Head of Research at Old Mutual Kenya

Job Description

• Lead/supervise the investment/research analysis and credit risk evaluation team to ensure successful execution and analytical support of all investment activities and decisions i.e., provide operational oversight and contribute significantly to the design, execution and delivery of the overall OMIG’s investment research process and research related activities.
• Support the delivery on revenues, profitability and risk standards/ requirements for the funds under management.
• Lead/supervise the investment/research analysis and credit risk evaluation team to ensure successful execution and analytical support of all investment activities and decisions i.e., provide operational oversight and contribute significantly to the design, execution and delivery of the overall OMIG’s investment research process and research related activities.
• Support the delivery on revenues, profitability and risk standards/ requirements for the funds under management.

Key Tasks And Responsibilities

Lead/Supervise the research analysis and credit risk evaluation activities to ensure that they provide optimal support for investments activities and decisions:

• Ensure qualitative and quantitative research is carried out on an on-going basis for purposes of informing investments activities and decisions.
• Lead & work with the Research Analysts to collect, analysis and produce investment recommendations and have the same shared with the rest of the investment team for discussion and decision making. This will cover the traditional and alternative asset classes.
• Review financial briefings/ reports, assess and interpret complicated financial information to inform investments decisions and related recommendations.
• Lead in the development of processes and data systems to enable effective analysis, estimation and decision-making.
• Conduct Micro/Macro research
• Gather market intelligence
• Create and maintain investment related models
• Ensure the timely publication of research and other materials.
• Supervise and guide investment analysis for effective investment/ business decision making.
• Supervise and ensure the continuous analysis of the creditworthiness of various corporates and provide relevant recommendations for investments.
• Ensure the continuous maintenance of credit risk rating matrices, and assess compliance with established financial parameters, and regulatory and business requirements.
• Contributing to the design and co-ordination of research content for OMIG

Collaborating with the rest of the investment team and/or Support teams like Marketing to optimize the delivery of the Company’s Research product through various traditional (seminars, email, media etc) and non-traditional (social media) channels with a view of positioning OMIG as a thought leader in the investment field. Creating and fostering necessary contacts with the relevant market players to ensure flow of information to the team Participate in and support the successful execution of strategic objectives:

• Understand OMIG’s strategic priorities and provide support in the alignment of the investments team’s goals and objectives.
• Participate in and support the delivery of the investment strategy and objectives, risk appetite, capital objectives etc.
• Contribute to the development of investment strategy documents and including ensuring the preparation and monitoring of the Investment department’s operating budget.
• Participate in the monitoring of goals and objectives and provide recommendations on corrective interventions as needed.
• Ensure assigned team, and internal and external stakeholders are aligned on objectives and expectations.
• Enforce and support a culture of innovation, accountability, professionalism and delivery.

Contribute to the development of an operating environment that is fit for purpose:

• Participate in the review and update of the research and credit analysis process, policies and initiatives.
• Drive efficiencies through the adoption of automation.
• Supervise and execute the implementation of all audit findings.
• Implement document and records management structures that will assure the safe custody and ease of retrieval of all company information.
• Deliver on credit risk requirements including ensuring that all relevant risks are proactively identified and managed

Participate in and support the business development team and new product development initiatives through Research, market intelligence etc. Supervise the activities of the assigned team on a regular basis, resolve any escalated issues and or seek the guidance of the CIO or MD as may be required.

• Participate in setting and monitoring goals and objectives.
• Mentor and coach the assigned team.
• Drive knowledge management and sharing initiatives.

And any other business or investment related duties that may be assigned from time to time.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE And SKILLS

• A first degree in relevant subject which may include Finance, Commerce etc.
• Have attained the CFA/CAIA Charter/CIFA.
• Compliant with the CISI and ICIFA certification requirements.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in investment related research or other relevant area like portfolio management or investment analysis with at least four (4) years in a supervisory/ team lead experience.
• Deep knowledge of the Kenya financial services industry and regulatory frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of various investments concepts such as risk management and compliance, products, asset classes, alternative investments etc.
• Knowledge of the investment management systems such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv etc.
• Understanding and appreciation of fiduciary responsibility, personal integrity and professionalism.
• Business focus: commercially astute, attuned to regulatory and statutory obligations; understand the local and regional business environment. In tune with business and client priorities.
• Ethical behaviour and business practices: ensures own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with ethical standards and acceptable business practices. Aligned to the values of the business.
• Adaptability to change: ability to support process improvement and the development of technology to achieve business goals. Decisively responds to challenges in a changing environment and has the ability to influence change within others and cause positive outcomes.
• Problem solver/ takes decisions: Capacity for sound judgment and the ability to think strategically. Enthusiastic, pragmatic and energetic hands-on individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly
• Interpersonal skills and fosters teamwork: Has a strong presence and can interact effectively with the relevant governance and team structures in place in the business. Able to build relationships, influence, motivate and encourage consensus amongst peers, clients and stakeholders at all levels and of different cultures and capacities, to produce high quality results
• Effective communicator: communicates in a clear and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Organiser/ planner: ability to manage competing priorities in a high pressure environment. Sets priorities and goals, and monitors progress. Implements action plans and evaluates process and results

Closing date 14 May 2022