Unit Head - Regulations, Governance and Training

This role serves as the primary liaison for all regulatory matters related to Shariah aspects of Islamic Banking, including custody, interpretation, and coordination with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and other relevant authorities. The position is responsible for ensuring strong governance and robust controls across the Group through various frameworks, tools, and technologies. Additionally, it oversees the management and governance of all learning data related to Islamic banking and Shariah training within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Laws & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain the Master Regulatory Tracker and act as the main point of contact for the Bank with HSA/CBUAE communications. Prepare executive summaries for new notices, regulations, standards, and guidelines. Conduct gap assessments on all applicable laws and regulations and ensure timely communication and explanation to relevant stakeholders. Oversee monitoring and implementation of regulatory guidelines where direct execution responsibility does not exist. Manage periodic submissions to CBUAE as required and refresh frameworks emerging from regulatory requirements. Prepare presentations and materials for the Board Risk Committee (BRC) and Board meetings, coordinating with the Board Secretariat.

Governance & Compliance: Compile and update Monthly Exception Reports. Conduct Business Impact Analysis and Business Continuity Management exercises at established intervals. Perform annual Divisional Systems Access Reviews and recommend controls to mitigate non-compliance risks across the organization.

Risk Control Self-Assessment Testing: Conduct Risk Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) tests for the division, review and update risk and control adequacy annually, and maintain archives of quarterly data and communications related to RCSA.

Audit Coordination: Facilitate internal and external audits for the IFASC Division, manage CBUAE audit submissions, and respond to audit observations tagged to IFASC on the PRISM system.

Charity Disbursement & Zakat Notification: Maintain and update the Charity Manual, ensure timely disbursement of charity funds in compliance with the manual, and verify Zakat calculations according to ISSC guidelines. Arrange ISSC approval for Zakat calculations and notify the Company Secretary accordingly.

ISSC Secretariat Support: Assist with tasks related to the ISSC, including preparation for meetings and follow-up on action items.

Training & Development: Manage training, research, and development functions in line with CBUAE requirements and industry best practices. Coordinate learning needs assessments, announce and execute Islamic banking and Shariah training plans, and report training progress across the Bank. Ensure timely and accurate updates of training records in the Learning Management System and provide training MIS reports to IFASC and Shariah Audit divisions as needed.

Operating Environment & Collaboration: Engage with all business groups, audit, compliance teams, group entities, CBUAE, and ISSC. Foster strong cross-functional relationships with departmental heads and management to identify Shariah training needs. Operate effectively in a competitive environment where timely and quality learning solutions are critical.

Problem Solving: Clearly articulate regulatory requirements in simple language, provide innovative recommendations to address gaps, assess hazard levels, prioritize tasks based on importance, and ensure contingency plans for effective delivery of classroom and online training.

Confidentiality & Compliance: Investigate training-related issues raised by employees, ensuring compliance with AAOIFI Shariah standards and CBUAE guidelines and policies.

Decision-Making Authority: Flag Shariah compliance gaps and report them promptly to management. Provide approvals and commentary on regulations as required.

Required Qualifications

- 10-12 years of experience in Governance, Operations, Audit, or Compliance, preferably within an Islamic Bank or Islamic Banking window, with direct exposure to regulatory bodies.
- Bachelor’s degree or professional qualification in Business or Accounting.
- Strong understanding of AAOIFI Shariah Standards.
- Proven communication and writing skills to interact effectively across the bank on technical matters.
- Proficiency in MS Office, particularly PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

- AAOIFI Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) certification is highly desirable.
- Significant exposure to Shariah principles through formal studies, courses, or extensive on-the-job learning.

This role demands a detail-oriented professional capable of managing complex regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of compliance and continuous learning within the Islamic banking framework.