Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Full Time
Executive
Job Summary
As CTO, you will be responsible for end-to-end technology governance, regulatory compliance, and deployment coordination for our mobile installment business in Burkina Faso. R&D work will be undertaken by the headquarters R&D team; your core role is to master local regulatory requirements and laws, assist the headquarters R&D team in deployment, and ensure that system architecture, data security, network security and other aspects fully meet SDF licensing and local strict regulatory requirements. You will lead the local tech team to focus on operation, compliance and coordination, supporting the stable and compliant operation of the business.
Key Responsibilities
As CTO, you will be responsible for end-to-end technology governance, regulatory compliance, and deployment coordination for our mobile installment business in Burkina Faso. R&D work will be undertaken by the headquarters R&D team; your core role is to master local regulatory requirements and laws, assist the headquarters R&D team in deployment, and ensure that system architecture, data security, network security and other aspects fully meet SDF licensing and local strict regulatory requirements. You will lead the local tech team to focus on operation, compliance and coordination, supporting the stable and compliant operation of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Compliance & Local Law Mastery
- Proficient in Burkina Faso’s financial and telecom regulations related to SDF license, including CIL (data protection law), ARCEP, WAEMU/BCEAO, and other relevant norms, and keep abreast of regulatory updates.
- Interpret local regulatory requirements for the headquarters R&D team, provide clear compliance guidance, and ensure that all technology-related work (architecture, deployment, operation) meets regulatory standards.
- Coordinate with local regulators (ARCEP, CIL, etc.), respond to regulatory inquiries, submit technology-related compliance materials, and ensure the smooth progress of SDF license application and subsequent compliance supervision.
- Coordination with Headquarters R&D Team
- Serve as the key link between the local team and the headquarters R&D team, communicate local regulatory requirements, business scenarios and technical needs accurately and efficiently.
- Assist the headquarters R&D team in system deployment, testing and launch in Burkina Faso, put forward localized optimization suggestions based on local network environment, telecom resources and regulatory requirements.
- Review the system architecture, deployment plan and technical solutions proposed by the headquarters R&D team, confirm that they meet local regulatory requirements and security standards, and put forward modification opinions if necessary.
- Architecture & Infrastructure Governance
- Oversee the overall system architecture of the local business, ensure that the architecture design is compliant, stable and scalable, and meets the regulatory requirements for financial services.
- Manage local infrastructure, hosting, disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plan (BCP), coordinate with the headquarters R&D team to ensure 99.9% uptime of critical financial systems.
- Control local tech OPEX/CAPEX budget, manage local tech vendors (telecom, hosting, etc.), and ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.
- Security & Risk Oversight
- Work closely with CISO to align technology and security work, ensure that system deployment, data management and network operation meet security compliance requirements.
- Oversee the implementation of audit trails, data retention, access control and other regulatory mandatory requirements, and coordinate with the headquarters R&D team to rectify potential risks.
- Local Tech Team Leadership & Coordination
- Build and lead the local tech team (focus on operation, compliance, support), set team goals, and organize training on local regulations and system operation.
- Establish local tech governance and change control processes, coordinate with the headquarters R&D team to implement system updates and optimizations, and ensure compliance of all changes.
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science, IT, Engineering; Master’s preferred.
- 7+ years fintech/consumer finance tech management experience, experience in Francophone West Africa is a strong plus.
- Proficient in Burkina Faso’s regulatory environment, including CIL data protection law, ARCEP, WAEMU/BCEAO guidelines, and experience in SDF license application or compliance management is preferred.
- Familiar with system architecture, cloud/on-prem infrastructure, mobile app (Android), USSD, REST APIs, and experience in coordinating with remote R&D teams for deployment.
- Experience in integrating local telecoms (Orange, Moov), mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) and KYC/ID verification providers in Burkina Faso/West Africa.
- Fluent inEnglish & French (mandatory for communication with regulators and headquarters).
- Resident in Burkina Faso or willing to relocate (SDF license requirement).
- Prior experience in assisting with SDF license application in Burkina Faso.
- Experience with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS or similar financial security standards.
- Existing network with local regulators (ARCEP, CIL), telecoms and mobile money providers.
Apply for this position
Required*