Chief of Staff

We are looking for a Chief of Staff to join our leadership group; as we scale up and drive digital and financial inclusion across our markets.

As Chief of Staff you will report directly to the CEO and will be responsible for supporting and acting on behalf of the CEO on core strategic and operational projects across the business. Working closely with the CEO and senior executive team, you will be a key member of M-KOPA management.

About Us

Our goal is to make financing for everyday essentials accessible to everyone.

M-KOPA offers financing for ‘Every Day Earners’ across Africa. Our relationship with customers begins with an initial loan for a smartphone, designed around their earning patterns.

Using a robust AI – Machine Learning model, we build individualised credit histories for customers throughout the repayment of their first loan. Based on this information, we then finance additional digital and financial products like digital loans, health insurance, and data bundles through our mobile app. With operations in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, M-KOPA has provided over $1 billion in credit and reached 5 million customers. M-KOPA was named one of the FT’s Fastest Growing Companies in Africa three-years in a row, and one of TIME Magazine’s Most Innovative Companies in the world in 2024 and 2023.

About this role

Problem-solving thought-partner

1. Acting as a thought partner, strategic advisor and confidant to the CEO and leadership team.
2. Providing a wide-ranging and critical viewpoint, analysis and recommendations so that effective decisions can be taken by the CEO and broader leadership team.

Setting company strategy and objectives

1. Facilitating effective strategy meetings for the leadership team, and working hand-in-hand with the leadership team in the development and prioritisation of the company’s strategic plans and initiatives.
2. Championing the company’s vision and strategy, and creating the culture and momentum to deliver the agreed goals.
3. Spearheading special projects: managing and leading early-stage or high priority strategic projects that are prioritised by the senior executive team and CEO.

Supporting the CEO with overall company and stakeholder management

1. Acting as an integrator who provides two-way communication channels between less senior staff members and the CEO’s office/leadership team.
2. Managing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, investors, and partners.
3. Leading the preparation of content for meetings with the senior executive team, and facilitating discussions during these meetings.
4. Managing relationships with the Board of Directors, including preparing strategic discussion materials for board meetings.
5. Working closely with the CEO’s Executive Assistant to ensure smooth delivery of administrative tasks including scheduling and travel.

For Hybrid/On-site roles:

This is a (hybrid/on-site) role ; you would be working from our offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg or London , partnering with a diverse group of employees from our different markets and locations across the UK, Europe and Africa.

Expertise

What We’re Looking For:

1. Passionate about our mission of making financing for everyday essentials accessible to everyone.
2. +/-5 years work experience, preferably including 2 years management consulting experience.
3. Prior exposure to senior management and Board of Directors.
4. Experience working in Africa.
5. A strategic outlook and ability to refine, communicate and execute business strategy.
6. Excellent problem-solving skills, with ability to analyse complex information and draw relevant conclusions.
7. Excellent stakeholder management skills.
8. Compelling communicator both orally and in writing.
9. Loves fast-moving environments and has the drive and tenacity to take charge of situations.
10. Education: minimum requirement a bachelor’s degree.

Why M-KOPA?

At M-KOPA, we empower our people to own their careers through diverse development programs, coaching partnerships, and on-the-job training.

Join us in shaping the future of M-KOPA as we grow together. Explore more at m-kopa.com .

Recognized thrice by the Financial Times as one of Africa's fastest growing companies (2022, 2023 and 2024) and by TIME100 Most influential companies in the world 2023 and 2024, we've served over 5 million customers, unlocking $1.5 billion in cumulative credit for the unbanked across Africa.

Important Notice