Business Development Manager - Mali at Wave in Bamako

Job description

Our mission We're making Africa the first cashless continent. In 2017, over half the population in Sub-Saharan Africa had no bank account. That's for good reason—the fees are too high, the closest branch can be miles away, and nobody takes cards. Without access to financial institutions, people are forced to keep their savings under the mattress. Small business owners rely on lenders who charge extortionate rates. Parents spend hours waiting in line to pay school fees in cash. We're solving this by building financial services that just work: no account fees, instantly available, and accepted everywhere. In places where electricity, water and roads don't always work, you can still send money with Wave. In 2017, we launched a mobile app in Senegal for cash deposit, withdrawal, and peer-to-peer and business payments. Now, we have millions of users across 9 countries and are growing fast. Our goal is to make Africa the first cashless continent and that's where you come in... How you'll help us achieve it Are you a seasoned Business Development professional who thrives in a dynamic environment? Would you want to join a company that is fostering financial inclusion and driving economic empowerment on the African continent? Then this role is for you! As a result-driven Business Development Manager with extensive market and industry knowledge, you will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy forward. Reporting to the WAEMU Head of Business Development, you will be responsible for building and cultivating relationships, establishing partnerships, and executing contracts based on the needs of the Product and Operation teams to ensure the continued scaling of Wave’s business in Mali. In this role, you'll; Forming, negotiating services and managing strategic partnerships (with banks, telcos, bill payment companies, international remittance companies, etc.) that are key for Wave's business to operate. Building relationships to enable Wave to grow and operate effectively in Mali. Sourcing business partnerships for Wave's payment products. Identifying and liaising with the right person at partners to achieve Wave's needs. Supervising communication between partners and Wave teams (Product, Finance, Legal, compliance, Risk, Marketing…) Key details Location: You'll work from our office in Bamako and may travel to field locations within Mali Work authorization in Mali. Our salaries are competitive and calculated using a transparent formula. We run performance reviews twice a year and award bonuses to strong performers who have been with the company for more than 6 months. We pay 100% of your health care insurance premium cost for yourself and your dependents. We support working parents - we offer generous parental leave policies (26 weeks for mothers and 4 weeks for fathers) and subsidised childcare when you return to work. We help you live your fullest life now- we subsidise gym memberships and fitness classes. Airtime reimbursement. Free food and a beautiful office space Requirements At least 5 years' experience in a similar position at a bank, telco, international remittance or fintechs Fluent in French and English Secondary degree education in Communications, Telecommunications, Finance, International Relations, Business Management, or a comparable field You might be a good fit if you Have a strong network of acquaintances in Mali from your work in Mobile Money, Banking, Telecom, Insurance or B2B sales. Have identified and professionally engaged with strategic partners, seizing upon mutually beneficial opportunities and being relentless in your pursuit. Are equally at ease in a boardroom giving a presentation or preparing partner on-boarding documents in French/English. Are enthusiastic about Wave's mission and excited to do what needs to be done to achieve it. Like team work, but also know how to work well autonomously. Have demonstrated tenacity and a willingness to go the distance to get something done. Are very detail-oriented