Payments Research Associate – Global

A bit about us, and how we’re different

Digital Disruptions is a boutique US-based strategy and design innovation consulting firm focusing on fintech and digital financial services (DFS) in emerging markets. Since our founding in 2014, we’ve been re-thinking, and re-doing, how fintech consulting works in emerging markets. [Read more about our unique traits]. What’s more, we’ve been trusted by top-tier firms in public sector (e.g., World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations, World Economic Forum) and private sector (e.g., Vodafone M-Pesa, Mastercard, VC-backed start-ups) alike. [See our past engagements.]

Our mission is to apply and adapt best-in-class innovation tools, methods, and mindsets to the fintech sector. By taking a start-up style approach that fuses analytical and creative thinking, we work diligently, yet swiftly, from research and design to build and launch phases. This creates tangible progress for our clients and meaningful outcomes for the people and communities they serve.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a Payments Research associate to conduct research and analysis on a number of sectors and products in Africa and Asia.   You’ll bring your rigor and meticulousness and dig deep in all types of information and data (e.g., public sector studies, company presentations, analyst reports), complement them with primary research (e.g., online surveys, expert interviews).  You’ll be able to cut through the noise and make sense of the key insights and relevant takeaways, and then write in a comprehensive yet concise manner for a wide variety of audiences, from payment enthusiasts to senior executives.

You should have a passion for social impact, knowledge of payments, and a fascination with emerging markets. On one hand, you should be ​proactive and self-motivated to work independently; on the other, you’ll work collaboratively with cross-functional subject-matter experts in different time zones. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is both a strategic thinker and doer, with a strong bias to action and urgency.

What the role offers

You’ll support the firm researching innovation projects which have the potential to impact people’s lives, predominantly low-income individuals and SMEs in developing countries, as well as on developing original thought-leadership content. We engage with several top-tier clients at the forefront of the fintech sector and work on a wide variety of interesting engagements.

We are a remote-first business, so you can choose to work from anywhere you wish, although we would strongly prefer someone based in time-zones in the Americas, Europe, or Africa.  As part of our consulting engagements, there is the possibility to travel for 1-week engagements roughly one or two times to markets in Africa and Asia (though only if covid-19 conditions are deemed safe).  Please note that this is a part-time role with possibility to extend to full-time.

We offer competitive remuneration and are big proponents of work-life balance. We see every team member’s professional development as a priority: there are numerous opportunities to grow with the firm, while learning from talented colleagues who are also genuine experts in their subject-matter areas.

Sound interesting? You should have:

• 4 to 6 years of solid, hands-on experience in conducting research, either at a top-tier consultancy, research / investment firm, or in industry (company or start-up).
• Domain knowledge of the payment sector (e.g., stakeholders, processes, value-chain, technology, business models, trends).
• Experience in synthesizing information and articulating ideas through a variety of writing styles (technical, editorial) to inform or persuade.
• Native English fluency and excellent communication skills (verbal/ written).

It would be a bonus if you also had:

• Professional experience in multiple markets in Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America;
• Working proficiency in French. (Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, or Arabic also a plus.) ​
• Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or Marketing.

Please note that due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.