Job Purpose: To deliver strategic leadership and operational management in fostering innovation, optimizing performance, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This role involves overseeing cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability. The position requires collaboration with senior stakeholders to shape business strategies, enhance productivity, and support sustainable growth. Key responsibilities include leading project initiatives, managing budgets, and implementing best practices to achieve measurable outcomes.
The Head of Institutional Banking will spearhead strategic direction and comprehensive management of the Bank’s Institutional Banking portfolio in Kenya, encompassing Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDS), State-Owned Enterprises (Parastatals), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), Multilateral Agencies, and other prominent public and institutional entities.
This position focuses on fostering balance sheet expansion, cultivating critical partnerships, upholding regulatory standards, and achieving consistent profitability aligned with the Bank’s strategic goals.
Oversee and execute key duties essential to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Deliver a range of critical tasks with precision and efficiency, contributing to the overall success of the team. Maintain meticulous attention to detail while managing responsibilities, fostering a productive and high-performing work environment. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and drive operational excellence. Ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and industry standards throughout all processes.
Offer strategic leadership to the Institutional Banking division, aligning its direction with the Bank’s strategic objectives and the prevailing Kenyan economic and regulatory landscape.
Responsible for managing the expansion, stability, and balanced composition of assets and liabilities within the institutional portfolio, prioritizing high-quality investments, risk-adjusted performance, and sustainable growth.
Facilitate the expansion of existing accounts, enhance collections, optimize payment solutions, manage escrow services, and mobilize wholesale deposits from institutional clients to drive sustainable growth.
Proactively cultivate and oversee strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, County Governments, Parastatal organizations, Development Agencies, and other key institutional stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive mutual objectives.
Monitor national and county government development plans, public sector initiatives, public-private partnership (PPP) ventures, and donor-funded programs to pinpoint financing and transaction prospects.
Craft, organize, and provide intricate institutional banking solutions—such as cash management, trade finance, structured lending, and advisory services—for clients.
Engage proactively with the National Treasury, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and other pertinent regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with evolving policies and funding initiatives.
Develop and maintain enduring high-level connections with essential stakeholders, including government entities, development partners, and institutional clients.
Deliver exceptional client satisfaction by proactively engaging with stakeholders, ensuring timely provision of solutions, and consistently elevating service standards through ongoing refinement.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for key institutional clients.
To guarantee compliance with CBK regulations, internal credit policies, AML/CFT mandates, and public sector governance frameworks.
Oversee credit risk management, ensure portfolio quality standards, and establish and monitor exposure limits for institutional clients.
Engage actively in pertinent management and credit committees, offering strategic perspectives on institutional banking risks and potential opportunities.
Applicants must hold an advanced degree, such as a Master’s or PhD, in a relevant field, coupled with a strong academic background in research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Demonstrated expertise in the subject area through published work, conference presentations, or specialized coursework is essential. A minimum of five years of post-secondary teaching experience is required, along with a proven track record of mentoring students and developing rigorous curricula. Familiarity with accreditation standards and institutional assessment practices is also necessary to ensure alignment with educational excellence.
A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a related discipline is required.
A master’s degree, particularly in fields such as MBA, Finance, or Strategy, would be highly advantageous.
Professional qualifications include active membership in relevant professional bodies and a record of published work.
Candidates must possess a professional banking or finance qualification, such as AKIN, ACID, or an equivalent credential.
Experienced professionals should possess formal education or training in corporate and institutional lending, relationship management, or credit risk management.
Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience required.
With a minimum of 8 to 10 years of professional experience in banking, including at least 4 to 5 years in senior or managerial positions within Institutional, Corporate, or Public Sector Banking, the ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial services.
Demonstrates a strong track record in overseeing engagements with Government entities, Parastatal organizations, or Development Finance Institutions within the Kenyan market.
A comprehensive knowledge of Kenya’s banking industry, public sector funding mechanisms, and the prevailing regulatory framework is essential.
Key Skills and Attributes: Demonstrates proficiency in strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, with a strong ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Exhibits exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration and building effective working relationships across teams. Shows adaptability in dynamic environments and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Proven leadership experience, along with the capacity to motivate and guide teams toward achieving organizational goals. Maintains a results-driven mindset while upholding high ethical standards and integrity in all professional interactions.
Exceptional ability to guide and inspire teams with clear vision and decisive action, fostering collaboration and driving organizational success through effective mentorship and strategic direction.
Displays exceptional executive presence and professionalism in all interactions.
Maintain unwavering ethical standards and professional honesty in all actions and decisions.
Proven ability to convey ideas clearly and build strong professional relationships is essential.
Possessing strong business and financial insight along with strategic business acumen and a forward-thinking mindset.
Proven capability to design and implement cohesive, long-term operational strategies that align multiple functions across the organization.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the banking industry, including its operations, regulations, and market dynamics.
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in establishing and nurturing robust stakeholder connections.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
