SENIOR RISK & COMPLIANCE LEADER (HR & C/06/26)
This pivotal role oversees the strategic direction of risk management and regulatory compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and external mandates. The position demands extensive expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks while implementing robust compliance programs tailored to industry standards. Key responsibilities include supervising audit processes, fostering a culture of ethical accountability, and advising executive leadership on governance best practices. Candidates must possess advanced qualifications in risk management, legal compliance, or a related discipline, coupled with a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams. Proficiency in regulatory frameworks, data protection laws, and financial governance is essential, alongside exceptional analytical and communication skills to drive organizational resilience and adherence to best practices.
The incumbent will report functionally to the Board of Directors (BoD) and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the primary responsibility of identifying, evaluating, mitigating, and reporting all material risks in strict accordance with the Bank’s mission, regulatory obligations, and approved Risk Appetite Statement (RAS). Additionally, the position demands the upholding of the Bank’s Christian values by demonstrating spiritual leadership and ethical behavior in all professional undertakings.
Oversee and execute a broad spectrum of essential duties and responsibilities, ensuring adherence to organizational objectives and operational standards. Engage in strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive efficiency and innovation. Address complex challenges, optimize processes, and maintain a high level of accountability in all assigned tasks. Demonstrate strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
Oversee the Risk Management Department by providing leadership, direction, and supervision, while fostering a culture of high performance through effective management practices, clear target-setting, and the successful execution of departmental goals.
Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, senior leadership, and Board members on matters pertaining to risk management and mitigation strategies.
Deliver precise, relevant risk reports to the Board of Directors and Senior Management in a timely manner, ensuring alignment with audience needs and expectations.
Regulatory bodies, risk stewards, and executive leadership collaborate to oversee governance frameworks and mitigate potential threats, ensuring adherence to established policies and industry standards.
Plan, develop, and execute the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework in accordance with strategic goals, regulatory mandates, and HOPE International standards.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the Bank’s adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, directives, and prudential guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other pertinent authorities.
Track emerging regulatory changes and evolving compliance obligations, providing strategic guidance to the CEO and Board Committees regarding their implications and necessary responses.
Collaborate with Information Technology and Digital Banking teams to proactively identify, evaluate, monitor, and mitigate IT and digital risks—such as cybersecurity threats, system reliability issues, data protection concerns, technology resilience gaps, and continuity risks—to ensure secure, stable, and seamless banking operations.
Collaborate with all business units and support functions to proactively identify, evaluate, and address financial and operational risks throughout the Bank, encompassing process breakdowns, internal control deficiencies, fraud vulnerabilities, service gaps, and workforce-related exposures. This role aims to enhance operational resilience, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and maintain consistently high standards of customer service quality.
Foster a robust culture of compliance and ethical behavior throughout the Bank by delivering targeted training initiatives, facilitating clear communication, and maintaining active engagement with stakeholders.
Seeking a candidate with a strong academic foundation in a relevant discipline, complemented by substantial professional experience in a comparable field. The ideal applicant will demonstrate proficiency in key technical competencies essential to the role, ensuring a seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
A bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Statistics, or a related discipline is required.
A Master’s Degree or relevant professional certifications, including FRM, RISC, CFE, or CPA/ARCA, will be considered advantageous.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background of at least eight to ten years of hands-on experience in risk management, internal audit, compliance, or financial management, ideally within a regulated financial institution. Notably, a minimum of five years of this experience should have been attained in a senior leadership or managerial capacity.
Should have a strong knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management (COSO, ISO 31000),
Basel II & III requirements, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery frameworks,
We are seeking a professional skilled in credit risk evaluation and portfolio analysis, with expertise in operational risk tools such as Risk and Control Self-Assessment (ROSA).
KAI systems, loss event databases, and the regulatory frameworks governing microfinance and banking institutions in Kenya are essential areas of expertise for this role.
Requires proven experience 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 proficiency in leadership and behavioral competencies through the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams effectively. Drives a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement by fostering open communication and trust. Exhibits strong decision-making skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and promote a positive work environment. Upholds high ethical standards and aligns actions with organizational values while encouraging innovation and professional growth among team members.
Demonstrates a robust ethical foundation and the capacity to embody and exemplify Christian principles as a leader.
Proven aptitude for analytical thinking, problem resolution, and strategic decision-making.
Proven skill in influencing key stakeholders at the executive level and fostering productive engagement with the Board of Directors.
Effectively communicates and presents ideas, adept at distilling intricate risk-related information into easily understandable, practical guidance.
Proven track record in fostering a robust risk culture and guiding multifunctional teams to success.
Exhibits unwavering integrity, strict confidentiality, and exceptional judgment in all professional interactions and decision-making processes.
Applicants who satisfy the specified requirements are advised to obtain the “Job Application Form” from www.smep.co.ke/careers and submit their completed applications via email to recruitment@smep.co.ke by Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, ensuring the email subject includes the Job Title and Reference. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will receive a response.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
