IDB3366 – Lead Awqaf Investment Specialist

Job Purpose:

The role oversees Awqaf initiatives within the Awqaf Investments Division of the Investments Department at IsDB.

Key responsibilities include developing Awqaf strategies, business plans, and financial budgets.

It will also identify opportunities, manage innovative Awqaf compliant products and services, and ensure sustained revenue generation. The job holder will collaborate with internal units to improve policies related to Islamic Finance Investments, build networks for best practices in project management, and conduct and market Awqaf investments. Additionally, it will contribute to Awqaf legislation development and raise awareness of Awqaf initiatives. As the subject matter expert on Awqaf, it is expected to provide technical guidance, advise peers, and foster partnerships to advance Awqaf strategies and promote sustainable development through Awqaf investments and innovations.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic & Operational Planning:

• Independently and technically contribute towards 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 manage the development of innovative and differentiated Awqaf compliant products, services, and solutions to IFSI clients and stakeholders.
• Lead and manage conceptualization, development, and delivery of Awqaf-compliant products and services that provide the clients an avenue for sustained cost recovery and revenue generation.
• Contribute, in collaboration with the concerned units, to the development and improvement of IsDB’s policies and processes relating to the functions of the Awqaf Investments Division.
• Build a network of developers and partners to ensure that IsDB and the developers follow best practices in project management regarding Awqaf.
• Work closely with the Unit Manager for timely delivery of the work programs, carry out quality assurance, interact with internal and external stakeholders, staff development, and forge partnerships.
• Assess Awqaf issues for all new products and services being launched by the IsDB to ascertain the minimization of Islamic Development Bank Group’s (IDBGs) exposure to Awqaf-related risks.
• Act as a reference, focal point, and subject matter expert on all Awqaf-related matters.
• Manage delivery of Awqaf compliant products/services and engage clients for the purpose of cost recovery and revenue generation.

Awqaf Investments:

• Conduct all Awqaf related investments and their related marketing activities in line with the Investments 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 all over.
• Promote IsDB as the main player for the support of the Awqaf sector worldwide.
• Contribute to the establishment of other Awqaf initiatives worldwide under the facilitation of IsDB.
• Responsible for the establishment of the International Awqaf Development Institutions under the facilitation of IsDB.
• Enhance mobilization of resources for the APIF, 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

• Act as a reference, focal point, and subject matter expert on all Awqaf-related matters within Investments Department, in specific, within IsDBG, in general.
• Contribute and promote the role and efforts of the Islamic Infrastructure institutions for the overall development of Awqaf and Islamic Financial Sector Institutions.
• Supervise and provide Awqaf-related technical guidance to less experienced staff members within the team.
• Provide Awqaf advice and technical services to peers and colleagues from other divisions and departments on Awqaf-related issues.
• Support the efforts in establishing Awqaf-compliant standards.
• Play a leading role in raising awareness about Awqaf, in general, and the APIF mandate and objectives, in particular, within IsDB to establish new partnerships/cooperation with other units/departments and propose new products.
• Play a leading role in raising awareness about Awqaf, in general, and the APIF mandate and objectives, in particular, externally to attract new participants to the Fund and build long-term strategic partnerships and alliances.

Reporting & Communication:

• Supervise 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.
• Substantially participate in the related communities of practice and strengthen expertise in the field.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with MC and non-MC governments, 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.

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics / Business Administration / Finance / Investments or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience, 5 of which preferably in Project Finance, Asset Management / Investments.
• 3 years of managerial or relevant supervisory experience is mandatory.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge:

• Advance knowledge of all forms/modes of Islamic Financing
• Advanced knowledge of Islamic Financing regulations
• Advance knowledge of project finance
• Advance knowledge of real estate business
• Advanced analytical skills
• Accurate and methodical
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strategic Planning
• Influencing skills
• Relationship building

Languages:

• English – Mandatory
• Arabic – Preferred
• French – Preferred