Head of Risk & Compliance at SMEP Microfinance Bank

HEAD OF RISK & COMPLIANCE (HR & C/06/26)

The role holder will be reporting Functionally to Board of Directors (BoD) and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will be responsible for ensuring that all material risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and reported in alignment with the Bank’s mission, regulatory requirements, and approved Risk Appetite Statement (RAS). The role holder will also be expected to uphold the Bank’s Christian identity through spiritual leadership and ethical conduct.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, supervise, and develop the Risk Management Department, ensuring effective performance management, target‑setting, and delivery of departmental objectives.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership, and the Board on risk‑related matters.
• Deliver timely, accurate, and audience appropriate risk reports to Board of Directors, Senior
• Management and Risk Owners and Regulators.
• Plan, design, and implement the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework in alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory expectations and HOPE International standards.
• Ensure the Bank’s full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, directives, and prudential guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other relevant authorities.
• Monitor regulatory developments and emerging compliance requirements, advising the CEO and Board Committees on implications and required actions.
• Co-ordinate with Information Technology and Digital Banking teams to ensure effective identification, assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of IT and digital risks including cyber security, system reliability, data protection, technology resilience, and continuity of digital services to safeguard secure, stable, and uninterrupted banking operations.
• Work with all business units and support functions to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate financial and operational risks across the Bank, including process failures, internal control weaknesses, fraud risks, service-delivery gaps, and people-related risks to strengthen operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and consistent customer service quality.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the Bank through training, communication, and continuous engagement.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Statistics, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree and/or Professional certifications such as FRM, CRISC, CFE, CPA/ACCA are an added advantage.
• Should have a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in risk management, internal audit, compliance, or financial management, preferably within a regulated financial institution. Five of these, should have been at a Senior Leadership or Managerial role.
• Should have a strong knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management (COSO, ISO 31000),
• Basel II & III requirements, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery frameworks,
• Credit risk assessment and portfolio analytics, Operational risk tools, including RCSA,
• KRI, and loss event databases, Regulatory frameworks applicable to microfinance and banking in Kenya.
• Must have relevant experience working with regulators, external auditors, and Board committees.
• Should have proficiency in risk reporting, data analysis, and use of risk management systems (e.g., Audit Board, risk dashboards, BI tools).
• Leadership and Behavioural Competencies
• Strong ethical grounding and ability to live and model Christian values in leadership.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence senior leadership and engage effectively with the Board.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex risk issues into clear, actionable insights.
• Demonstrated ability to build a strong risk culture and lead cross-functional teams.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.