Head of Risk & Compliance

SMEP Microfinance Bank Limited — a CBK-licensed microfinance institution offering Group Banking, Retail Banking, Church Banking, Asset Financing, and Microfinance services — is seeking a seasoned and principled Head of Risk & Compliance to join its senior leadership team in Nairobi. This is a dual-reporting role: functionally to the Board of Directors and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the strategic weight and independence the position demands.

The successful candidate will anchor the Bank's Enterprise Risk Management Framework, ensure full regulatory compliance with CBK and other applicable authorities, and champion ethical, spiritually-grounded leadership consistent with SMEP's Christian mission and HOPE International standards. This is a high-visibility role for a professional ready to shape risk culture from the boardroom down.

• Lead, develop, and performance-manage the Risk Management Department, setting clear targets and ensuring consistent delivery of departmental objectives.
• Serve as the primary risk advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board Committees, translating complex risk exposures into actionable insights.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve the Bank's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework in line with strategic goals, CBK prudential guidelines, and HOPE International standards.
• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate, audience-appropriate risk reports to the Board, Senior Management, Risk Owners, and Regulators.
• Ensure full and proactive compliance with all laws, regulations, directives, and CBK prudential guidelines; monitor emerging regulatory developments and advise accordingly.
• Collaborate with IT and Digital Banking teams to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber security, data protection, system reliability, and digital continuity risks.
• Partner with all business units and support functions to surface and address financial and operational risks — including fraud, internal control weaknesses, process failures, and people-related risks.
• Maintain and regularly test the Bank's Business Continuity and Operational Resilience plans.
• Foster a strong risk-aware culture across all levels of the organisation through training, communication, and governance structures.
• Uphold and model SMEP's Christian values through spiritual leadership and ethical conduct in all duties.

• Demonstrate at least 8–10 years of progressive experience in risk management and/or compliance within a regulated financial institution, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Interpret and apply CBK regulations, the Microfinance Act (Cap 493D), and other relevant Kenyan financial sector legislation with confidence and precision.
• Design and operationalise ERM frameworks that integrate credit, market, operational, liquidity, IT, and compliance risk dimensions.
• Communicate complex risk positions clearly to both technical teams and non-specialist Board members through structured written reports and verbal presentations.
• Lead cross-functional risk assessments and drive remediation actions across business units without direct line authority.
• Apply professional risk certifications (e.g. FRM, PRM, CISA, CISM, IRM) to practical risk identification and mitigation exercises.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field; a Master's degree (MBA/MSc) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and alignment with Christian values and ethical leadership principles.

SMEP Microfinance Bank offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and seniority. Based on Kenyan market benchmarks for senior banking and compliance leadership roles, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 350,000 – 550,000. The Bank also offers a supportive, values-driven work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Ideal candidates are experienced risk and compliance professionals from the banking or microfinance sector who combine technical rigour with strategic thinking, are comfortable engaging at Board level, and align personally with a faith-based organisational culture. You should be a natural team builder who can embed risk consciousness across an entire institution — not just manage a department.

Do not apply if you have fewer than 8 years of relevant financial sector experience, have not worked within a regulated banking environment, are uncomfortable with the institution's Christian values and mission, or are seeking a purely operational rather than strategic leadership role.

To apply for this position (Reference: HR & C/06/26), submit your application through the SMEP Microfinance Bank official careers portal or via the job platform where this posting appeared. Ensure your application includes an updated CV, a cover letter clearly referencing the job code, and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates. Applications close on 30 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note: do not pay any fee for notarisation, certificate verification, or any part of the recruitment process — SMEP Microfinance Bank does not charge job seekers.