Strategy & Innovation Associate - Programs & Fintechs (Junior-Mid exDeloitte, exEY, exKPMG, exPwC) Jeddah

About This Role

Role Description

We are seeking a high-potential Strategy & Innovation Associate - Programs & Fintechs to support strategy, governance, innovation initiative delivery, innovation program delivery, fintech partnerships and PMO operations.

This is a contract-based position, open to both local and expatriate candidates who already hold their own valid residency/visa status in Saudi Arabia, or those who may require iqama transfer.

The role involves analyzing business challenges, identifying opportunities, conducting research, and collaborating with teams to test, optimize, and execute actionable solutions. Additionally, responsibilities include supporting data-driven decision-making processes and delivering effective results tailored to client needs.

The role is ideal for junior-to-mid level talent (1–3 years experience) with strong analytical skills, program management skills, structured thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced corporate environment.

The position is Jeddah-based and fully on-site , as close coordination with internal teams is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support strategy development, opportunity assessments, and problem-solving for innovation initiatives
• Conduct research, benchmarking, market analysis, and insight synthesis (FinTech, Open Banking, CX, emerging technologies)
• Assist in preparing executive presentations, business cases, portfolio documentation, communication packs and steering committee materials
• Manage PMO activities, which include timelines, trackers, RAID logs, reporting packs, dependencies, project management dashboards and risk management.
• Coordinate timelines, dependencies, and follow-ups across Technology, Digital, Data & business units.
• Collaborate with business units to gather inputs, validate information, and ensure alignment.
• Support the management of MVPs, pilots, PoCs, and experiment documentation.
• Contribute to idea funnel management, innovation program operations, workshop facilitation and steering committee meetings when needed.
• Demonstrate consulting-style communication: Clear structure, Strong storytelling, Concise insights, Compelling storytelling, Structured problem-solving.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality documentation and deliverables across all workstreams.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality professionalism and communication across all workstreams.

Required Skills & Competencies

• At least 1 year in consulting, PMO, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, or business analysis (non-negotiable).
• Jeddah-based and in-office presence (non-negotiable).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel (non-negotiable).
• Professional demeanor and high level of ownership and responsibility (non-negotiable).
• Bachelor degree or relevant certificate holder (non-negotiable).
• Excellent English communication skills at professional and advanced level.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, both written and verbal.
• Ability to structure information and build clean, executive-level documents.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational discipline.
• Ability to work across multiple workstreams with tight deadlines.
• Interest in innovation, data analysis, digital transformation, fintechs, open banking and open finance, AI and other emerging technologies.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Mandatory)

• Arabic speaking and writing for work and professional level (preferred).
• More than 2 years experience in consulting, PMO, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, or business analysis.
• Certifications such as PMP, CAPM, Agile/Scrum, GIMI Level 1 or 2, GInI, or similar credentials.
• Prior exposure to fintech, banking and finance industry, innovation offices, or strategy/consulting roles.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Based in Jeddah.
• Holds their own valid visa/iqama (for expats and locals).
• Strong follow-up discipline, ownership, and professionalism.
• When applying, mention the magic word "finnovation".
• Proactive, reliable, and committed to quality deliverables.
• Passionate about career in Innovation / Consulting.