About UGAFODE:
UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI) is a registered financial institution in Uganda and is adherent to the Central Bank’s regulations and guidelines and was founded in 1994 to provide quality microfinance services.
Job Summary: The Research and Product Development Officer will be responsible for conducting research activities and maintaining research capability to support business planning, development of new products, and marketing efforts of UGAFODE.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Prepare product concepts and business cases for new products and services. Determine product specifications and features.
· Keenly analyze and monitor existing products on a routine basis to understand the performance of the products and delivery methods and make recommendations.
· Regularly monitor performance of products under pilot testing and make the necessary amendments.
· Analyze customer feedback in liaison with branch staff through Customer Satisfaction surveys and recommend strategies for customer service and product refinements.
· Manage the research, identification, evaluation and feasibility studies of new products and services and delivery channels/branches.
· Regularly monitor projects, such as research findings and progress reports in order to inform management of current status of each project.
· Monitor competitors’ products and services.
· Perform ongoing product development research through participating in industry committees, attending industry trade shows, direct customer contact/meetings, surveys, journals, sales evaluations, monitoring competitors and industry trends, store visits and vendor contact.
· Maintain up to date competitor knowledge. Monitor competitors, create and update cross-references, perform ongoing research of competitor product features, mix and product development strategy. Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of competitor product to the component level and manufacturing source.
· Evaluate solicited and unsolicited product ideas or inventions.
· Provide Business Development and Marketing Department with sufficient information to develop product promotional materials, press bulletins, and training material
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicant for the UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI) Research and Product Development Officer hold a Bachelor’s degree in any business related field
· The Officer should have two years’ hands-on experience and proven skills in marketing research or related work experience.
· Strong analytical skills.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills including report writing skills
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications which should include a cover letter and an up-to-date detailed CV. Your applications should include names of three professional referees and a day-time telephone contact. Send them to:
Head of Human Resources,
UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI),
Silva Arcade, Plot 62 Bombo Road,
P.O. Box 30815, Kampala. Uganda
Email to: recruitment@ugafode.co.ug (Please indicate the position you are applying for)
Deadline: 10th December, 2016