Head of thought leadership
August 10th, 2026
FSD Kenya is an independent trust established in 2005 to support the development of inclusive financial markets in Kenya. Our mission is to create a financial system that delivers value for a green and inclusive digital economy, improving financial health and capability particularly for women, youth, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
For over two decades, FSD Kenya, acting as a market facilitator, has been a catalyst for many of Kenya’s most celebrated financial sector innovations, including mobile money, agency banking, digital credit, and nationally representative surveys of household financial lives (FinAccess). Our work is built on rigorous research, close collaboration with government and regulators, and strong partnerships with private sector actors ranging from banks and insurers to fintechs and innovators.
FSD Kenya takes a market systems approach to its work. Our current 2026-2030 strategy focuses on four areas to unlock resilient futures for women, youth, MSMEs and their communities through value adding finance:
- Policy & Financial Market Infrastructure (PFMI): Enabling policy & regulatory frameworks, an open and efficient financial market, and digital public infrastructure.
- Thought Leadership (Evidence and Engagement for Impact): This pillar drives evidence and insights generation, shapes market and policy discourse, and ensures that financial sector development translates into measurable improvements in financial health and livelihoods. A clear example of that would be our two decades of financial inclusion and financial health data collection in FinAccess.
- Green and Resilient Agrifood Systems (GRAFS): Value-adding finance for inclusive, digital, green & resilient agri-food systems, aligning economic incentives with biodiversity goals & generating livelihoods.
- Strategic Initiatives: Purpose-fit, affordable financial solutions for the real economy, in particular micro, medium, and small businesses. Example: De-risking facilities for MSMEs serving their target demographic.
FSD Kenya’s work is supported by development partners including UK International Development, Sida, IFAD, and the Gates Foundation. FSD Kenya works closely with key financial sector regulators, policy makers, and private sector actors under the oversight of a professional Trustee responsible for fiduciary and operational oversight.
FSD Kenya seeking a Head of Thought Leadership to lead this critical body of work. The role will provide strategic direction to the Thought Leadership and Impact area, ensuring that research, data, and insights are effectively leveraged to deepen impact, particularly in advancing financial health, resilience, and inclusive growth across Kenya’s financial system.
The Head of Thought Leadership will provide strategic leadership in market information, research, impact, and strategic communications. Additionally, the Head of Thought Leadership will be part of the senior management team tasked with providing organizational leadership and allocating resources across pillars.
Shortlist (www.shortlist.net) is FSD Kenya’s exclusive recruitment partner for this role.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is closed, though early applications are strongly encouraged.
Click here for the full candidate pack with all the details about the role and how to apply.
