Specialist - Internal Shariah Control

Role Overview

Specialist - Internal Shariah Control at First Abu Dhabi Bank. The role assists the Head of Shariah Compliance & International in managing end-to-end Shariah-related matters, ensuring compliance of Islamic banking activities and operations with Shariah rules, principles, and regulations issued by the Higher Shariah Authority, Central Bank of UAE, Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, and applicable international jurisdictions.

Role Purpose

To support the management and oversight of Shariah compliance across FAB Group's Islamic banking operations and international branches, ensuring all activities align with Shariah principles and regulatory requirements while providing advisory and implementation support to business, product, control, and support functions.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Monitoring & Regulatory Alignment

• Monitor continuously the implementation of resolutions from the Higher Shariah Authority, Central Bank of UAE, Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, and all related laws, rules, and regulations including Shariah regulations from applicable international jurisdictions.
• Support regular assessments of compliance levels on Islamic banking activities and operations across business and support units to ensure FAB's activities do not contravene Shariah rules and principles.
• Assist the Head of Shariah Compliance & International in managing Shariah compliance risks with regard to FAB Islamic banking activities and operations.

Compliance Programs & Framework Development

• Plan and execute Shariah compliance programs and initiatives including development and implementation of Shariah compliance frameworks and policies.
• Develop and implement Shariah compliance gap analysis and Shariah non-compliance incident management processes.
• Assist the Head of Shariah Compliance & International in developing and implementing Shariah compliance frameworks, policies, and assessments.
• Liaise and collaborate with Compliance to integrate Shariah compliance initiatives into FAB's overall Compliance framework.

Advisory & Guidance

• Provide day-to-day Shariah compliance advice to product, business, control, and support groups on the correct understanding and implementation of Shariah resolutions and fatawa issued by the Higher Shariah Authority and Internal Shariah Supervision Committee.

Training & Cultural Development

• Conduct Shariah compliance training to relevant staff in accordance with their areas of work on Shariah requirements governing the Bank's operations, business, affairs, and activities including Islamic banking products and services.
• Design and deliver training intended to create a Shariah compliance culture within relevant departments and among staff involved in Islamic banking.

Stakeholder Management & Communications

• Act as the main point of contact in managing communications and interactions with internal stakeholders such as Compliance teams, business and product groups, and other control and support functions.
• Act as the main point of contact in managing communications and interactions with external stakeholders such as regulators, external counsel, and auditors regarding all Shariah compliance matters.
• Build and maintain productive relationships and effective communications with all internal and external stakeholders regarding Shariah compliance matters.
• Coordinate communications, submissions, queries, and clarifications between product, business, control, and support functions at international locations and the Internal Shariah Control at Head Office.

Regulatory Reporting & Updates

• Assist the Head of Shariah Compliance & International in providing updates to the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, senior management, and the Bank on the latest developments in Shariah resolutions issued by the Higher Shariah Authority.

General Execution

• Execute all responsibilities and other tasks and actions in line with the advice and instruction of the Head of Shariah Compliance & International.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Shariah, Islamic Finance, Islamic Banking, Business Administration, Law, or other related disciplines from a reputable and recognised university.
• Minimum 2 to 4 years of Shariah experience in a reputed bank or financial institution with exposure to Islamic Banking precepts and applicable norms.
• Solid understanding of Shariah and Islamic banking products and services with demonstrable knowledge of underlying relevant Shariah requirements issued by AAOIFI and the Higher Shariah Authority of Central Bank of UAE.
• Good understanding of Islamic banking products, Shariah governance requirements, and AAOIFI Shariah Standards.
• Professional qualification or certification in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance, Shariah Governance, or Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong command of English and Arabic languages.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Good organisational, administrative, and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Team player with the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic is an advantage.