MPESA Product Design Manager- Re-advertisement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MPESA Product Design Manager - Re-advertisement

Company: Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX/UI) in Fintech

Date Posted: January 29, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver intuitive, user-centered experiences for M-PESA's digital financial service platforms, encompassing SuperApp, Mini Apps, USSD, and web interfaces.

• Drive fintech innovation through the creation of compelling wireframes, prototypes, and UI designs that enhance user engagement and product adoption.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product squads to influence strategic design decisions, ensuring optimal usability and alignment with overarching product and business objectives.

• Champion a customer-obsessed approach to product design, embedding user feedback and market insights into the design process to continuously improve the M-PESA user journey.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the product design function, staying abreast of emerging UX/UI trends and best practices in the fintech space.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Design Manager," the provided description and AI-generated experience level (2-5 years) suggest a role closer to a Senior Product Designer or Lead Product Designer, rather than a traditional management role overseeing a team. The focus is heavily on individual contribution to design execution and collaboration. The "re-advertisement" aspect implies previous attempts to fill the role, which could indicate a need for candidates with specific experience or a highly competitive market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs for M-PESA's suite of digital products, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to gather insights and validate design decisions, translating findings into actionable design improvements.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to define product requirements, design specifications, and ensure successful implementation of design solutions.

• Maintain and evolve M-PESA's design system and style guides, ensuring consistency in visual language and user interaction patterns across all digital touchpoints.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of M-PESA's digital products by providing expert design perspectives and advocating for user needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process optimization to enhance product usability, adoption rates, and customer satisfaction.

• Participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and mentoring junior designers where applicable, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented design environment.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to accessibility standards and best practices, promoting inclusivity for all M-PESA users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input, requiring a blend of creative execution and analytical thinking. The emphasis on collaboration and user-centricity is crucial for success in this fintech product design position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, UX/UI design, or a similar role, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end design projects.

• Proven experience in designing digital products, particularly within the fintech, mobile financial services, or telecommunications sectors.

Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Experience Design (XD): Proficiency in creating intuitive and engaging user experiences across various digital platforms.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Expertise in tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes.

• UI Design: Strong visual design skills, including typography, color theory, layout, and a keen eye for detail in creating high-fidelity user interfaces.

• Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders.

• Fintech Acumen: Understanding of the fintech landscape, financial services, and mobile money ecosystems.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Ability to translate business goals and user needs into effective design solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• SuperApp & Mini App Design: Specific experience designing for complex app ecosystems and modular application structures.

• USSD Design Principles: Familiarity with the constraints and best practices for designing user experiences on USSD platforms.

• Agile/Scrum Proficiency: Experience working within Agile or Scrum frameworks.

• Design System Management: Experience contributing to or managing design systems.

• Data Analysis for Design: Ability to leverage analytics and user feedback to inform design iterations.

• Customer Obsession: A genuine passion for understanding and serving customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is critical here. While "Manager" is in the title, 2-5 years typically aligns with a Senior Designer. Candidates should highlight their hands-on design contributions and collaborative impact rather than extensive team management experience. The emphasis on specific digital channels (SuperApp, USSD) is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 distinct product design projects, demonstrating end-to-end design thinking from problem definition to final execution.

• Projects should highlight your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the impact of your solutions, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Showcase experience with user research, usability testing, and iterative design based on feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your design process for each project presented in your portfolio, detailing:

  • Discovery & Research: How you identified user needs and business requirements.
  • Ideation & Design: Your approach to conceptualization, wireframing, and prototyping.
  • Testing & Iteration: How you gathered feedback and refined designs.
  • Collaboration & Handoff: Your methods for working with engineering and product teams.

• Provide examples of how you have used data and user feedback to drive design decisions and improve key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, engagement, task completion).

