Job Summary:

The Business Intelligence Analyst will play a critical role in driving data-informed decision-making across ASA Microfinance Zambia. The role focuses on branch performance optimization for both new and existing branches, market research, and strategic analysis to support the institution's expansion and operational excellence agenda. The successful candidate will collect, analyze, and interpret complex data sets to provide actionable insights that shape business strategy, branch network decisions, and market positioning.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Branch Optimization & Performance Analysis

• Collect, consolidate, and analyze branch-level data for all existing branches to identify performance gaps, inefficiencies, and growth opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and site analysis for proposed new branch locations, including demographic studies, catchment area analysis, and competitive mapping.
• Develop and maintain branch performance dashboards and scorecards tracking key metrics such as loan disbursements, repayment rates, client growth, and operational costs.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to management on branch restructuring, relocation, expansion, or closure.
• Monitor post-launch performance of new branches against set targets and generate periodic reports for senior management.

2. Market Research & Opportunity Analysis

• Conduct primary and secondary market research to identify new geographic markets, customer segments, and product opportunities aligned with ASA Zambia's mission.Analyze competitor activities, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic trends affecting the microfinance sector in Zambia.
• Develop market entry reports and business cases to support strategic decision-making on branch network expansion.
• Track and report on microfinance industry benchmarks, customer behavior trends, and financial inclusion indices in Zambia.
• Maintain an up-to-date repository of market intelligence to support the strategy team and senior leadership.

3. Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• Design and implement structured data collection methodologies, including surveys, field interviews, and digital data tools.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of operational, financial, and customer data to generate strategic insights.
• Develop clear, concise, and visually compelling reports, presentations, and infographics for management and Board-level consumption.
• Ensure data quality, accuracy, and integrity across all BI outputs and data sources.
• Collaborate with IT and MIS teams to enhance data infrastructure and reporting systems.

4. Strategic Planning Support

• Support the annual strategic planning process by providing data analysis, scenario modelling, and performance benchmarking.
• Assist in the development of the branch expansion roadmap and medium-term business plans.
• Monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives and provide periodic progress reports against KPIs.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that require analytical or research input.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Field Work

• Conduct periodic field visits to branches and target communities to gather ground-level insights and validate data.
• Liaise with branch managers and regional coordinators to collect operational data and understand on-ground realities.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders in a clear and persuasive manner.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics, Business Administration, Finance, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field from a recognized university.
• A Postgraduate qualification (Master's degree or Postgraduate Diploma) in a relevant discipline will be an added advantage.
• Certification in data analytics or business intelligence tools (e.g., Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Analytics Certificate).
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in business intelligence, data analysis, market research, or strategic planning.
• Demonstrable experience working in the financial services sector, preferably in microfinance, banking, or development finance.
• Proven track record in analyzing large datasets and translating findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience with branch network analysis, geographic mapping, or retail/financial services site evaluation will be a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with the Zambian microfinance regulatory environment and socio-economic landscape is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modelling) and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in BI and data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis tools such as SPSS, R, or Python for data analysis.
• Ability to design and manage databases and extract data using SQL or similar query languages.
• Strong financial modelling and quantitative analysis skills.
• Strong research skills with the ability to design and execute both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and accessible manner.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, proposals, and executive presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and data integrity.

Core competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Strategic Orientation
• Results Focus
• Initiative & Innovation
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity & Professionalism
• Communication & Influence
• Adaptability

• Collect, consolidate, and analyze branch-level data for all existing branches to identify performance gaps, inefficiencies, and growth opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and site analysis for proposed new branch locations, including demographic studies, catchment area analysis, and competitive mapping.
• Develop and maintain branch performance dashboards and scorecards tracking key metrics such as loan disbursements, repayment rates, client growth, and operational costs.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to management on branch restructuring, relocation, expansion, or closure.
• Monitor post-launch performance of new branches against set targets and generate periodic reports for senior management.
• Conduct primary and secondary market research to identify new geographic markets, customer segments, and product opportunities aligned with ASA Zambia's mission.Analyze competitor activities, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic trends affecting the microfinance sector in Zambia.
• Develop market entry reports and business cases to support strategic decision-making on branch network expansion.
• Track and report on microfinance industry benchmarks, customer behavior trends, and financial inclusion indices in Zambia.
• Maintain an up-to-date repository of market intelligence to support the strategy team and senior leadership.
• Design and implement structured data collection methodologies, including surveys, field interviews, and digital data tools.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of operational, financial, and customer data to generate strategic insights.
• Develop clear, concise, and visually compelling reports, presentations, and infographics for management and Board-level consumption.
• Ensure data quality, accuracy, and integrity across all BI outputs and data sources.
• Collaborate with IT and MIS teams to enhance data infrastructure and reporting systems.
• Support the annual strategic planning process by providing data analysis, scenario modelling, and performance benchmarking.
• Assist in the development of the branch expansion roadmap and medium-term business plans.
• Monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives and provide periodic progress reports against KPIs.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that require analytical or research input.
• Conduct periodic field visits to branches and target communities to gather ground-level insights and validate data.
• Liaise with branch managers and regional coordinators to collect operational data and understand on-ground realities.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders in a clear and persuasive manner.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modelling) and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in BI and data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis tools such as SPSS, R, or Python for data analysis.
• Ability to design and manage databases and extract data using SQL or similar query languages.
• Strong financial modelling and quantitative analysis skills.
• Strong research skills with the ability to design and execute both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and accessible manner.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, proposals, and executive presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
• Analytical Thinking
• Strategic Orientation
• Results Focus
• Initiative & Innovation
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Integrity & Professionalism
• Communication & Influence
• Adaptability

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics, Business Administration, Finance, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field from a recognized university.
• A Postgraduate qualification (Master's degree or Postgraduate Diploma) in a relevant discipline will be an added advantage.
• Certification in data analytics or business intelligence tools (e.g., Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Analytics Certificate).
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in business intelligence, data analysis, market research, or strategic planning.
• Demonstrable experience working in the financial services sector, preferably in microfinance, banking, or development finance.
• Proven track record in analyzing large datasets and translating findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience with branch network analysis, geographic mapping, or retail/financial services site evaluation will be a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with the Zambian microfinance regulatory environment and socio-economic landscape is highly desirable.