Deputy Country Manager – Uganda

The organization is a fast-growing, technology-driven financial services provider operating across multiple African markets. It offers accessible and affordable financial solutions—including digital credit, MSME lending, savings products, insurance services, and payment solutions—to underserved and emerging consumer segments. With a mission to expand financial inclusion and empower communities, the company leverages data, innovation, and strong local partnerships to deliver customer-centric financial products. Its Uganda operations serve thousands of customers across both urban and rural regions, supported by digital platforms, branch networks, and agent channels. The company upholds strong standards of operational excellence, responsible lending, regulatory compliance, and a performance-driven culture rooted in innovation and social impact.

Role Purpose

The Deputy Country Manager provides strategic, operational, and people leadership to ensure the successful execution of country operations for a fast-growing financial services organization. The role supports business growth, regulatory compliance, customer experience excellence, and the delivery of high-performing teams across Uganda. The Deputy Country Manager acts as second-in-command and serves as Acting Country Manager when required.

The Deputy Country Manager plays a critical role in driving cross-functional alignment and ensuring that all teams operate cohesively toward the company’s strategic objectives. The role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution, address complex challenges with sound judgment, and serve as a trusted advisor to the Country Manager. The successful candidate will champion a culture of accountability, innovation, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement—ensuring the organization remains competitive, compliant, and resilient in a dynamic financial services environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Country Operations (30%)

• Support the development and execution of the country’s strategic plan, aligning with regional growth targets.
• Drive operational excellence and ensure efficient delivery of financial products (credit, savings, payments, insurance, or digital services).
• Analyze market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics to guide decision-making.
• Lead business continuity planning, risk mitigation, and operational improvements.

Business Growth & Market Expansion (20%)

• Identify and evaluate expansion opportunities in new regions, customer segments, and product lines.
• Support partnerships with agents, distributors, digital channels, and local stakeholders to grow outreach.
• Oversee performance of regional offices, branches, or agency networks, ensuring monthly financial and operational targets are met.
• Champion customer acquisition, retention, and portfolio quality improvement.

Financial Management & Risk Oversight (20%)

• Monitor country P&L, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Oversee adherence to credit policies, portfolio quality, and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure timely reporting to regional headquarters, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Lead initiatives to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency metrics.

Regulatory, Compliance & Governance (10%)

• Ensure full compliance with national financial regulations, licensing requirements, AML/CFT guidelines, and data protection standards.
• Maintain strong relationships with Bank of Uganda, financial regulators, auditors, industry associations, and government partners.
• Drive internal audit readiness and corrective action implementation.

People Leadership & Culture (15%)

• Lead and mentor senior managers across operations, risk, finance, HR, IT, recovery, and customer service.
• Foster a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, innovation, and ethical standards.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and workforce planning.
• Manage performance reviews, team capacity building, and leadership development programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation (5%)

• Represent the company in high-level forums, partner engagements, donor meetings, and industry roundtables.
• Build strong relationships with investors, partners, vendors, and community organizations.
• Act as a brand ambassador for the company’s mission and vision.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Country revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Portfolio quality (PAR, NPL, recovery rates)
• Regulatory compliance and audit outcomes
• Customer acquisition, engagement, and satisfaction
• Employee engagement and retention
• Timely and successful delivery of expansion or innovation initiatives

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred
• 8–15+ years of progressive experience in financial services, fintech, microfinance, banking, or payments
• Minimum 5 years in senior leadership or multi-branch management
• Strong understanding of the Ugandan financial sector and regulatory environment
• Proven success in operations, risk management, and business growth
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams across multiple regions

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Strong financial and analytical capability
• Exceptional stakeholder management
• Operational and risk management expertise
• Change management and transformation leadership
• High emotional intelligence and people leadership capacity
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

Working Conditions

• Office-based with frequent travel across Uganda
• Occasional regional travel
• High-paced, performance-oriented environment