Strategy and Operations Analyst at Ozow

About the Role

• We’re on the lookout for a Strategy and Operations Specialist to partner directly with our CEO. This is a high-impact role suited for a curious, analytical thinker who thrives on transforming data and insights into strategic action.
• You’ll play a key part in shaping company strategy, improving operational performance, and preparing executive materials for decision-making. Your work will span across market research, business case development, operational analysis, and supporting strategic presentations at board and partnership levels.

What You’ll Do

Market & Competitor Research

• Research competitors, industry products, core metrics, and valuations to support strategic decision-making.
• Identify new market opportunities and emerging fintech trends across Africa and beyond.
• Deliver clear, data-backed insights that help refine product positioning and growth strategy.

Strategic Insights & Executive Reporting 

• Translate complex analysis into clear narratives and visuals that influence leadership decisions.
• Create concise strategy decks and dashboards summarizing company performance, key metrics (e.g., transaction volume, merchant growth, unit economics), and market trends. 
• Present regular updates on business health, competitive positioning, and strategic opportunities. 
• Support the CEO in preparing for board meetings, discussions with internal stakeholders as well as external partners with comprehensive briefing materials.

Business Case Development

• Build detailed business cases to assess product readiness for market, ROI potential, and operational impact.
• Model financial and performance outcomes to support investment or product launch decisions.
• Evaluate partnerships, expansion, and automation initiatives from a strategic value perspective.

Strategic Planning Support

• Support the CEO and leadership team in annual strategic planning and business reviews. 
• Translate business objectives into measurable goals and strategic initiatives. 
• Model different strategic scenarios (e.g., market expansion, pricing adjustments, new product investments). 

Tools, Data & Automation

• Partner with data in using Power BI and other analytics tools to track KPIs, trends, and performance indicators.
• Partner with data and amongst other teams to drive the use of AI and automation for improved decision-making and efficiency.

Ad Hoc Projects & Strategic Ownership

• Contribute to ad hoc cross-functional projects that advance Ozow’s strategic priorities.
• Take ownership or act as the project champion for selected initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals and timely execution.
• Collaborate across teams to drive delivery, track impact, and communicate progress to senior stakeholders and the CEO.

Operational Tracking

• Monitor the progress of key strategic and operational deliverables.
• Partner with teams, where required, to identify blockers and drive resolution.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Investment Management, or a related field (required).
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and financial models.
• Proficiency in Power BI, Excel, PowerPoint, and other business intelligence tools.
• Solid understanding of financial and operational metrics relevant to fintech and digital payments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially in presenting data-driven insights to senior leadership.
• Experience (or internship) in fintech, consulting, or financial services is advantageous.

You’ll Succeed in This Role If You:

• Are naturally curious and enjoy exploring new markets, technologies, and business models.
• Combine data fluency with strategic thinking and clear communication.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with direct CEO visibility.
• Are proactive, detail-oriented, and eager to learn across disciplines.
• Value impact — using data, strategy, and execution to move the business forward.

Your skills and competencies

• You eagerly embrace change, absorb cross-functional skills, and connect ideas across disciplines to drive fresh thinking and innovation. 
• Ability to initiate, develop, maintain and leverage outstanding relationships to influence a wide network, both inside and outside the company. 
• A trailblazer who steps up, takes charge, and creates meaningful impact—those driven by performance and purpose to lead from the front and make a real difference every day. 
• You thrive in collaboration, embrace inclusion, and bring a genuine curiosity for global cultures—valuing collective success over individual credit. 
• Demonstrate strategic foresight, sound judgement, and the ability to make confident decisions under uncertainty, always working toward the best possible outcomes. 
• You challenge norms, champion innovation, and constantly seek growth—for themselves, their team, and the solutions they build. 
• You are a decisive doer—those who take initiative, follow through with confidence, and ensure results through courageous, hands-on leadership. 
• We value optimism, agility, and the strength to persevere under pressure—balancing performance with positivity, even in challenging environments. 
• You are driven, proactive individuals who take ownership, face challenges with grit, and consistently push for excellence—not just as participants, but as catalysts for success.