Head of Risk & Compliance (HR & C/06/26)
This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of robust risk management frameworks and compliance policies across the organization. The ideal candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team to identify, assess, and mitigate risks while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal governance policies. Key responsibilities include establishing a comprehensive compliance program, conducting regular audits, managing regulatory reporting obligations, and fostering a culture of risk awareness and ethical integrity throughout the enterprise. The position demands a strategic vision, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of evolving regulatory landscapes, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with senior management, board members, and external stakeholders to drive sustainable compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
The incumbent will report functionally to the Board of Directors (BoD) and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ensuring all material risks are identified, evaluated, tracked, and communicated in accordance with the Bank’s mission, regulatory obligations, and approved Risk Appetite Statement (RAS). Additionally, the position demands a commitment to upholding the Bank’s Christian values through spiritual guidance and adherence to ethical standards.
Responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of critical tasks, requiring diligent execution and strategic oversight. The role demands meticulous adherence to established protocols, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and regulatory mandates. Key responsibilities include analyzing data to derive actionable insights, fostering collaborative relationships across departments, and spearheading initiatives to drive operational efficiency. Additionally, the position necessitates proficient multitasking within dynamic environments, coupled with exceptional problem-solving capabilities to mitigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels, while maintaining a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Lead and oversee the Risk Management Department, driving performance excellence, establishing clear targets, and ensuring the successful attainment of departmental objectives.
Act as a critical advisor to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors, providing expert counsel on matters concerning risk.
Deliver risk reports that are both timely and accurate, tailored specifically to the needs and expectations of the Board of Directors and Senior Management.
Management personnel, risk owners, and regulatory bodies collaborate to ensure adherence to established standards and mitigate potential threats effectively.
Develop and execute the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and HOPE International standards through meticulous planning, design, and implementation.
The incumbent must guarantee the Bank’s comprehensive adherence to all pertinent statutes, regulatory mandates, official directives, and prudential standards prescribed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other authoritative bodies.
Stay abreast of regulatory changes and new compliance obligations, providing strategic guidance to the CEO and Board Committees regarding their implications and necessary steps.
Collaborate closely with Information Technology and Digital Banking teams to systematically identify, evaluate, assess, and mitigate IT and digital risks—such as cybersecurity threats, system reliability concerns, data protection vulnerabilities, technology resilience gaps, and continuity risks in digital services—ensuring the safeguarding of secure, stable, and uninterrupted banking operations.
Collaborate with all business units and support functions to pinpoint, evaluate, monitor, and address financial and operational risks throughout the Bank, encompassing process breakdowns, control deficiencies, fraud vulnerabilities, service inefficiencies, and workforce-related threats. This collaboration aims to bolster operational resilience, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and maintain consistent, high-quality customer service.
Foster a robust culture of compliance and ethical behavior throughout the Bank by delivering targeted training initiatives, enhancing communication strategies, and maintaining ongoing engagement with stakeholders.
Hold a relevant academic degree in a related discipline, supplemented by substantial professional experience and specialized technical competencies. Demonstrate proficiency in key tools, methodologies, or systems pertinent to the role, along with a track record of applying these skills in practical settings. Exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, ensuring alignment with the position’s demands and organizational objectives.
A bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Statistics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A Master’s Degree or professional certifications, including FRM, RISC, CFE, or CPA/ARCA, is advantageous.
Candidates must possess a minimum of 8–10 years of relevant experience in risk management, internal audit, compliance, or financial management, ideally within a regulated financial institution. At least five of those years should have been served in a senior leadership or managerial capacity.
A robust understanding of Enterprise Risk Management frameworks, including COST and ISO 31000, is required.
Requires a comprehensive understanding of Basel II & III regulatory standards, as well as expertise in implementing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery frameworks.
Credit risk evaluation and portfolio performance analysis, alongside operational risk frameworks such as Risk and Control Self-Assessment (ROSA), are key areas of responsibility.
KAI and loss event databases, along with regulatory frameworks governing microfinance and banking in Kenya, are essential areas of expertise.
Requires proven expertise in collaborating with regulatory bodies, external auditors, and Board committees.
Proficiency in risk reporting, data analysis, and risk management systems—such as Audit Board, risk dashboards, and business intelligence tools—is required.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities and strong behavioral competencies, fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Drives team performance through clear vision, strategic decision-making, and effective communication. Exhibits emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical standards in all interactions. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and professional development while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Demonstrates a robust ethical foundation and effectively embodies and exemplifies Christian values in leadership roles.
Demonstrates strong proficiency in analytical reasoning, problem resolution, and decisive action.
Proven skill in driving alignment with executive leadership and fostering productive interactions with the Board is essential.
Demonstrated proficiency in communication and presentation, with a talent for distilling intricate risk-related concepts into easily understandable, practical recommendations.
A proven track record in cultivating a robust risk culture and guiding multifaceted teams across diverse functions is essential.
Maintains a high standard of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment in all responsibilities.
Interested candidates who fulfill the specified criteria are required to download the “Job Application Form” from www.smep.co.ke/careers and submit their completed applications to recruitment@smep.co.ke, ensuring the Job Title and Reference are clearly stated in the email subject line. Applications must be received on or before Tuesday, 30th June 2026. Please note that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
