The primary objective of this position is to oversee and execute tasks that align with the organization’s strategic goals, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness. Key responsibilities include managing projects from inception to completion, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve objectives, and maintaining a high standard of quality in all deliverables. Essential qualifications encompass a minimum of five years of relevant experience, proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies, and exceptional problem-solving abilities. Additionally, strong communication skills and the capacity to lead and inspire teams are imperative for success in this role.
The Head of Institutional Banking will spearhead the strategic direction and management of the Bank’s Institutional Banking portfolio in Kenya, which encompasses Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDS), State-Owned Enterprises (Parastatals), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), Multilateral Agencies, and other prominent public and institutional organizations.
This position is tasked with expanding the balance sheet, cultivating key partnerships, maintaining regulatory adherence, and achieving sustainable profitability aligned with the Bank’s strategic goals.
Oversee a comprehensive range of duties encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and performance evaluation to ensure organizational objectives are met efficiently. Develop, implement, and monitor initiatives that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and foster innovation within the team. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align goals, resolve challenges, and drive cohesive decision-making. Provide leadership through clear direction, mentorship, and accountability to cultivate a high-performing work environment. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze trends, and present data-driven insights to senior management to inform strategic adjustments. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while upholding the highest standards of quality and ethical conduct. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating team dynamics, identifying skill gaps, and recommending targeted training or development programs. Serve as a liaison between staff and senior leadership to facilitate transparent communication and address operational concerns promptly.
Drive strategic initiatives for the Institutional Banking division, aligning its objectives with the Bank’s overarching strategy while considering Kenya’s macroeconomic landscape and regulatory frameworks.
Manage the institutional portfolio’s asset and liability composition to ensure sustainable growth, stability, and an optimal balance while prioritizing quality, risk-adjusted performance, and long-term sustainability.
Proactively expand existing accounts, enhance collections and payment solutions, manage escrow services, and mobilize wholesale deposits from institutional clients to drive growth.
Proactively cultivate and oversee strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, County governments, Parastatals, Development Agencies, and other institutional clients to drive collaborative initiatives and ensure sustained engagement.
Analyze national and county government development plans, public sector initiatives, public-private partnership projects, and donor-funded programs to pinpoint potential financing and transaction opportunities.
Develop and implement sophisticated institutional banking solutions, encompassing cash management, trade finance, structured lending, and advisory services, tailored to meet client needs.
Engage regularly with the National Treasury, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and pertinent regulatory authorities to ensure continuous alignment with evolving policies and funding initiatives.
Develop and maintain enduring, high-level partnerships with essential stakeholders spanning Government entities, Development Partners, and Institutional clients.
Deliver exceptional client satisfaction by proactively engaging with them, consistently providing timely solutions, and continuously enhancing service standards to exceed expectations.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for key institutional clients.
Ensure full compliance with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulations, internal credit policies, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) mandates, and public sector governance standards.
Deliver comprehensive supervision over credit risk parameters, the quality of the loan portfolio, and established exposure thresholds for institutional clients.
Engage in pertinent management and credit committees, offering informed perspectives on institutional banking risks and opportunities.
Candidates must possess a relevant academic background, including a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field pertinent to the position. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications may be required, depending on the specific role. A strong academic record, complemented by relevant coursework or research, is essential to demonstrate the necessary expertise and commitment to the field.
A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree in a relevant field, such as MBA, Finance, or Strategy, is highly desirable.
Professional Qualifications / Membership to Professional Bodies / Publications:
Candidates must possess relevant professional certifications or hold active memberships in recognized professional organizations pertinent to the role. Additionally, a demonstrated record of scholarly or industry publications is required, showcasing expertise and contributions to the field.
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.
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to qualify for this opportunity.
A candidate must possess a minimum of eight to ten years of hands-on experience in the banking sector, including a minimum of four to five years in senior or managerial positions within Institutional, Corporate, or Public Sector Banking.
Skilled in cultivating and maintaining strong partnerships with Government entities, Parastatals, and Development Finance Institutions within the Kenyan market.
Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of Kenya’s banking sector, its public sector financing frameworks, and the regulatory landscape.
Key Skills and Qualifications: Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, alongside robust analytical and communication abilities. Proficiency in relevant software applications and industry-specific tools is essential. Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities are required to effectively guide teams and foster collaborative work environments. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in dynamic settings is highly valued. Exceptional organizational and time management skills are necessary to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively, inspire and motivate members, and drive organizational success through clear direction and decisive action.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and strategic decision-making capabilities.
Maintain rigorous ethical standards and uphold unwavering honesty in all professional interactions and decision-making processes.
Accomplished interpersonal and communication abilities, enabling effective collaboration and relationship-building across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Business acumen, financial insight, and innovative thinking are essential for this role.
Proven capability to formulate and execute cohesive, long-term operational strategies that span multiple functions and departments effectively.
A solid grasp of the banking industry is essential.
You must demonstrate proficiency in establishing and sustaining robust stakeholder relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
