Senior Awqaf Investment Specialist

Role Purpose

To provide advanced level professional and technical inputs in the field of Islamic Finance, contribute to the of development of strategies, policies and guidelines governing the operations of financing for Awqaf projects in IsDB, in general, and to contribute in the development of new means and tools for financing Awqaf projects in Saudi Arabia through Sukuk, Crowdfunding Platforms etc, in particularKey Accountabilities
**Strategic & Operational Planning**:

- Participate and contribute in the development of Awqaf strategic objectives and annual business plans.
- Contribute to the development of Division’s work and resource planning process and preparing the annual financial budgets.
- Identify opportunities and manage Awqaf related initiatives that enable the Division to increase its impact on the Islamic Financial Services Industry.
- Conceptualize and contribute in the development of innovative and differentiated Awqaf compliant products, services and solutions to IFSI clients and stakeholders.
- Participate in the conceptualization, development and delivery of Awqaf compliant products and services that provides the clients an avenue for sustained cost recovery and revenue generation.
- Contribute, in collaboration with the concerned units, in the development and improvement of IsDB’s policies and processes relating to the functions of the Islamic Finance Investments Unit.
- Build a network of developers and ensure that IsDB and the developers follow best practices in project management in regards of Awqaf.
- Work closely with the Unit Manager for timely delivery of the work programs, carry out quality assurance, to interact with internal and external stakeholders, staff development and forging partnerships.

**AWQAF Investments**:

- Conduct all Awqaf related Investments and their related marketing activities in line with the Islamic Financial Sector Development strategy.
- Contribute (in close collaboration with Units/Entities concerned) to the development of expertise and best practices aimed at promulgation and reinforcement of the Awqaf Legislation in Saudi Arabia.
- Contribute in the establishment of other Awqaf initiatives in Saudi Arabia under the facilitation of IsDB.
- Contribute in enhancing mobilization of resources for the new Awqaf Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia, and the new initiatives under development.
- Carry out thorough assessment of Awqaf issues for all new products and services being launched by IsDB to minimize IsDB Group's exposure to Awqaf related risks.

**Knowledge Sharing & Innovation**:

- Contribute in the promotion of the roles and efforts of the Islamic Infrastructure institutions in the area of Awqaf for overall development of Islamic Financial Sector Institutions.
- Provide Awqaf related technical guidance to lesser experienced staff members within the team.
- Provide advice and technical services to peers and colleagues from other divisions and departments in Awqaf related issues.
- Support the efforts in establishing Awqaf compliant standards and lead the review and audit for IFIs and other entities in this area.
- Contribute in raising the awareness about Awqaf, in general, and the new Fund mandate and objectives, in particular, within IsDB to establish new partnerships / cooperation with other units / departments and propose develop products.
- Contribute in raising awareness about Awqaf, in general, and the new Fund mandate and objectives, in particular, externally in order to attract new participants to the Fund and build long term strategic partnerships and alliances.

**Reporting & Communication**:

- Participate in the production of knowledge products, reviews, briefs, and updates on Awqaf issues as well as the projects undertaken by the department, independently and in coordination with other entities of the IsDB Group.
- Actively participate in the forums/communities related to Awqaf and Islamic Finance to gain and strengthen expertise in the field.
- Develop and maintain close relationships with the local regulators and other stakeholders to engage and advise them on Awqaf matters supporting the development and promotion of the Awqaf sector.
- Maintain close links with other MDBs, development promotion agencies and institutions to coordinate and align activities of common interest.

Education, Certification and Experience
**Academic and Professional Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Finance, Business Management, Economics or related field.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in Islamic Finance Investments, preferably in the real estate sector, or related field, of which 4 years in a multilateral development bank.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge
- Advance knowledge of all forms/modes of Islamic Financing
- Advanced knowledge of Islamic Financing regulations
- Advanced analytical skills
- Accurate and methodical
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strategic Planning
- Influencing skills
- Relationship building