Technical Project Specialist

The technical project specialist will provide project management leadership across the HOPE global network of programs, with a focus on technology projects. As a member of the technical assistance team, the technical project specialist will spend a significant amount of time leading projects involving new banking software applications, digitalization, data analysis and warehousing, and IT-related applications. In addition, the technical project specialist may lead or serve as an individual contributor on special projects including areas of core operations and internal operational analysis. Comfort with cross-departmental projects, cross-cultural communication, and detail orientation are particularly important.

• Location: Lancaster, PA; Durham, NC; Remote considered, United States
• Level: Professional
• Type: Full-time
• Department: Operations
• Reports to: Project Support Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote and fulfill the mission and vision of HOPE International

Project Management and Support

• Manage and support critical operational projects, including support and development of banking systems, fintech applications, mobile apps, operational changes, reporting tools, and product or system innovation and improvement
• Coordinate interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams including internal IT, finance, and field program resources, as well as external entities including vendors, consultants and partner organizations
• Assist in the development and implementation of new technical systems and applications, as required by HOPE programs and partner organizations
• Build project management capacity across the HOPE Network by contributing to the project management community of practice and directly interacting with other project leaders

Technical Assistance Consultation to Global Network of Programs

• Provide technical operations support as requested to HOPE’s global network of microfinance (MFI) and Savings Group (SG) programs and partners. Lead and/or support teams on initiatives related to products and services, methodology, training, data capture and analysis, software implementation, and/or risk management
• Maintain strong knowledge of trends in the MFI and SG sectors, including fintech applications, technical support solutions, market information, customer needs, and industry trends
• Support the HOPE Network by providing facilitation or consultative services to help programs identify and solve challenges, as required to meet strategic operations and program objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to the mission and vision of HOPE International
• 2 – 4 years of professional experience with increasing responsibility in project management with a focus on technical projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of various project management approaches and techniques, and how to apply them in a distributed team environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to self-manage, including effective time management and prioritization of competing demands/multiple deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively cross-culturally
• Knowledge and experience with the systems development life cycle, with firsthand expertise from initiation through implementation. Prior experience in software selection, implementation, integration, and testing preferred
• Ability to conduct business analysis and prepare recommendations for presentation to senior leadership
• Experience with project management tools such as Wrike or Jira
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite products required
• A degree in information systems, business, finance, economics, international development or related field
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to speak multiple languages and cross-cultural experience preferred