Senior Director, Research and Strategy, Center for Financial Inclusion

Senior Director, Research and Strategy

Accion International Inc.1101 15th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005, USATelecommuting Permitted

Salary: $241,363 to $246,363/year

About Accion:

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About CFI

The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) works to advance inclusive financial services for the billions of people who currently lack the financial tools needed to improve their lives and prosper. We leverage partnerships to conduct rigorous research and test promising solutions, and then advocate for evidence-based change. CFI was founded by Accion in 2008 to serve as an independent think tank on inclusive finance.

Our role in the inclusive finance space is to identify learning gaps that could advance financial health of low-income people and undertake research and pilot testing to advance our collective understanding of what would drive progress. In areas where there is clear evidence of what works, we collaborate with partners to advocate and embed learning into implementation and practices of partners. We partner with all types of stakeholders – donors, investors, policymakers and providers – both in its research and pilot testing work as well as during its advocacy phase. 

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of research and impact activities at the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI), ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and project objectives. Set and govern CFI’s research strategy across priority themes, including financial inclusion, climate resilience, MSMEs, and inclusive insurance. Advise senior leadership on strategic priorities related to research, partnerships, and institutional positioning. Identify emerging areas of inquiry and develop new research directions aligned with organizational priorities. Define and frame high-value research questions that inform policy, market behavior, and industry practice. Design research methodologies, analytical frameworks, and work plans across multiple initiatives. Oversee a portfolio of research projects, ensuring alignment with strategy and consistency in quality and approach. Conduct and supervise qualitative and quantitative research, including fieldwork, key informant interviews, and data analysis. Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery within scope and budget. Review and finalize research outputs, including reports, articles, and flagship knowledge products. Lead and institutionalize CFI’s approach to impact measurement, learning, and reporting across the research portfolio. Collaborate with Accion’s Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) team and senior leadership to align impact frameworks with institutional priorities. Integrate learning loops into research design and implementation to inform strategy. Oversee synthesis of research findings into institutional narratives for donors, partners, and board-level reporting. Build and maintain relationships with funders, research institutions, policymakers, and implementing partners. Contribute to influence strategies and communications efforts to amplify research findings. Identify and pursue funding opportunities aligned with CFI’s research agenda. Lead or contribute to the development of concept notes, proposals, and donor engagement strategies. Provide input into organizational planning, reporting, and long-term strategy. Contribute to donor reporting and institutional communications. Manage consultants, vendors, and research partners across projects. Manage, mentor and support junior staff, fostering strong analytical capabilities and professional growth. Oversee project teams and stakeholder groups to ensure high-quality delivery and impact. Contribute to cross-organizational initiatives and knowledge sharing across Accion. Domestic and international travel to represent CFI as a senior thought leader at global convenings, policy forums, and industry discussions up to 20% annually.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Economics, Management, or a related field and five (5) years of experience in financial inclusion, including work with financial service providers, fintechs, or development finance institutions. Experience must include four (4) years managing partnerships with donors, clients, and implementation partners. Experience must include  three (3) years each of the following: conducting financial inclusion research across regions including Asia, Africa, and Latin America; working on women’s financial inclusion; and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Experience must include  two (2) years each of the following: conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including fieldwork; drafting reports and presentations for external audiences; contributing to fundraising and business development efforts; supporting senior leadership on strategic initiatives; and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Experience must include one (1) year of research on climate adaptation and resilience. Experience may be gained concurrently. Telecommuting permitted. Domestic and international travel to represent CFI as a senior thought leader at global convenings, policy forums, and industry discussions up to 20% annually.

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. AIM seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. AIM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.