To achieve the organization’s objectives by contributing to the fulfillment of the role’s duties and responsibilities, this position is designed to ensure the strategic and operational goals are met through effective execution of assigned tasks.
The Head of Institutional Banking will spearhead 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 clients.
This position is tasked with fostering balance sheet expansion, cultivating critical partnerships, upholding regulatory standards, and sustaining profitable operations aligned with the Bank’s strategic goals.
Oversee a comprehensive range of essential duties, including but not limited to strategic planning, operational execution, and performance monitoring to ensure organizational objectives are consistently met. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems that enhance efficiency, productivity, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for innovation, process improvements, and cost reduction while maintaining high-quality output. Lead and mentor team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth. Analyze complex data to generate actionable insights, inform decision-making, and drive measurable business outcomes. Represent the organization in external engagements, such as partnerships, negotiations, and stakeholder communications, to uphold its reputation and strategic interests.
Offer strategic leadership to the Institutional Banking division, guaranteeing alignment with the Bank’s overarching objectives while considering Kenya’s economic landscape and regulatory mandates.
Ensure the institutional portfolio’s assets and liabilities are strategically balanced to foster growth, stability, and long-term sustainability while prioritizing risk-adjusted returns and maintaining high portfolio quality standards.
Propel the expansion of existing accounts, enhance collections performance, optimize payment solutions, strengthen escrow services, and mobilize wholesale deposits from institutional clients.
Proactively cultivate and oversee strategic partnerships with Government Ministries, County governments, Parastatals, Development Agencies, and other institutional stakeholders to drive collaborative initiatives and business growth.
To identify financing and transaction opportunities, analyze national and county government development agendas, public sector projects, PPP initiatives, and donor-funded programs.
Design and implement sophisticated institutional banking solutions, encompassing cash management, trade finance, structured lending, and advisory services, tailored to meet client requirements.
Engage proactively with the National Treasury, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and key regulatory authorities to ensure alignment with evolving policy directives and funding initiatives.
Develop and maintain enduring high-level connections with pivotal stakeholders spanning Government entities, Development Partners, and Institutional clients.
Deliver exceptional client satisfaction by proactively engaging with clients, meeting deadlines consistently, and elevating service standards through ongoing enhancements.
Serve as the primary escalation contact for key institutional clients, addressing and resolving high-level inquiries or issues as needed.
Ensure strict compliance with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulations, internal credit policies, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) mandates, and public sector governance frameworks.
Oversee credit risk management, assess portfolio quality, and enforce exposure limits for institutional clients to ensure robust financial oversight and adherence to regulatory standards.
Engage in pertinent management and credit committees by offering informed perspectives on institutional banking risks and opportunities.
Academic Qualifications: Candidates must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as education, psychology, or social sciences. A master’s degree or higher is strongly preferred, particularly for roles requiring advanced research, curriculum development, or leadership responsibilities. Additionally, professional certifications or specialized training in areas like special education, instructional design, or educational leadership may be advantageous. Relevant teaching or research experience at the university level is often required, along with a demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development.
A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a closely related discipline is required.
An MBA, Finance, or Strategy degree at the Master’s level is highly advantageous.
Professional Qualifications:
Possession of relevant professional certifications or license, along with active membership in recognized professional organizations, is required.
Membership to professional bodies:
Affiliation with esteemed professional bodies pertinent to the field is mandatory, ensuring adherence to industry standards and continuous professional development.
Publication:
A demonstrated record of scholarly or professional publications in reputable journals or platforms is essential, reflecting expertise and contributions to the field.
Professional banking or finance qualifications such as AKIN, ACID, or equivalent are essential for this role.
Formal education or professional experience in corporate or institutional lending, relationship management, or credit risk management is required.
We seek candidates with prior professional experience in the relevant field.
With a minimum of 8 to 10 years of professional experience in the banking sector, including at least 4 to 5 years in senior or managerial capacities within Institutional, Corporate, or Public Sector Banking, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong foundation in financial services and leadership.
Proven track record in managing relationships with Government entities, Parastatals, and Development Finance Institutions within the Kenyan market.
Demonstrates a deep knowledge of Kenya’s banking sector, public sector financing structures, and the associated regulatory landscape.
Key Skills and Qualifications: Proficiency in identifying and addressing critical abilities required for success in the role. Demonstrates expertise in analyzing essential strengths, such as problem-solving, communication, and technical aptitude. Facilitates alignment between individual capabilities and organizational objectives to drive performance and innovation.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, guiding teams with vision and clarity to achieve organizational objectives effectively.
Possesses exceptional executive presence, demonstrating polished communication, poise under pressure, and the ability to inspire confidence in all interactions. Exhibits strong leadership qualities, including decisiveness, strategic thinking, and the capacity to drive high-performance teams toward organizational objectives. Maintains unwavering professionalism in challenging situations, fostering trust and credibility across all levels of the organization.
Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional honesty at all times.
Strong verbal and written communication abilities, coupled with the capacity to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, are essential.
Business expertise, financial insight, and a forward-thinking mindset are essential.
Proven capability to create comprehensive, integrated, and cross-functional operational plans with a long-term strategic focus.
Proficiency in all aspects of the banking sector is required, encompassing comprehensive knowledge of its operations, regulations, and market dynamics.
Proficiency in cultivating and sustaining robust relationships with key stakeholders is essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
