The Country Director for Benin is responsible for leading all in-country operations and managing key relationships with local partners, including mobile money operators, banks, and financial institutions. This role acts as the primary point of contact within Benin, ensuring strong alignment between local execution and global strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and maintain strategic partnerships through regular engagement, performance reviews, and proactive communication.
- Act as the main escalation point for partner issues, resolving operational challenges and coordinating with central teams when necessary.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of partner onboarding, integration, and post-launch support, working closely with operations, technology, and compliance units.
- Ensure all commercial and operational activities comply with group-wide pricing, product, and regulatory frameworks.
- Provide local intelligence to support product development, commercial negotiations, and market expansion initiatives.
- Monitor performance metrics, identify risks, and report on operational health and market developments to senior leadership.
- Represent the organization in regulatory discussions, support compliance filings, and maintain relationships with local authorities.
- Manage local office logistics, legal coordination, and administrative requirements, including documentation and notarization processes.
- Support financial and tax compliance by liaising with local providers and regulatory bodies.
- Act as a company director and signatory where required, ensuring adherence to governance policies and internal controls.
- Prepare and present monthly and quarterly reports on country performance, market trends, and strategic opportunities.
- Support regional growth by advising on new market entries and assisting neighboring operations during setup phases.
- Champion the company’s brand through participation in industry events and high-level engagements.
Qualifications
Candidates must have at least five years of experience in fintech, financial services, or telecoms, with a focus on stakeholder management, regulatory engagement, or operational leadership. A bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is required; an MBA is preferred. Proven ability to manage complex relationships with regulators, banks, and mobile network operators is essential.
Fluency in English is required, along with strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.
Work Environment
This role requires a local presence in Benin, with flexibility for remote work balanced by regular in-person engagement. The company fosters a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with a focus on professional growth and impactful innovation in financial inclusion.
