Product and Business Development Manager

About FMFB-A:

As a background, FMFB-A started its operation in 2004, and is part of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance (AKAM), which has financial institutions operatsing in different countries throughout the world. It is affiliated with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies working in health, education, culture and rural economic development.

Job Summary: 

The Product and Business Development Manager is a strategic leadership role that combines responsibilities for the design, development, and management of financial products (including Sharia-compliant offerings) with business development initiatives to expand FMFB-A’s market presence and funding capabilities. The role is responsible for leading end-to-end product lifecycle activities, managing donor/grant-funded projects, developing marketing and growth strategies, and generating new revenue streams in alignment with FMFB-A’s mission.

This position requires excellent market insight, strong project management, product innovation capabilities, stakeholder engagement, and proposal development skills to enhance the bank’s financial services and partnerships.

Job Details:

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Development:

• Define and implement the bank’s product strategy and roadmap, including Sharia-compliant and digital financial products.
• Lead the conceptualization, design, piloting, launching, and lifecycle management of new and existing products.
• Collaborate with departments to develop business cases, product manuals, user acceptance testing (UAT) cases, and technical implementation plans.
• Ensure all products comply with internal policies, regulatory standards, and Sharia principles where applicable.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders, including technical vendors and regulatory bodies, for product implementation and support.
• Develop concept notes and proposals to bridge funding gaps for new product initiatives.

Business Development:

• Identify prospective clients, partners, NGOs, government agencies, and private sector entities that align with FMFB-A’s strategic objectives to expand the bank’s network and influence.
• Lead the development of compelling concept papers and detailed proposals aimed at securing funding from donors, development agencies, and private investors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate closely with technical teams to craft innovative product ideas and service models that meet market demands and satisfy donor expectations.
• Prepare clear, impactful proposals that articulate the value proposition, anticipated impact, sustainability strategies, and risk mitigation plans to enhance the chances of funding approval.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors, government bodies, and development partners to facilitate funding opportunities and strategic alliances.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and agreements related to funding, guarantee facilities, and partnership arrangements to ensure mutual benefit and organizational integrity.
• Oversee the implementation of donor-funded projects from inception through completion, developing detailed work plans, monitoring progress, and proactively addressing challenges to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external consultants, and partners to ensure smooth project execution, quality assurance, and adherence to budgets.
• Maintain ongoing communication with key stakeholders including government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, NGOs, and community groups to foster collaboration and strategic alliances.
• Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, forums, and conferences to promote FMFB-A’s initiatives, explore new partnership opportunities, and enhance visibility.
• Coordinate public relations activities and media campaigns to strengthen the bank’s reputation and brand presence.
• Support the bank’s participation in industry events to showcase successes, attract new clients, and forge new collaborations.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of business development activities and partnership initiatives, tracking key metrics and preparing comprehensive reports for senior management.
• Ensure compliance with donor and partner reporting requirements, maintaining transparency and accountability throughout project cycles.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to build capacity among staff involved in proposal writing, partnership management, and project implementation.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across teams to promote continuous improvement in strategic engagement and partnership development efforts.

Non-Funded Unit:

• Drive deposit mobilization efforts by promoting deposit products and initiatives to increase customer deposits.
• Lead deposit bringing activities to attract new customers and retain existing depositors, contributing to the bank’s liquidity and funding base.
• Oversee the Non-Funded Unit responsible for issuing and managing bank guarantees, including performance guarantees, bid bonds and other types of financial guarantees.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and risk management frameworks for the issuance and monitoring of bank guarantees.
• Assess and approve guarantee applications in line with the bank’s risk appetite and operational guidelines.
• Maintain a comprehensive portfolio of guarantees, monitor their performance, and ensure timely renewals, cancellations, or claims management.
• Provide training, guidance, and capacity building to staff involved in guarantee operations.
• Develop strategies to expand the guarantee portfolio, support large infrastructure projects, and foster partnerships with government, NGOs, and private sector entities.

Job Specification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or Sharia/Islamic Finance (Master’s degree or professional certification in FinTech, Digital Finance, or Project Management is preferred).
• At least 3-5 years of professional experience in the similar position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including English).
• Strong research skills and ability to translate research into policies.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority; Strong cross functional coordination skills.
• Examples and at least one sample of an effective product document delivered in the past.
• Strong follow up and project management skill for on time delivery of the KPIs.
• Strong analytical & team work skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Sharia law and transactions.
• Experience of working any bank/financial sector or MFI sector.
• Experience of financial product management.

Submission Guideline:

If you meet the above requirements, we are encouraging you to apply for this position. Please send us your CV along with a cover letter via email at (vacancies@fmfb.com.af).

Please make sure that your email includes the vacancy ID as the subject line.

Note that, only the candidates who are meeting the requirements of the position will be shortlisted.