responsible for ensuring data completeness and quality in the Partner Relationship Management (PRM) tool. You will identify information gaps reported by shared facility partners, work with the Financial Solutions Specialist to analyze root causes, propose solutions, and coordinate with the MERL team to integrate learnings and improve shared facility processes.

Key Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Solution Design

• Review partner submissions in the PRM tool to detect missing or inconsistent information.
• Collaborate with the Financial Solutions Specialist to perform root‑cause analyses and develop evidence‑based recommendations.
• Document and track resolution plans, ensuring partners receive clear guidance on data requirements.

Partner Coordination & Communication

• Act as the first point of contact for partners on data‑related queries and follow‑ups.
• Communicate identified gaps and proposed solutions to partner teams in a timely, clear manner for alternative credit scoring.
• Support the Shared Facility Program Manager in partner review meetings and progress updates.

PRM Tool Management

• Maintain and update the PRM tool with the latest partner data (of potential borrowers) and status notes.
• Work with the Platform Associate to implement automated checks and alerts for missing data.
• Ensure data integrity by performing regular audits and reconciling discrepancies.

MERL Collaboration

• Coordinate with the MERL team to align data‑collection frameworks, reporting templates, and establish a data validation system for partner‑submitted information.
• Provide MERL with cleaned datasets and analytical summaries for impact evaluation.
• Incorporate MERL feedback into ongoing data‑quality improvements.

AI‑Enabled Insights & Reporting

• Use AI‑driven dashboards and BI tools to generate routine performance reports (e.g., data completeness rates, resolution times).
• Support development of predictive alerts (e.g., likely data bottlenecks) to preempt partner issues.
• Translate analytical findings into concise briefs for senior leadership.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field.
• 7 years’ relevant experience in partnership management, data analysis, or program coordination—preferably in fintech or development finance.

Technical & AI Skills

• Proficient with AI/ML‑powered analytics platforms and BI tools for data‑quality monitoring.
• Experience with CRM/PRM systems and automated data‑integration workflows.
• Preferably experienced in advanced data analysis (SQL, Excel, BI tools) to interpret AI‑driven insights.

Analytical & Data Skills

• Strong root‑cause analysis capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to transform raw data into actionable recommendations and clear partner guidance.

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Proactive problem‑solver with a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Commitment to financial inclusion and impact‑driven work.