Academic jobs in United Arab Emirates

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Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii)

exeter, United Kingdom

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06.06.2025

21.07.2025

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Role: Competition in Digital Financial Services Specialist

Start Date: As soon as possible

Duration: 1 year, with the expectation of extension

Contract: Full-time/ Part-time

Location: Remote/Hybrid (HQ in Cambridge, UK)

ABOUT FINANCIAL INNOVATION FOR IMPACT (Fii)

Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii) is an international organisation dedicated to the advancement of scalable, sustainable, and inclusive financial innovation and evidence-based regulatory and supervisory innovation.

We work collaboratively with academic institutions and other stakeholders to create knowledge and apply data-driven insights to inform the development of digital financial services and the decision-making of central banks, securities regulators, and other financial authorities.

We generate high impact, applied outputs, develop digital tools, platforms, and services, and deliver capacity building at scale through technical assistance and training with a focus on benefiting financially excluded, marginalised, and disadvantaged populations globally.

Fii emerged from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) in early 2023. The 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.

THE ROLE

The Competition in Digital Financial Services Specialist will be a key member of Fii’s Competition in Digital Financial Services (DFS) team, leading the development and delivery of a new capacity-building programme for financial regulators and other competent authorities. This programme comprises three core components:

• An online executive education course developed in collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF);
• Technical assistance to support the implementation of competition-enhancing initiatives in selected jurisdictions;
• A dedicated competition-focused space and knowledge hub on an online community platform to facilitate cooperation, knowledge exchange, and peer learning among regulators and competent authorities.

The Specialist will play a central role in developing the course curriculum and content, engaging closely with subject-matter experts, contributors, and knowledge partners. They will also support the design and delivery of tailored workshops and technical assistance focused on competition issues in DFS.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in market competition and competition policy, with specific expertise in DFS and proven experience working in or advising on competition policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the design, development and delivery of a new programme centered around the promotion of competition in digital financial services (DFS).
• Play a key role in the development of a capacity building online course to promote competition in DFS - including curriculum and content development, engagement with contributors and knowledge partners, and developing strategic partnerships with target participants/authorities.
• Deliver, and support the delivery of (including through partnership development), technical assistance to public authorities on competition and digital finance issues. This includes supporting diagnostics and assessments of existing approaches, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation; and advising on the design of frameworks that address the specific challenges and risks in local markets.
• Engagement and stakeholder management of senior officials from public and financial authorities, including government ministries, regulators, supervisors and policymakers.
• Monitor policy, regulatory and supervisory developments in competition and digital finance, ensuring the program remains robust, accurate and up to date.
• Deliver virtual and in-person workshops designed to equip public authorities with the knowledge and skills to assess risks and opportunities in digital finance and competition and take effective action.
• Conduct research and comparative analysis on competition policy, regulation and supervision.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in economics, law, or a related field.
• Substantial experience in the study of market competition or competition policy, gained through work in a competition authority, financial regulator, policymaking body, consultancy, law firm, or academic setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in competition in digital financial services, the broader financial services sector, or the digital economy.
• Fluency in English (native or equivalent proficiency).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to approach challenges with creativity and flexibility.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaborative spirit, with the ability to contribute to team cohesion and manage interpersonal dynamics effectively.
• Experience working in LMICs, or advising on competition policy in LMIC contexts.
• Experience engaging with funders, philanthropic organisations, government agencies, or other public authorities.
• A solid understanding of grant-funded programmes, including monitoring, reporting and impact assessment.
• Experience in developing and/or delivering academic courses, capacity building programmes, workshops, or tutorials.
• Experience in providing technical assistance to public authorities.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A job and a team with a purpose. Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact on financial systems’ development through innovation and policy and regulatory reform.
• Exposure to leading thinkers, researchers, and solution creators in the financial, technology, and academic spaces.
• Significant professional growth and leadership development, in line with the scaling of the organisation.
• Competitive compensation.
• Flexible work schedule, including hours and location. HQ in Cambridge, UK

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply via LinkedIn or submit their CV and a cover letter to [emailprotected] .