Job Purpose:
The Head of Institutional Banking will lead and direct 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 significant public and institutional entities.
This position will spearhead balance sheet expansion, cultivate and maintain critical partnerships, uphold regulatory standards, and achieve sustainable profitability aligned with the Bank’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to deliver project objectives within specified timelines, ensuring adherence to budget constraints and quality standards. Additionally, the role involves analyzing complex data sets to generate actionable insights, optimizing operational workflows, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The position demands strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in relevant software tools, and a commitment to continuous process improvement. Regular reporting on project status, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies is also required to maintain transparency and accountability.
Offer strategic leadership for the Institutional Banking division, guaranteeing its alignment with the Bank’s overarching strategy while also considering the Kenyan macroeconomic landscape and regulatory framework.
You will be responsible for managing the expansion, stability, and balanced composition of assets and liabilities within the institutional portfolio, prioritizing high-quality performance, risk-adjusted returns, and sustainable practices.
Enhance the expansion of existing accounts while bolstering collections, payment solutions, escrow services, and wholesale deposit mobilization sourced from institutional clients.
Proactively cultivate and oversee strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, County Governments, Parastatals, Development Agencies, and other institutional stakeholders to foster collaborative opportunities and drive institutional growth.
Monitor national and county government development plans, public sector projects, public-private partnership initiatives, and donor-funded programs to detect potential financing and transaction opportunities.
Develop and provide sophisticated institutional banking solutions, encompassing cash management, trade finance, structured lending, and advisory services to meet client needs.
Ensure consistent coordination with the National Treasury, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and other pertinent regulatory authorities to stay informed of evolving policies and funding initiatives.
Develop and maintain enduring, high-level connections with essential stakeholders, including government entities, development partners, and institutional clients.
By maintaining proactive client engagement, delivering solutions promptly, and consistently enhancing service standards, you will ensure high levels of client satisfaction.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for key institutional clients, addressing their most critical inquiries and concerns.
Ensure full compliance with CBK regulations, internal credit policies, AML/CFT mandates, and public sector governance frameworks.
Oversee credit risk management, portfolio quality assurance, and exposure limits for institutional clients.
Engage in pertinent management and credit committees, offering informed perspectives on institutional banking risks and opportunities.
Required: A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as education, psychology, or social sciences. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of postdoctoral research experience, with a proven track record of publishing scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills are essential, along with the ability to design and implement complex research studies. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is mandatory. Experience with grant writing and securing external funding is highly desirable.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, finance, or a related discipline is required.
A Master’s degree, particularly in fields such as MBA, Finance, or Strategy, is highly beneficial.
Qualified professionals must hold current memberships in recognized industry associations and possess a history of published work in relevant journals or platforms.
Professional banking or finance qualifications such as AKIN, ACID, or equivalent credentials are required.
Proficiency in corporate/institutional lending, relationship management, or credit risk management through formal education is required.
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required.
A minimum of eight to ten years of banking experience is required, including at least four to five years in senior or managerial positions within Institutional, Corporate, or Public Sector Banking.
Demonstrated expertise in overseeing engagements with Government entities, Parastatals, or Development Finance Institutions within the Kenyan market.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of Kenya’s banking sector, public sector financing structures, and the applicable regulatory framework.
Key Qualifications: Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking to drive organizational success. Exhibits strong leadership abilities to guide teams toward achieving established goals. Possesses excellent communication skills to articulate ideas clearly and foster collaboration across departments. Maintains adaptability in dynamic environments, adjusting strategies as needed to meet evolving challenges. Shows proficiency in project management, ensuring timely and efficient execution of initiatives.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, effectively guiding teams toward achieving organizational objectives with clarity and decisiveness.
Executive disposition involves maintaining a refined and composed demeanor in all professional interactions, demonstrating strong leadership presence and the ability to guide teams with clarity and confidence. This requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and the capacity to make decisive decisions under pressure. The role demands adaptability in dynamic environments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Candidates must exhibit emotional intelligence, unwavering integrity, and the ability to inspire and motivate stakeholders at all levels. Experience in high-stakes leadership roles, coupled with a track record of delivering measurable results, is essential to succeed in this position.
Maintain unwavering standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all professional interactions and decision-making processes.
Consistently demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, along with strong interpersonal competencies.
Demonstrates strong business and financial insight, along with strategic thinking and a forward-thinking mindset.
Skilled in formulating and executing comprehensive, long-term operational strategies that span multiple functions and departments.
Comprehensive knowledge of the banking industry is essential.
Proven capability to cultivate and sustain robust stakeholder partnerships with clarity and professionalism throughout all interactions.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
