Senior Investment Manager at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

• To analyse alternative investments, primarily medium term debt securities that enables decision making & provides a sound basis for recommendation formulation.

Job Description

Job Purpose

• The Senior Investment Manager is responsible for overseeing the management and performance of investment portfolios in accordance with client Investment Policy Statement (IPS) documents and as guided by regulatory requirements and the Group’s policies.
• The role provides strategic leadership, portfolio oversight, and investment decision accountability, ensuring optimal risk‑adjusted returns while maintaining liquidity, capital preservation, and compliance with CMA regulations and internal governance frameworks and support the delivery of the firm’s revenues & profitability.

Key Accountabilities

 Investment Duties, 45%

•  Key member of the AAML Investment Committee responsible for generating content as guided by the Chief Investment Officer.
• Responsible for developing portfolios and delivering investment returns exceeding pre-set benchmarks.
• Drive strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions informed by macroeconomic, market, and sector analysis.
• Approve investment ideas, trades, and rebalancing actions within delegated limits.
• Translate investment strategy into executable portfolio actions.
• Monitor portfolios under management and execute rebalancing strategies to bring them in line with agreed investment committee strategies, Investment Policy Statements, Regulatory provisions and ABSA internal control frame works.
• Report on client performance in accordance with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS).
• Uphold and follow the CFA Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Conduct and relevant ABSA governance provisions.
• Ensure investment decisions are backed by high quality and appropriate research and analysis, both internal and external.

Business Development, 20%

• Manage existing client relationships to retain and grow business from company’s clients.
• Support the Business Development team in presentations to potential clients.
• Leverage existing business relationships of the Group to grow company client base.
• Keep abreast of latest developments in international and regional markets and assist the Investment/Business Development Team to develop appropriate products for launch. 

Reporting and Relationship Management, 10%

• Responsible for the scheduled/ad hoc reporting to clients incorporating economic and market overview, portfolio valuation and performance and strategy for the respective funds. 
• Coordinate with relevant functions to ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulators (CMA/ RBA) as appropriate. 
• Prepare and present portfolio reviews, performance reports, and investment proposals to Investment Committees, Trustees and High Net Worth Clients.
• Engage with clients, trustees, regulators, and auditors as required.
• Provide clear explanations of portfolio performance and market development.
• Assist in preparation of strategy papers, investment recommendations and reports to the Board, AAML Governance Committees and other relevant stakeholders.
• Actively manage relationships with brokers, analysts, issuers and other market participants.

Administration, 5%

• Ensure all documentation regarding investment management is complete and up to date.
• Liaise with the middle-office department to ensure that management fees are collected promptly.

Risk and Compliance, 10%

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards.
• Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.
• Ensure all investment activities comply with CMA regulations, trust deeds, client mandates, and internal risk limits.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate market, credit, liquidity, and concentration risks.
• Support stress testing, scenario analysis, and downside risk planning.

Accountability: Leadership, 10%

• Lead, coach, and mentor Junior Investment Managers, Analysts, and Dealers.
• Set performance objectives and ensure adherence to professional standards.
• Foster a strong research‑driven and ethical investment culture.
• Work closely with the team leader and other team members to ensure world-class customer service
• Constantly seeking better ways of working by challenging the status quo and supporting an empowering climate within the team, sharing best practice, knowledge, experience and providing constructive feedback as required
• Provide cover for team members as required.
• Support implementation and adoption of change initiatives

Preferred Qualification

•  A first degree in relevant subjects which may include Finance, Commerce, Actuarial Science etc.
• Compliant with the CISI and ICIFA certification requirements
• Professional qualifications which may include CFA, CIFA, CPA, CISI, CAIA and/or other relevant professional qualifications in fund management will be an added advantage

Preferred Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years in the financial sector; with at least five (5) years’ work experience gained in an investment house/environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the Kenya financial services industry and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of various investment concepts such as risk management and compliance, products, asset classes, alternative investments etc.
• Familiarity with investment management systems such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv etc