Digital Strategist job at UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI)

Job Purpose

The Digital Strategist is a Senior Management role at UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI), responsible for driving digital transformation initiatives that continuously enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, launch innovative products, and strengthen the institution's competitiveness.

The role will also champion digital initiatives that promote financial inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups such as women and refugees.

The Digital Strategist reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the ICT Department to deliver digital solutions across the organization and for UGAFODE customers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Digital Strategy Management

• Provide strategic leadership on emerging digital trends and opportunities that support business growth and improve staff productivity.
• Lead end-to-end digital transformation projects from concept and prototype through to commercial launch.
• Advise management on digital innovations that best address customer needs.
• Ensure digital transformation projects are effectively managed with appropriate reporting, governance, and oversight.
• Drive organizational digital culture by promoting user-centred design, agile methodologies, and digital capability development across the business.

2. Digital Channel Transformation

• Assess internal processes for digital transformation opportunities and prioritize customer-driven innovations.
• Develop guidance and training for process owners to support future digital transformation initiatives.
• Collaborate with the ICT Department to implement technology solutions that modernize financial services and enhance customer experience.
• Oversee pre-implementation activities, including:
  • Business requirements development
  • Change management assessments
  • Digital business impact analysis
  • Risk assessments
  • Functional requirements review

3. Financial Inclusion

• Promote strategic partnerships that advance UGAFODE's digital agenda.
• Design and develop digital products tailored to marginalized communities, including women entrepreneurs and refugees.

4. Risk Management

• Ensure digital projects comply with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Work closely with the Risk and Operations departments to prioritize security, fraud prevention, and operational resilience in all digital innovations.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate should possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Recognized professional certifications in Business Management and Project Management.
• At least five (5) years' managerial experience, preferably within a Bank of Uganda-regulated financial institution.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience managing end-to-end digital transformation projects, from user requirements gathering and prototyping to implementation.
• Proven experience in:
  • Product development
  • Product positioning
  • New product launches
  • Go-to-market strategy development and execution
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a technology-driven, agile mindset.
• Experience in business process mapping and process re-engineering is highly desirable.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.
• Manage and optimize all digital marketing channels, including SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and content marketing.
• Analyze digital marketing performance and provide regular reports.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends and technologies.

• Digital marketing strategy development
• SEO/SEM
• Social media marketing
• Email marketing
• Content marketing
• Data analysis
• Project management
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills

• Proven work experience as a Digital Strategist or similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of various digital marketing channels.
• Excellent analytical and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.