• Illustrate your ability to work within established design systems or contribute to their development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this experience level, the portfolio is paramount. It should clearly demonstrate hands-on skills in wireframing, prototyping, and UI design, with a strong emphasis on user-centered methodologies and measurable impact. Specific examples of solving complex UX challenges in mobile or fintech environments will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Competitive paid time off and annual leave.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Access to Safaricom's employee wellness programs.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Exposure to cutting-edge fintech innovations and a dynamic work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines.

• The role is on-site, requiring full-time presence in the Addis Ababa office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimates based on general market data for similar roles in Ethiopia and the fintech industry. Actual compensation will be determined by Safaricom Ethiopia based on the candidate's profile and the company's compensation structure. The "Top Employer Award" mentioned in the company description suggests a commitment to robust benefits and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications & Financial Services (Fintech)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10 million customers, 55% network reach in Ethiopia)

Founded: Safaricom Ethiopia was established in 2021, with Safaricom PLC (Kenya) having a long history dating back to 1997.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will report to the EHOD (Head of Department) – M-PESA Products, indicating a structured reporting line within the M-PESA product division.

• Collaboration will be integral with product squads, which typically include Product Managers, Engineers (front-end and back-end), QA testers, and potentially data analysts.

Methodology:

• Customer Obsession: A core value driving all operations, emphasizing deep understanding and prioritization of customer needs.

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new technologies and solutions to drive digital transformation.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with customers and stakeholders.

• Get It Done Together: Fostering a collaborative spirit and shared responsibility for achieving goals.

• Agile Development: Likely adopted for product development, emphasizing iterative cycles, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://www.safaricom.et/

📝 Enhancement Note: Safaricom's recognition as a "Top Employer" for two consecutive years is a significant indicator of a positive and supportive work environment. The company's rapid growth and ambition in Ethiopia's digital and fintech space present exciting opportunities for impactful product design work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Lead Designer

This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor responsible for the design execution and strategic input on M-PESA's digital products. While the title includes "Manager," the experience level (2-5 years) suggests a focus on hands-on design and leadership within projects, rather than direct people management. It offers a path to becoming a design lead or principal designer within the organization.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the EHOD – M-PESA Products.

• Works closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within specific product squads.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the usability, adoption, and customer satisfaction of M-PESA's digital financial services, which are critical to Safaricom Ethiopia's mission of transforming lives through digital connectivity.

• Contributes to the growth and success of M-PESA, a key pillar of Safaricom's revenue and market position in Ethiopia.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in fintech UX, mobile app design (SuperApps, Mini Apps), and potentially emerging areas like AI-driven financial services.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger product areas.

• Strategic Influence: Grow to influence product strategy and roadmap development from a design perspective.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in a rapidly growing African fintech market, contributing to significant digital transformation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or other strategic roles within Safaricom Ethiopia.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is likely focused on deepening design expertise and taking on more strategic responsibility within product development, rather than traditional people management. The "Manager" title might be a legacy or aspirational title for a senior individual contributor role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern corporate office environment in Addis Ababa, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Specifics regarding office campus or building would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect dedicated areas for team collaboration, design thinking workshops, and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized fintech development tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with product squads, design peers, and cross-functional stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

• Focus Time: While collaborative spaces exist, dedicated areas or personal workstations for focused design work are standard in such environments.

Work Schedule:

• Adherence to a standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or accommodate cross-time zone collaborations, though the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is emphasized. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based role, which often facilitates better collaboration and integration within product teams, especially in a fast-paced fintech environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR review of application and resume, potentially a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and alignment.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, key projects, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical stage.

• Technical/Design Interview: In-depth discussion on UX/UI principles, design tools, and specific design challenges related to fintech and mobile applications. May involve a live design exercise or case study.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with EHOD – M-PESA Products to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and alignment with team goals.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially an interview with a Product Manager or Engineering Lead to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Final Round/Offer: Discussion of terms, salary, and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your approach, your solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design thinking and methodology. Show, don't just tell.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "increased conversion by X%," "reduced task completion time by Y minutes").

