WAM international

Division and Unit Overview


Women’s World Banking is launching a global leadership program with the goal of transforming the landscape of leadership in microfinance.  The program is designed to promote world-class leadership development programs that will build sustainable and renewable streams of intellectual capital, and create the next generation of leaders in the microfinance sector.  The work will encompass three main areas: individual capacity building of both senior and mid-level managers using workshops and coaching; an institutional capacity building program with select MFIs with a focus on improving workforce diversity; and an award program to foster and acknowledge excellence in promoting leadership among MFIs worldwide.  WWB has secured funding from a single funder for the first three years of the program; substantive efforts will need to be made to ensure sustainable funding for the program in the future.  


Position Summary

The Director of the leadership program will establish the strategic direction of the program and oversee the development and delivery of the program’s activities.  The Director must have experience in managing a large initiative or center, with expertise in leadership development and/or microfinance, strong skills in strategic planning and visioning as well as building relationships, managing communications with key actors, and building intellectual capital.  The Director will be responsible for securing on-going funding sources to ensure the sustainability of the program.  


Position Accountabilities

• Establish the strategic direction of the program, in consultation with WWB’s President and Leadership Team, including how the program will differentiate itself and establish thought leadership on the topic of leadership, specifically women’s leadership and gender diversity, in microfinance.  Involve program partners (Wharton and Creative Metier), as well as other key advisors, in strategic planning and visioning exercises on a regular basis.  
• Manage communications and marketing strategy for the program, including managing media contacts (both U.S.-based and international), designing the outreach strategy (including on-line capability) to critical audiences and overseeing strategy execution.  Play a lead role in building a strong brand for the program, partnering with the VP of Development and Communications and other WWB teams to ensure that the communications and marketing strategy are consistent with the program’s vision.  
• Actively identify potential sponsorship and funding partnerships, working closely with VP of Development and Communications to foster relationships with potential future donors or sponsors to ensure the sustainability of the program.
• Serve as the key external voice for the program, representing WWB and the program at external events, using global and regional microfinance fora to build the image and credibility of the program.  Activities will include ensuring WWB is included in relevant panels at industry events, designing and delivering excellent presentations and speeches on the activities and vision of the program, and building the program’s profile through exposure to leaders and practitioners.  
• Oversee WWB Leadership Award selection process, including collection and analysis of data.  Organize and lead Award Committee to assess finalists and select award recipient.  Together with VP of Development and Communications, design award ceremony.  
• Oversee program development, ensuring all activities are commensurate with the program’s vision.  
• Identify current and future trends in leadership development for microfinance and organizational diversity so that WWB remains at the cutting edge.  Maintain dialogue with program partners to build a broader perspective on the microfinance industry and the practice of leadership development and gender diversity.  
• Build strong relationships with target audience (CEOs of top 200 MFIs) as well as other key stakeholders for the program (microfinance industry - donors, investors, other networks; outside of the industry – organizational development specialists, gender diversity experts, academic leadership centers).
• Engage with industry opinion formers and outside experts including individuals leading similar initiatives among WWB’s competitors and partners, and identify potential additional partnerships for the program.
• Manage the monitoring process to measure impact of leadership development programs and institutional diversity engagements.  
• Manage relationship with the current primary funder for the program, managing communications with grant manager and overseeing quarterly funding reporting process.
• Manage the Program Manager.

• 15+ years experience in organizational development or executive education/leadership development, with more than two years managing a major program, institute or center.  Experience working on issues of workforce diversity a plus.  
• Awareness of major trends in leadership development and microfinance, key debates, and current issues in the field.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire team members, colleagues, target audience and others.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Excellent public speaking skills and high level of comfort dealing with media and other audiences.  
• High degree of professionalism, with a demonstrated ability to manage responsibilities with integrity, diplomacy and tact.  
• Strong teambuilding skills, staff management and capacity building experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with people of other cultures, capacities, and organizations.
• Strong commitment to WWB’s mission and the power of leadership development to transform the microfinance industry.

• Extensive executive management experience with proven experience in developing strategies, analyzing complex situations and understanding how to develop strategic partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of the global microfinance industry with related professional experience in international development and microfinance preferred.  
• Strong experience and track record of building partnerships and relationships with peer organizations, competitors, customers.  
• Strong set of media contacts in both domestic and foreign media markets, with proven track record of managing media relations for a major program or institute.  
• Experience with tracking and measuring impact of professional training programs, specifically executive education and leadership development.
• Advanced degree required, MBA preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish and / or French is preferred.