Senior Awqaf Investment Specialist

Job Purpose

To contribute to the formulation and enhancement of policies and guidelines that govern investments in the Awqaf Sector, supporting the Islamic Development Bank's (IsDB) mandate. The role involves processing financing requests for Awqaf real estate projects, mobilizing resources, developing innovative financing solutions, and overseeing the appraisal, monitoring, and reporting of Awqaf investments. Ensure alignment with IsDB's approved regulations, procedures, and guidelines to effectively contribute to the socio-economic development of both Member and Non-Member Countries. Additionally, this role requires active participation in initiatives related to the development of the waqf sector across these countries.

Key Accountabilities
**Strategic & Operational Planning**:

- Contribute towards Awqaf investment strategic objectives and annual business plan.
- Contribute to the preparation of the Division's annual work plan, KPIs, and operational/ administrative budgets of the Division.
- Identify opportunities and manage Awqaf investment related initiatives that enable the Division to increase its impact on the Awqaf Industry.
- Conceptualize and the development of innovative and differentiated Awqaf investment compliant products, services and solutions to Islamic banking clients and stakeholders.
- Assess Awqaf investment issues for all new products and services being launched by the IsDB to ascertain the minimization of IsDB exposure to Awqaf related risks.
- Manage delivery of Awqaf investments compliant products/services and engage clients for the purpose of cost recovery and revenue generation.
- Contribute (in collaboration with the concerned units) to the development and improvement of the bank's policies and processes relating to the functions of the Department.

**Awqaf Investments**:

- Support all Awqaf related Investments and their related marketing activities in line with the Bank strategy.
- Contribute (in close collaboration with units/Entities concerned) to actions and the development of expertise/best practices aimed at promulgation and reinforcement of Awqaf legislation in member countries.
- Contribute to the promotion of IsDB as the main player for the support of Awqaf Sector Worldwide
- Support the establishment of international Awqaf development institutions under the facilitation of IsDB.
- Represent the Division in the Bank-wide working groups.
- Highlight any identified irregularity or non-compliance to the management.

**Knowledge Sharing & Innovation**:

- Supervise and provide Awqaf related technical guidance to less experienced staff members.
- Contribute and promote the role and efforts of the Islamic Infrastructure institutions for overall development of Awqaf.
- Provide Awqaf investment advice and technical services to peers and colleagues, divisions and departments in division related issues.
- Establish Awqaf investment compliance standards and supervise the review and audit for the division and other entities.

**Reporting & Communication**:

- Contribute to the production of knowledge products, reviews, briefs, and updates on Awqaf investment issues as well as the projects undertaken by the department, independently and in coordination with other entities of the IsDB.
- Participate in the related communities of practice and strengthening the field of expertise.
- Develop and maintain close relationships with MC and non-MC governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to engage and advise them on Awqaf investment matters supporting the development and promotion of the Awqaf Sector.
- Maintain close links with other MDBs and development promotion agencies and institutions to coordinate and align activities of common interest.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Bachelor degree in Economics / Business Administration / Finance / Investments or related field.

Minimum 8 years of experience in Islamic finance investments, 4 of which preferably in Project Finance, Asset Management / Investments.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge
- Advance Islamic Finance knowledge.
- Passion for Excellence
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Stakeholder Management
- Bank Knowledge
- Financial Management
- Accounting
- Business and Procurement Process
- Experience in the usage of Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
- Hands-on experience in ERP like Oracle / SAP.