Digital Payments Specialist

Role: Digital Payments Specialist (Government to Person – G2P)Start Date: ImmediatelyDuration: 12 monthsContract: Full-time positionLocation: UK / remote (HQ in Cambridge, UK)ABOUT FINANCIAL INNOVATION FOR IMPACT (Fii) Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii) is an international, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of scalable, sustainable, and evidence-based financial and regulatory innovation.We work with academic institutions, digital finance ecosystem partners, and other stakeholders to create knowledge and apply data-driven insights to inform the development of fintech and the decision-making of central banks, securities regulators, and other financial authorities.Fii generates research, develops digital tools, and delivers capacity building at scale through technical assistance programmes to benefit financially excluded, marginalised, and disadvantaged populations.Fii was spun out of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) and incorporated in the United Kingdom in 2023. CCAF is a research centre at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. CCAF’s mission is to create and transfer knowledge addressing emergent gaps relating to technology-enabled financial innovation, and to support evidence-based decision making by market participants, regulators, and related stakeholders.Fii achieves its mission through a symbiotic collaboration with CCAF as one of its Principal Collaborators, and leveraging a global network of expertise, academic relationships, and data science capabilities to deliver impact in countries that we work in.THE ROLEWe are looking for a professional with proven experience in the areas of digital payments, especially in implementation of Government-to-People (G2P) payments systems to lead our Open Source G2P Payment work programme. The Digital Payments Specialist will be responsible for supporting the overall CCAF programmatic activities involving the research initiative and the relationship with industry stakeholders, financial authorities, regulators and policymakers to translate best practices into actionable outputs for the responsible implementation of open source G2P payment systems.This role involves: a) conducting research on open source tools and G2P payments, such as benchmarking the current state of the industry, regulatory and supervisory frameworks, implementation approaches, and risks involved; b) strongly promoting knowledge sharing through stakeholder convenings as well as providing workshops to financial authorities in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies.The role will also involve working collaboratively with a network of technical experts and regulatory analysts in the CCAF / Fii network. The role holder will report to the Head of Market & Infrastructure Observatory.RESPONSABILITIESConduct research and comparative analysis on Open Source G2P Payment systems, such as market dynamics (solutions, service providers), implementation approaches, risks, country case studies, regulatory environment (policy, regulation, and supervision), with a focus on best practices in regulation and implementation across the world.Conduct diagnostics and assessment of regulatory frameworks that address the specific challenges and risks in local markets for implementation and best practices in governance models in order to identify opportunities for improvement and digital innovation of G2P payment systems, especially in LMICs.Lead and conduct active engagement with senior officials from regulatory authorities, industry, not-for-profits, and academic experts to cultivate community building and knowledge sharing. This includes coordinating country engagement portfolios to deliver virtual events, and in-person workshops designed to equip industry stakeholders and regulators with the knowledge and skills to assess risks and opportunities in open source G2P payments.Advocate for the implementation of modular and user-centric Digital Public Infrastructure components with emphasis in public service delivery systems. Provide technical inputs into API integrations, digital governance, consent protocols, and ethical data use.Monitor industry trends and regulatory and supervisory developments in digital G2P systems, including broader movements in the field of infrastructure innovation (e.g., Digital Public Infrastructure, open data in other sectors, etc.).Publicly represent Fii in international fora and among key partners, including central bank officials, regulators, government departments domestically and internationally, universities, think tanks, grantees, donors, international standard setting bodies, and commercial providers.REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONSThe individual in this role must have strong research and communication skills and a demonstrable interest and expertise in regulation of financial markets, ideally in digital financial services.EssentialA degree background in law, public policy, technology, management, finance, or a related field.Minimum 5-8 years of experience in the field of digital payments with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of digital payment architecture and open source tools.Ability to develop strong links with relevant stakeholders including regulatory authorities, standard-setting bodies, development partners, and other relevant governmental and international bodies.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey research findings and ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment, as well as delegate and work independently when required.Driven and committed, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.Ability to organise/prioritise work and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing demands.Desirableof digital payment architecture and open source tools.A strong network of contacts within the regulatory, policymaking, and/or FinTech spaces, especially in LMICs.Knowledge of international standards, guidelines, and best practices in the field of digital public infrastructure, digital payments, fast payment systems, open banking/open finance.Experience in programmatic reporting and evaluation/assessmentWHAT WE OFFERA job and a team with a purpose. This is a chance to work on important challenges in the financial sector that greatly affect our economies and society, and to have a real impact using data and tech to transform the public sector.Opportunity to innovate and to break new ground in this field.Exposure to leading thinkers, researchers, and solution creators in the financial and technology space and academia.Opportunities to frame evidence-based discussions in a rapidly evolving industry.Opportunities to work and collaborate with exceptional teammates, experts, and partners globally.Competitive compensation.Flexible work schedule.HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates should apply via LinkedIn or submit their CV and a cover letter to jobs@fii.international.