JOB ADVERTISEMENT
| Position: | Director of Tech and Innovation | |
| Reporting to: | CEO | |
| Department: | Tech and Innovation | |
| Job Type: | Full-Time | |
| Location: | Remote | |
About Chancen International
| Chancen International is a non-profit financial institution providing ethical, fair, and responsible financing to help young Africans access quality tertiary education. Using an innovative Income Share Agreement (ISA) financing model, we cover students’ tuition fees, allowing them to study without financial barriers. Graduates repay a portion of their income once employed, creating a sustainable funding cycle that supports future generations. By empowering young people with education, we enable their transition to meaningful employment, fostering economic mobility and strengthening communities. Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, and operating in Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, Chancen International has helped over 5,000 young people access education leading to dignified work. Our focus on marginalized populations ensures these youth gain the skills needed to thrive and contribute to building strong economies and peaceful nations. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive working environment where each individual can flourish and achieve their full potential. Our actions are guided by our company values: Authenticity, Curiosity, Courage, Stewardship and Fairness. |
1. Main Job Purpose:
The Director of Tech & Innovation will lead the development of Chancen International’s proprietary technology, leveraging data, setting up machine learning (ML) capabilities, and utilizing AI to create customer-facing resources. The CTO will focus on data strategy, automation, and technology product development, ensuring that Chancen’s technology infrastructure aligns with business goals. This role does not include responsibility for day-to-day IT operations, which will be managed separately and report to another executive team member.
1. Technology Strategy & Leadership
- Lead Chancen’s AI, ML, and automation strategy to enhance financing, customer engagement, and risk assessment.
- Oversee core technology decisions, including build vs. buy evaluations and platform development.
2. Data & AI Innovation
- Develop scalable data infrastructure and ML models for automation, fraud detection, and underwriting.
- Drive AI-powered customer tools (e.g., smart repayment assistants, predictive financial modeling).
- Ensure seamless integration with core systems (e.g., Salesforce, Core Banking).
3. Security, Compliance & Partnerships
- Ensure data security, regulatory compliance, and auditing capabilities.
- Manage vendor relationships, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables.
4. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Lead and onboard internal and outsourced engineers, fostering a collaborative, user-focused culture.
- Define and track success metrics, optimizing automation and efficiency.
2. Educational Qualifications and Minimum Requirements
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
- Advanced degrees (MBA, PhD) in Technology Management, AI, or Data Science are an advantage.
- Relevant certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, or enterprise architecture (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, CISSP, TOGAF, PMP) are an advantage.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 12 years of experience in technology leadership, software development, data architecture, or IT strategy.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering, Head of Data) with direct responsibility for data-driven decision-making.
- Proven experience in data architecture, automation, and risk assessment in highly regulated industries.
- Experience in education, education financing, or financial services is an advantage.
- Familiarity with the challenges of working in emerging markets or our countries of operation is an advantage.
- Hands-on experience leading digital transformation projects and building scalable data-driven platforms.
Location & Timezone
- The Director must be located within a timezone that is ±3 hours CAT to ensure smooth collaboration with global teams
Benefits
- Competitive salary and equity shares in a new commercial entity providing developing AI-led innovation
- 21 days of annual leave, excluding bank holidays.
- Wellbeing allowance to support physical and mental health.
- Communication allowance to cover work-related connectivity needs.
- Learning & development allowance to support professional growth, including access to relevant courses, certifications, training and coaching.
3. How to Apply:
- Qualified and Interested Candidates should send their applications which contain a resume with the email address, contact details, qualifications and a cover letter at Chancen’s recruitment email to: careers@chancen.international
- The deadline for receiving applications is no later than the 19th of March
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- A detailed Job Description can be made available to shortlisted candidates, upon request.
