Senior Director, Research and Strategy, Center for Financial Inclusion

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, Research and Strategy, Center for Financial Inclusion based in United States.

This executive-level role leads the research vision and strategic direction of a global initiative focused on expanding access to inclusive financial services.

You will shape research agendas, guide evidence-based solutions, and influence policies and practices that improve financial opportunities for underserved communities worldwide.

The position combines thought leadership, strategic planning, research management, and partnership development across diverse stakeholders.

You will oversee impactful research programs covering financial inclusion, climate resilience, MSMEs, and inclusive insurance.

Working with global partners, donors, policymakers, and industry leaders, you will translate insights into meaningful action.

This opportunity is ideal for a strategic researcher passionate about creating measurable social and economic impact through innovation and collaboration.

As Senior Director, Research and Strategy, you will provide strategic leadership for research initiatives, impact measurement, and knowledge creation while strengthening partnerships and advancing evidence-based approaches to financial inclusion. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and execution of research strategies aligned with organizational priorities and global financial inclusion goals.
• Define research priorities, identify emerging areas of opportunity, and develop high-value research questions that influence policy, markets, and industry practices.
• Establish research methodologies, analytical frameworks, and implementation plans across multiple initiatives.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of qualitative and quantitative research projects, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Conduct and supervise research activities including fieldwork, interviews, data analysis, and synthesis of findings.
• Review and finalize research outputs such as reports, articles, presentations, and flagship knowledge products.
• Develop and institutionalize impact measurement, learning, and reporting approaches across research programs.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to connect research insights with organizational strategy, donor priorities, and institutional decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, research institutions, policymakers, financial service providers, and implementation partners.
• Support fundraising activities by identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals, and developing donor engagement strategies.
• Represent the organization as a senior thought leader at global conferences, policy forums, and industry discussions.
• Manage consultants, research partners, and project teams while mentoring junior team members and fostering analytical excellence.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives, strategic planning, and knowledge-sharing efforts across the organization.

The ideal candidate is an experienced research and strategy leader with deep expertise in financial inclusion, global development, and stakeholder engagement. Required qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Economics, Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in financial inclusion, including work with financial service providers, fintech organizations, or development finance institutions.
• Proven experience managing partnerships with donors, clients, implementation partners, and other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise conducting financial inclusion research across regions including Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Experience working on women’s financial inclusion initiatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including field-based research activities and data analysis.
• Strong ability to develop research reports, presentations, and knowledge products for external audiences.
• Experience contributing to fundraising, business development, and donor…