• Tailor to M-PESA: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with mobile apps, financial services, or complex digital platforms. Show you understand their business and user needs.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenges: Be prepared for a practical design exercise. This could involve sketching out a user flow for a new feature, redesigning a specific element, or solving a hypothetical UX problem related to M-PESA's services.

• Fintech Scenarios: Anticipate questions about designing for financial inclusion, security, trust, and user education in a fintech context.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineers and product managers, handled design disagreements, and incorporated feedback.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss how design contributes to business goals and product strategy at a higher level.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most crucial step for this role. Candidates must be prepared to deeply discuss their work, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking and a user-centric approach within a fintech context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision.

• Wireframing: Balsamiq, Miro, or built-in features of Figma/Sketch.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing user behavior and product performance (specific tools may vary, but understanding concepts is key).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data flows from product usage into CRM or marketing automation systems can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly recommended as it is the industry standard for most modern product design teams. Familiarity with user research tools and project management software like Jira is also essential for seamless collaboration within agile teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: Every design decision should be rooted in understanding and serving the M-PESA customer. This means advocating for user needs, conducting research, and prioritizing usability.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new design approaches, technologies, and features that can enhance the M-PESA offering and differentiate it in the market.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical design practices, ensuring transparency, security, and trustworthiness in all user interactions within the financial services context.

• Get It Done Together: A collaborative mindset, working effectively with cross-functional teams to overcome challenges, share knowledge, and deliver high-quality products on time.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will be embedded within product squads, working daily with Product Managers and Engineers. This requires strong communication and the ability to translate design concepts into actionable development tasks.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged during design reviews, sprint retrospectives, and informal check-ins.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, research findings, and learnings across the team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are directly applicable to the design role. Candidates should be able to articulate how they embody "Customer Obsession" and "Innovation" in their design work and how they contribute to a "Get It Done Together" team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse User Segments: M-PESA serves a broad range of users with varying levels of digital literacy and access. Designing inclusive experiences that cater to all is a significant challenge.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating complex financial service requirements and business objectives into intuitive and user-friendly designs.

• Rapid Iteration in a Competitive Market: The fintech landscape evolves quickly; staying ahead of competitors and continuously improving the product requires agility and efficient design processes.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the specific technical limitations and opportunities of platforms like SuperApp, Mini Apps, and USSD.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of mobile money, digital payments, and financial inclusion strategies.

• Advanced UX/UI Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like interaction design, information architecture, and user research methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Understanding product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential for Safaricom to sponsor attendance at relevant design and fintech conferences or specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an awareness of these challenges and a proactive approach to overcoming them, highlighting how their skills and previous experiences position them to succeed.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for M-PESA SuperApp that aims to increase user engagement with savings products?" (Focus on user research, ideation, prototyping, and metrics)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements on a design project. How did you reach a resolution?" (Focus on collaboration, negotiation, and user advocacy)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does your design philosophy align with Safaricom's core values, particularly Customer Obsession and Innovation?" (Prepare specific examples)

• "What are your thoughts on designing for users with low digital literacy, and how would you approach this for M-PESA?" (Demonstrate empathy and practical solutions)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, detail your design process step-by-step, using visuals (wireframes, mockups) to illustrate your points. Conclude with the outcomes and lessons learned.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved and the positive results achieved, using data where possible.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and alternative solutions you considered.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with other team members and incorporated their feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, demonstrating your thought process and problem-solving skills. Understanding Safaricom's mission and the role of M-PESA in Ethiopia's digital transformation will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience in mobile app design, fintech, and user-centered design methodologies. Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to design for complex digital platforms and financial services.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Fintech," "Wireframing," "Prototyping," "Customer Obsession," and "SuperApp." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your approach to user research and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Safaricom Ethiopia's mission, values, and the significance of M-PESA in the Ethiopian market. Understand their commitment to digital transformation and customer empowerment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.