Islamic banking plays a vital role in offering ethical financial solutions grounded in the principles of fairness, risk-sharing, and avoidance of interest (riba). The institution’s Islamic Banking Window seeks to uphold these principles by ensuring that all financial products, services, and operations conform to Shariah law. To maintain this integrity, the organization is inviting applications from dedicated professionals to join its team as Internal Shariah Manager based in Nairobi.
This position offers an opportunity for a seasoned Islamic finance professional to contribute to the institution’s commitment to Shariah compliance, ethical banking, and customer trust. The successful candidate will serve as a bridge between the Shariah Advisory Committee and the management, ensuring that every process and decision aligns with Islamic jurisprudence and the governing regulatory framework.
Job Purpose
The Internal Shariah Manager will oversee the Shariah compliance of all Islamic banking activities within the institution. The position ensures that products, services, and operations are conducted in full accordance with Islamic principles as prescribed by the Shariah Advisory Committee (SAC). This includes conducting reviews, providing expert guidance, facilitating Shariah governance, and ensuring compliance with applicable Islamic banking regulations.
The role requires a professional with deep knowledge of Fiqh al-Muamalat (Islamic commercial jurisprudence) and strong familiarity with both local and international Shariah governance frameworks. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across departments to foster a culture of Shariah compliance and uphold the institution’s reputation as a trusted Islamic financial service provider.
Key Responsibilities
1. Shariah Compliance and Governance
- Review and certify all Islamic banking products, processes, and documentation to ensure their compliance with Shariah principles and regulatory requirements.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive internal Shariah compliance framework, policies, and procedures that guide Islamic banking operations.
- Serve as the primary liaison with the Shariah Advisory Committee (SAC), ensuring that all their resolutions, fatwas, and recommendations are effectively implemented across business functions.
- Ensure adherence to Shariah standards across all departments involved in Islamic banking operations, including retail, corporate, treasury, and operations.
- Maintain close coordination with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with Islamic banking laws and guidelines.
2. Review and Advisory Role
- Provide continuous Shariah advisory support to management and staff, ensuring that all business activities and transactions align with Islamic law.
- Review contracts, marketing materials, product brochures, and manuals to confirm Shariah compliance before release or implementation.
- Offer guidance in the structuring and development of new Islamic financial products and services, ensuring they are consistent with Shariah principles.
- Support product development teams by providing expert input during concept design, documentation, and launch phases.
- Advise business and operations units on Shariah-compliant alternatives to conventional financial structures.
3. Audit, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Conduct periodic Shariah compliance reviews and internal audits to assess the conformity of operations with approved Shariah standards.
- Develop audit plans and carry out in-depth assessments to detect any deviations or non-compliance in Islamic banking operations.
- Prepare and present detailed reports for the Shariah Advisory Committee outlining audit findings, compliance levels, and recommended corrective measures.
- Coordinate and manage Shariah Committee meetings, ensuring timely submission of agendas, documentation, and minutes.
- Identify Shariah non-compliance incidents, propose corrective and preventive actions, and ensure proper follow-up and resolution.
- Oversee the annual Shariah audit process, ensuring that it is properly conducted, documented, and submitted to the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
- Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of all Shariah compliance activities for audit trail and transparency.
4. Training and Awareness
- Develop and deliver tailored training programs to improve staff understanding of Islamic finance principles, Shariah compliance requirements, and ethical banking practices.
- Foster a strong Shariah compliance culture within the organization by promoting continuous learning and awareness initiatives.
- Collaborate with the human resource department and training units to embed Shariah compliance knowledge into employee development plans.
- Provide technical guidance and capacity building to teams involved in product design, marketing, customer relations, and operational support.
5. Collaboration and Relationship Management
- Build and maintain constructive relationships with Shariah scholars, regulators, auditors, and other industry stakeholders to enhance the institution’s compliance position.
- Represent the institution in Shariah-related forums, conferences, and consultations when required.
- Work closely with risk, compliance, and audit teams to align Shariah compliance activities with broader governance frameworks.
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Shariah Advisory Committee and internal departments.
Academic Qualifications
- A degree in Islamic Finance, Shariah Studies, Islamic Banking, Economics, or a related discipline.
Work Experience Required
- A minimum of 5–8 years of relevant experience in Islamic banking, preferably within Shariah compliance or advisory roles.
- Strong working knowledge of Fiqh al-Muamalat (Islamic commercial jurisprudence) and its practical application in modern banking operations.
- Experience with the design and implementation of Shariah governance frameworks.
- Familiarity with the regulatory environment for Islamic banking and the applicable national and international standards.
- Proven experience in reviewing and certifying Islamic financial products, policies, and procedures.
- A strong understanding of Islamic banking products and instruments such as Murabaha, Ijarah, Mudarabah, Musharakah, Istisna, and Sukuk.
- Practical experience in conducting Shariah audits and preparing reports for advisory committees or regulatory submission.
- Experience in delivering training or awareness programs related to Islamic banking principles and compliance.
- Professional certifications such as CSAA (Certified Shariah Advisor & Auditor – AAOIFI) or equivalent are preferred.
Core Competencies
- Excellent understanding of Islamic finance contracts and structures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying potential Shariah non-compliance and proposing solutions.
- Sound judgment in interpreting Shariah rulings and applying them to modern banking operations.
- Exceptional communication and report-writing skills suitable for preparing formal Shariah committee reports and regulatory submissions.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
- High ethical standards, professionalism, and a commitment to upholding Shariah integrity in all banking practices.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with scholars, regulators, and business leaders.
- Strategic thinking capability, with a focus on aligning Shariah compliance objectives with business goals.
Key Deliverables
- Fully Shariah-compliant products, services, and operations.
- Comprehensive and regularly updated Shariah compliance framework.
- Timely and accurate Shariah audit and compliance reports.
- Effective implementation of SAC resolutions and fatwas.
- Trained and knowledgeable staff on Islamic banking operations.
- Strengthened Shariah compliance culture across the organization.
Reporting Structure
The Internal Shariah Manager will report directly to the Head of Islamic Banking and maintain a functional reporting relationship with the Shariah Advisory Committee (SAC). The position will work closely with compliance, audit, risk management, product development, and operations departments to ensure the seamless implementation of Shariah principles across all functions.
Working Relationships
- Internal: All departments within the Islamic Banking Window, especially product development, risk, audit, operations, and compliance units.
- External: Shariah Advisory Committee, Central Bank of Kenya, external auditors, industry regulators, and Shariah scholars.
Location
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Application Process
If you believe you meet the above requirements, please log onto www.imbankgroup.com/ke, navigate to the Careers section, and apply for the Internal Shariah Manager position.
Your application should reach the bank as soon as possible but not later than 14th October 2025.
