Job Purpose:
The Head of Institutional Banking will spearhead strategic direction and comprehensive management of the Bank’s Institutional Banking portfolio across Kenya, encompassing Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDS), State-Owned Enterprises (Parastatals), Development Finance Institutions (Dais), Multilateral Agencies, and other major public and institutional entities.
This position is tasked with fostering balance sheet expansion, cultivating critical partnerships, maintaining adherence to regulatory standards, and achieving sustainable profitability aligned with the Bank’s strategic goals.
Oversee and execute comprehensive responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, operational management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive organizational objectives. Facilitate effective communication channels between departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering a cohesive work environment. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, and compliance with industry standards. Monitor performance metrics, analyze data trends, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership for informed decision-making. Lead and mentor teams, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.
Offer strategic guidance to the Institutional Banking segment, maintaining alignment with the Bank’s strategic objectives and the prevailing macroeconomic and regulatory conditions in Kenya.
Responsible for managing the expansion, stability, and strategic balance of assets and liabilities within the institutional portfolio, prioritizing high-quality performance, risk-adjusted returns, and sustainable practices.
Expand and enhance the current base of institutional client accounts while increasing collections and streamlining payment solutions. Strengthen escrow services and drive wholesale deposit mobilization initiatives to maximize revenue generation and client retention.
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, County governments, Parastatals, Development Agencies, and other institutional stakeholders through proactive engagement and relationship development.
Monitor government development agendas, public sector projects, PPP initiatives, and donor-funded programs at both national and county levels to pinpoint financing and transaction opportunities.
Design and implement sophisticated institutional banking solutions, encompassing cash management, trade finance, structured lending, and advisory services, with a focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes.
Develop and sustain productive relationships with the National Treasury, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and other pertinent regulatory authorities to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving policies and funding mechanisms.
Develop and maintain enduring high-level connections with pivotal stakeholders in Government, Development Partners, and Institutional clients.
Deliver exceptional client satisfaction by proactively engaging with clients, providing timely solutions, and continually elevating service standards.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for key institutional clients.
Ensure strict compliance with CBK regulations, internal credit policies, AML/CFT mandates, and public sector governance frameworks.
Oversee the management of credit risk, portfolio quality, and exposure limits for institutional clients to ensure robust financial oversight and adherence to established guidelines.
Engage in key management and credit committees, contributing informed analysis on institutional banking risks and opportunities.
Applicants must hold a relevant academic qualification, such as a master’s degree or higher in the specified field, from an accredited institution. Relevant professional certifications or equivalent experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education, provided they align with the role’s requirements. Additionally, candidates should possess a strong academic background in the discipline relevant to the position, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline is required.
A Master’s degree, preferably in an MBA, Finance, or Strategy-related field, would be advantageous.
Professional Qualifications, Membership in Professional Bodies, and Publication
Professional banking or finance qualifications such as AKIN, ACID, or equivalent credentials are required.
Formal education and experience in corporate or institutional lending, relationship management, or credit risk management are required.
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in a similar role is required.
A minimum of eight to ten years of professional experience in banking is required, including at least four to five years in senior or managerial positions within Institutional, Corporate, or Public Sector Banking.
Established expertise in overseeing engagements with Government entities, Parastatal organizations, or Development Finance Institutions within the Kenyan market is required.
Demonstrates a robust knowledge of Kenya’s banking sector, public sector financing frameworks, and the prevailing regulatory environment.
Key Qualifications Include: Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking to drive organizational success. Strong interpersonal skills are required to facilitate collaboration and influence stakeholders effectively. Exceptional communication abilities are essential for articulating ideas clearly and engaging teams. Leadership experience is necessary to guide and mentor employees while fostering a high-performance culture. Technical expertise in relevant tools and methodologies must be applied to optimize processes and achieve operational goals. Adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement are critical for navigating evolving business challenges.
Exceptional ability to lead teams and drive initiatives forward with vision and decisiveness, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership and professionalism in all interactions and decision-making processes. Exhibits strong executive presence with polished communication skills and an ability to inspire confidence. Maintains composure under pressure while driving results through strategic thinking and accountability.
Exhibit unwavering ethical standards and honesty in all professional interactions.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and build strong interpersonal relationships.
Business acumen, financial insight, and a forward-thinking approach are essential for success in this role. Candidates must demonstrate a sharp understanding of business operations, market dynamics, and financial principles, coupled with the creativity to drive innovation and strategic growth.
Demonstrated capability to formulate and execute cohesive, long-term operational strategies that align with cross-functional objectives and integrate diverse business functions.
Profound knowledge of the banking industry is essential.
Proven capability in cultivating and sustaining robust stakeholder relationships is essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
