The banking sector continues to evolve rapidly in response to advancements in technology, increased regulatory expectations, and the growing recognition of data as a core strategic asset. Institutions that can effectively manage, secure, and leverage data will gain a significant advantage in delivering customer value, achieving regulatory compliance, and sustaining long-term competitiveness. Against this backdrop, an exciting career opportunity has arisen within a leading financial institution for the position of Head of Data Governance, Digital Business, based in Nairobi.
This role offers the chance to contribute to the shaping of enterprise-wide data governance strategy, influence policy at board and regulatory levels, and embed a culture of responsible data management across the organization. The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role, working closely with executive stakeholders to ensure data integrity, quality, compliance, and ethical usage while driving initiatives that align with both business objectives and regulatory requirements.
The position is designed for an individual with deep expertise in data governance, the ability to lead cross-functional programs, and a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks within banking and financial services. It requires someone who can serve as both a strategist and a hands-on leader, capable of overseeing large-scale governance programs while also embedding policies and standards that support long-term organizational resilience.
Below is a comprehensive outline of the job purpose, key responsibilities, required experience, and competencies expected for the role.
Job Purpose
The Head of Data Governance will be accountable for setting the enterprise-wide vision, strategy, and leadership for data governance across the Bank. Reporting to senior leadership and working in partnership with the Chief Data Officer (CDO), business unit heads, and other executives, this individual will establish data as a strategic asset and ensure the highest standards of data integrity, quality, security, and compliance.
This role requires influencing policy at board and regulatory levels, shaping enterprise investments in data capabilities, and driving cultural change across the organization. Ultimately, the position will ensure that the Bank is recognized as a leader in ethical and compliant data usage, able to meet the needs of regulators, customers, and stakeholders in a rapidly evolving data-driven economy.
Key Responsibilities
The role covers a wide range of responsibilities spanning governance strategy, framework development, program leadership, policy enforcement, and continuous improvement. The following sections outline the main areas of accountability:
Data Governance
- Develop and own the enterprise-wide Data Governance Framework, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s strategic vision, corporate objectives, and regulatory obligations.
- Lead the definition, implementation, and enforcement of data ownership, stewardship, and accountability structures across all business functions.
- Establish and maintain policies and standards that safeguard data integrity, ensure quality, and promote secure, compliant usage.
- Define roles and responsibilities around data ownership and stewardship, embedding clear accountability at every organizational level.
- Promote and facilitate data literacy programs, helping employees at all levels to understand their responsibilities regarding data management and ethical usage.
- Align all governance initiatives with prevailing regulatory requirements and risk management frameworks, including but not limited to GDPR and Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
- Drive adoption of ethical data usage policies, including responsible AI governance and emerging frameworks in digital compliance.
Governance Programs
- Lead data governance councils, working groups, and stewardship forums, ensuring collaboration and alignment across business units.
- Develop enterprise-wide capabilities in metadata management, master data management (MDM), and data lineage tracking.
- Design and implement systematic data quality management processes, incorporating performance indicators to measure success and progress.
- Facilitate the resolution of data inconsistencies and quality issues, coordinating across stakeholders to deliver root-cause solutions.
- Standardize data definitions across the enterprise to reduce ambiguity and support consistency in reporting, analytics, and decision-making.
- Implement ongoing training initiatives and awareness programs, ensuring that all employees remain informed of governance policies and best practices.
Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
- Oversee the monitoring and enforcement of data governance policies throughout the organization.
- Conduct regular assessments and audits of data quality to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
- Implement and supervise access controls that align with role-based permissions, ensuring data is accessed securely and appropriately.
- Manage data issue logs, coordinate investigations, and oversee root cause analysis to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Prepare and present data governance and compliance reports to internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and regulators as required.
- Continuously refine governance processes in response to audit findings, regulatory changes, and business needs, ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
Key Duties and Functions
- Provide enterprise leadership in embedding a data-driven culture across the organization.
- Build strong working relationships with regulators, ensuring timely communication and compliance with oversight expectations.
- Influence decision-making at the executive level, ensuring that data-related investments and initiatives align with business priorities.
- Oversee budgets and resource allocation for governance programs, ensuring cost-effective and impactful outcomes.
- Support innovation initiatives by embedding data ethics, compliance, and accountability at the heart of digital transformation projects.
Job Specifications
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Professional Qualifications / Memberships (Desirable)
- Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP).
- Data Management Capability Assessment Model (DCAM) Certification.
Work Experience Required
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in data governance, data management, risk management, or closely related disciplines.
- Proven track record in influencing senior executives, including board-level stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
- Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-scale governance programs, including those with multi-million-dollar budgets.
- Prior exposure to banking or financial services environments is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with leading data governance tools, catalogues, and platforms for managing data quality.
Competencies
- Strong understanding of data governance principles, data lifecycle management, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Solid expertise in data privacy laws, banking regulations, and compliance obligations.
- Highly developed stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, complemented by excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational cultural change initiatives, particularly in embedding data ownership and accountability across diverse teams.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit their applications by logging onto the careers portal at www.imbankgroup.com/ke and navigating to the careers section. Applications should be submitted at the earliest opportunity and no later than 27th August 2025.
This job advert has been structured to provide a comprehensive and transparent outline of the role, responsibilities, and expectations for the Head of Data Governance, Digital Business. The position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to lead enterprise-wide governance initiatives and ensure data remains a secure, compliant, and strategic asset within one of the region’s most respected financial institutions.
