Senior Manager, Portfolio Management at Central Bank of Kenya

Job Purpose

The role holder will be responsible for the Portfolio Management Section and ensure that functional responsibilities are carried out in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. He/She will also ensure that Forex Reserves are invested in line with the Forex Reserves Management objectives, which are safety, liquidity and return and the investments comply with the law, policy, and relevant guidelines. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Reserves Management, the role holder will also be responsible for the effective and proactive management of all Front Office activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Assists the Head of Division with on-going and long-term management and development of the Financial Markets.
• Contribute as appropriate to the performance of other functions and to the overall achievement of the Bank’s strategic objectives.
• Work effectively as part of the team to deliver on the Key Result Areas and demonstrates competencies of his/her role.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

• Implement the decisions of the Forex Reserves Investment Committee on the investment of Forex Reserves.
• Oversee the investment of foreign exchange reserves in:
  • Fixed income securities.
  • Money market products.
• Other instrument eligible instruments as approved by Management/Board.
• Ensure management of foreign exchange reserves portfolios are within the approved policies & guidelines.
• Regularly review and recommend updates to the forex reserves investment policy, guidelines, and Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA).
• Research and recommend new investment instruments and strategies to support the Bank’s strategies.
• Appraise the Foreign Exchange Reserves Investment Committee (FRIC) on developments in the investment environment for forex reserves and make recommendations on appropriate strategies for the reserves.
• Ensure risks inherent in forex reserves investments are well-managed, documented and mitigated.
• Facilitate market intelligence in forex reserves investments.
• Responsible for the efficient and effective management of operations and resources in the section.
• Work as part of the senior leadership of FMD to deliver on key initiatives as may be required from time to time.
• Evaluate and maintain the section’s business continuity plan (BCP) and documentation thereof as per the required standards and guidelines.
• Responsible for training of staff within the section on risk management and adherence of the same.
• Continuously improve the risk environment with regards to reserves management and appraise the supervisor on the risk status regularly.
• Lead and direct the Front Office section to contribute and achieve the Department strategic goals.
• Continuously improve the Front Office processes with the intention of adding value to the Department while introducing practices that are fit for purpose in line with business strategy.
• Ensure that staff in front office are regularly trained and developed.
• Work effectively as part of the senior management team to deliver on the key result areas.
• Mentor, coach, provide support to assigned teams to achieve high productivity and objectives for the section.
• Oversee staff training, capacity building, succession planning in the section for staff development and business continuity.
• Any other assigned duties and responsibilities.

Other Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor and motivate staff
• Any other assigned duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics or Banking or similar field from a reputable university.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics or Banking or similar field is an added advantage.
• Full Professional qualifications in a relevant field of study.
• Clear understanding of financial markets, banking, and relevant emerging issues.

Work Experience

• At least ten (10) years’ work experience within a Treasury / Reserves Management-related environment.