Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Manager, Strategic Initiatives - Pakistan Banks Association (PBA)

ABOUT THE ROLE:

PBA is seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join its Strategic Initiatives team. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer / Secretary, this role provides critical support in driving PBA's high-impact initiatives across Priority Sectors, including SME and Agri Finance, Housing Finance, and Digital & Technology enablement in banking. The selected candidate will play a key role in interfacing with member banks, regulators, and government ministries, contributing to industry-wide transformation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Support the planning, execution, and follow-up of priority sector initiatives (Housing, SME, Agri, and Digital Financial Services).

* Prepare briefing notes, presentations, meeting summaries, and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

* Coordinate and maintain engagement with member banks and financial institutions on operational and strategic matters.

* Liaise with the State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance, and other regulatory bodies as part of the ongoing initiatives.

* Track industry developments and provide analytical input to inform PBA's advocacy and policy recommendations.

* Organize and support working groups, sub-committees, and stakeholder roundtables.

* Support day-to-day operational tasks of the COO's office and the broader PBA Secretariat.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, or related field.

* Minimum 5 years of experience in the banking or financial services sector; prior exposure to digital financial services or fintech is preferred.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – both written and verbal.

* Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with attention to detail.

* High level of initiative, ownership, and professionalism in a collaborative team environment.

PREFERRED CANDIDATE PROFILE:

* Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply in support of gender diversity within the financial sector.

* Interest or experience in digital financial services or fintech will be considered a strong advantage.

* Demonstrated interest in financial inclusion, innovation, and policy reform at the sector level will be highly valued.

* Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information and produce high-quality reports and deliverables under tight timelines.

* Detail-oriented, with a client-first mindset, professional ethics, and strong respect for diversity, cultures, and differing perspectives.

* Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong appetite for learning and the ability to take initiative and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE EXCITING?

You will be part of a small, high-performing team that works at the intersection of banking, technology, and policy. At PBA, you will gain first-hand exposure to national-level initiatives, engage with senior industry leaders, and help shape the future of financial services in Pakistan.

Strategic Exposure:
You'll work directly with the COO on national-level initiatives that are shaping the future of banking in Pakistan, from digital financial services to housing and SME/Agri finance.

Sector-Wide Impact:
This isn't just another desk job. Your work will influence industry-wide dialogue, regulatory policy, and the development of inclusive financial ecosystems.

Unparalleled Access:
You'll engage regularly with senior leadership across banks, regulators (like SBP/SECP), and key ministries, a rare opportunity early in a career.

Cross-Cutting Learning:
The role cuts across policy, strategy, digital innovation, and financial inclusion, giving you a steep and broad learning curve.

Platform for Growth:
This is a high-visibility role in a small, high-performing team. Your work will be noticed, and your voice will count.

Purpose-Driven Work
: If you're passionate about improving access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and contributing to Pakistan's economic development, this role offers real purpose.

ABOUT PAKISTAN BANKS ASSOCIATION

The Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) is the apex industry platform representing the collective voice of the country's banking and financial services sector. Established in 1953, PBA serves as a central coordinating body for banks operating in Pakistan, advocating for progressive reforms, digital innovation and transformation, payments systems and inclusive growth.

PBA's core mandate is to facilitate policy advocacy, regulatory coordination, and development of the financial ecosystem by working closely with key stakeholders, including the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ministry of Finance, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other public and private sector partners.

As the industry's strategic think tank, PBA leads high-impact initiatives across priority sectors such as:

* SME and agriculture financing

* Digital and technology adoption

* Payments modernisation and financial inclusion

* ESG and sustainable finance

* Cybersecurity and risk management

* Housing finance

PBA plays a pivotal role in the development of a future-ready financial ecosystem by promoting interoperability, innovation, and capacity-building across institutions. Through its various working groups, technical committees, and public-private collaborations, PBA fosters collective action to address sector-wide challenges and unlock new opportunities.

With a growing focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and ecosystem enablement, PBA is at the forefront of driving a more resilient, inclusive, and technology-led banking landscape in Pakistan.