As the Head of Risk & Compliance (HR & C/06/26), you will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s risk management framework, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, and implementing robust compliance policies. Your role will involve leading a team of compliance professionals, conducting risk assessments, and developing strategies to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, you will collaborate with senior management to integrate risk and compliance considerations into business operations, while also providing guidance on ethical and legal standards. This position requires a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to communicate complex compliance issues clearly. A background in risk management, compliance, or a related field is essential, along with relevant certifications such as CRCM, CAMS, or CCP.
The incumbent will report functionally to the Board of Directors (BoD) and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, monitoring, and reporting all material risks in accordance with the Bank’s mission, regulatory obligations, and approved Risk Appetite Statement (RAS). Additionally, the role requires demonstrating the Bank’s Christian identity through spiritual guidance and adherence to ethical principles.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities to ensure operational excellence and team productivity. Lead strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional projects, and foster collaboration across departments to achieve organizational objectives. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency, compliance, and performance. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze metrics, and report progress to senior leadership to drive data-informed decision-making. Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members to cultivate talent and strengthen organizational capabilities. Ensure adherence to industry regulations, safety standards, and quality assurance protocols to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity. Serve as a liaison between stakeholders, clients, and internal teams to facilitate transparent communication and alignment of goals.
Lead the Risk Management Department by providing strong oversight, fostering team development, and driving performance excellence through strategic management, clear objective-setting, and consistent achievement of departmental goals.
Acting as a trusted advisor, you will provide strategic guidance to the CEO, Executive Leadership, and the Board on matters pertaining to risk management.
Delivers timely, precise, and tailored risk reports to the Board of Directors and Senior Management, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and governance standards.
Management personnel, risk owners, and regulatory authorities collaborate to oversee and ensure compliance with established standards and guidelines. This collective group plays a pivotal role in identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks while upholding accountability and transparency in operational practices. Their responsibilities include monitoring adherence to policies, evaluating risk exposure, and fostering a culture of risk awareness across the organization. Additionally, they work closely with stakeholders to align strategies with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ensuring sustainable governance and operational resilience.
Plan, develop, and execute the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and HOPE International standards.
The incumbent is responsible for guaranteeing the Bank’s adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, directives, and prudential guidelines mandated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other pertinent regulatory bodies.
Monitor regulatory developments and emerging compliance requirements, providing strategic guidance to the CEO and Board Committees regarding their implications and the necessary actions to ensure adherence.
Collaborate with Information Technology and Digital Banking teams to systematically identify, evaluate, assess, monitor, and mitigate IT and digital risks—such as cybersecurity threats, system reliability concerns, data protection vulnerabilities, technology resilience gaps, and continuity disruptions—to maintain the security, stability, and seamless operation of banking services.
Collaborate with all business units and support functions to pinpoint, evaluate, monitor, and address financial and operational risks throughout the Bank, encompassing process breakdowns, internal control deficiencies, fraud vulnerabilities, service delivery deficiencies, and personnel-related risks, thereby enhancing operational resilience, regulatory adherence, and consistent service quality for customers.
Foster a robust culture of compliance and ethical behavior throughout the Bank by delivering targeted training initiatives, facilitating effective communication strategies, and maintaining ongoing engagement with stakeholders.
Seeking candidates with a strong academic foundation, relevant professional experience, and specialized technical skills to fulfill the role effectively. Applicants must possess the required educational credentials, hands-on expertise in the field, and proficiency in key technical tools and methodologies essential to the position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a track record of success in similar roles, complemented by a deep understanding of industry-specific practices and emerging trends.
A bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Statistics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A Master’s Degree and/or Professional certifications like FRM, RISC, CFE, CPA, or ARCA are advantageous qualifications.
Seeking a candidate with at least 8–10 years of demonstrated expertise in risk management, internal audit, compliance, or financial management, ideally within a regulated financial institution. At least five of these years must have been in a senior leadership or managerial capacity.
Professionals should possess in-depth expertise in Enterprise Risk Management frameworks, specifically COST and ISO 31000.
Basel II and III regulations, alongside Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery frameworks,
We conduct comprehensive credit risk assessments and perform detailed portfolio analytics to evaluate potential exposures and mitigate financial risks. Our operational risk tools encompass robust frameworks such as Risk and Control Self-Assessment (ROSA), enabling proactive identification and management of risks across the organization.
KAI, loss event databases, and regulatory frameworks governing microfinance and banking in Kenya are essential areas of expertise.
Must have relevant experience working with regulators, external auditors, and Board committees.
Should have proficiency in risk reporting, data analysis, and use of risk management systems (e.g., Audit Board, risk dashboards, BI tools).
Leadership and Behavioural Competencies
Demonstrates a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and exemplifies Christian values through leadership, setting a positive example for others.
Proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and implement effective solutions. Demonstrated capacity to evaluate information critically, make timely and well-informed decisions, and navigate challenges with strategic insight.
Capable of shaping executive-level decisions and fostering productive interactions with the Board of Directors.
Effective communication and presentation skills are essential, enabling the ability to distill intricate risk-related concepts into clear, actionable insights.
Proven capability to cultivate a robust risk culture and effectively guide multifunctional teams.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment at all times.
Eligible candidates are required to download the “Job Application Form” from www.smep.co.ke/careers and submit their completed applications to recruitment@smep.co.ke by Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, with the Job Title and Reference clearly stated in the email subject line. Please note that only shortlisted individuals will receive further communication.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
