Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a clear strategic vision and long-term business plan aligned with Shahy Khazana Microfinance’s mission and objectives.
- Lead the organization in achieving sustainable growth, financial stability, and social impact in Afghanistan’s microfinance sector.
- Identify emerging opportunities and risks in the Afghan market, including regulatory changes, economic trends, and security considerations, and adapt strategies
accordingly.
- Foster partnerships with local and international stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, donors, and financial institutions, to enhance organizational reach and impact.
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient delivery of microfinance products and services, including microloans, savings, and financial literacy programs.
- Ensure compliance with Afghanistan’s regulatory framework, including the Afghanistan Microfinance Association (AMA) and Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) regulations.
- Implement robust risk management practices to mitigate credit, operational, and security risks in a volatile environment.
- Drive innovation in product development to meet the needs of underserved populations, particularly women and rural communities.
Financial Oversight
- Ensure the financial sustainability of Shahy Khazana Microfinance through effective budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
- Oversee fundraising efforts, including securing grants, loans, and investments from local and international donors, development agencies, and financial institutions.
- Monitor key financial performance indicators, such as portfolio quality, repayment rates, and operational self-sufficiency, to ensure long-term viability.
- Present accurate and timely financial reports to the Board of Directors and regulatory authorities.
People and Culture Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing, diverse, and motivated team, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.
- Oversee recruitment, training, and professional development of staff to ensure alignment with organizational goals and cultural sensitivities in Afghanistan.
- Promote gender equality within the organization and in client-facing programs, ensuring women’s empowerment remains central to operations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
- Act as the primary spokesperson for Shahy Khazana Microfinance, representing the organization to government bodies, donors, partners, and the public.
- Advocate for policies that support microfinance and financial inclusion in Afghanistan, engaging with regulators, policymakers, and industry networks.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, ensuring services are culturally appropriate and responsive to client needs.
Governance and Compliance
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates, strategic recommendations, and insights on organizational performance.
- Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards, ethical practices, and compliance with Afghan laws and international microfinance standards.
- Oversee the implementation of internal controls, audits, and risk management frameworks to maintain transparency and accountability.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree with exceptional experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in microfinance, banking, or development sectors, with at least 5 years in a CEO or equivalent role.
- Proven track record of leading organizations in complex, high-risk environments, preferably in Afghanistan or similar contexts.
- Strong understanding of microfinance principles, financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation strategies.
- Knowledge of Afghanistan’s socio-economic, cultural, and regulatory environment, including familiarity with Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) regulations.
- Exceptional financial management skills, including experience with fundraising, donor relations, and financial reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse teams, with a commitment to gender equality and cultural sensitivity.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English and Dari/Pashto (preferred).
- Ability to navigate security challenges and operate effectively in a dynamic and volatile environment.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align with organizational goals and local needs.
- Leadership and Team Building: Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and manage diverse teams in challenging contexts.
- Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity: Deep understanding of Afghanistan’s cultural, social, and economic dynamics, with a commitment to inclusive and equitable practices.
- Risk Management: Expertise in identifying and mitigating risks in a volatile environment.
- Innovation: Ability to design and implement innovative financial products tailored to underserved populations.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Capacity to lead effectively in a high-pressure, dynamic, and resource-constrained environment.
Key Deliverables
- Develop and implement a 3-5 year strategic plan to expand Shahy Khazana Microfinance’s outreach and impact.
- Achieve a minimum of 20% portfolio growth annually while maintaining portfolio-at-risk- risk (PAR) below 5%.
- Secure at least two new funding partnerships or grants within the first 12 months.
- Increase women’s participation in microfinance programs by 30% within two years.
- Ensure full compliance with Da Afghanistan Bank and international microfinance standards.
- Establish Shahy Khazana Microfinance as a recognized leader in financial inclusion in Afghanistan.
Terms and Conditions
- Contract Type: Full-time, with an initial 2-year contract, renewable based on performance.
- Location: Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with frequent travel to provincial offices and rural areas as security conditions permit.
- Reporting: Reports directly to the Board of Directors.
- Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with industry standards for Afghanistan.
- Security: Adherence to organizational security protocols and guidelines for operating in Afghanistan.
Interested candidates can send their CVs to: HR@skm.af
Contact No: 0766 50 50 22
Shahy Khazana Microfinance (SKM) is licensed as a Microfinance Institution under the Central Bank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank) and registered with the Ministry of Commerce as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with Head Office based in Kabul, Afghanistan. SKM specializes in delivering Shariah-compliant financing to underserved communities, with a focus on empowering small businesses and women entrepreneurs across Afghanistan