AVP, Shariah Advisory - Consumer Banking, ISSC Secretariat, Research & Training

Role Overview

Assistant Vice President, Shariah Advisory – Consumer Banking, ISSC Secretariat, Research & Training at First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Company Overview

First Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest bank in the UAE and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions. FAB offers a comprehensive range of personal and private banking services, including credit cards, Islamic banking, investments, loans, and mortgages. The organization is committed to excellence and innovation, delivering top-tier financial solutions and supporting a performance-based culture with learning and development initiatives for all employees.

Role Purpose

The role assists in managing and delivering Shariah advisory support to Consumer Banking on the development, review, structuring, documentation and implementation of Islamic banking products, services and related initiatives in accordance with resolutions and directives of the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC), Higher Shariah Authority (HSA), and applicable regulatory requirements. The jobholder coordinates ISSC secretariat activities, conducts Shariah research and analysis, supports policy and procedural reviews, and facilitates Shariah training and awareness initiatives across the Bank to contribute to effective implementation of the Bank's Shariah governance framework.

Key Responsibilities

Shariah Advisory & Product Support

• Support provision of Shariah advisory services to Consumer Banking on development, structuring, review and implementation of Islamic Consumer Banking products and services.
• Ensure adherence to resolutions and directives of the Higher Shariah Authority, Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, AAOIFI Shariah Standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assist in review of agreements, documents, instruments, process flows and other materials relating to Islamic Consumer Banking products and transactions.
• Provide recommendations to ensure compliance with Shariah requirements.
• Review product-related communications, branding, promotional and marketing materials for Islamic Consumer Banking products.
• Ensure information presented is accurate, appropriate and consistent with Islamic banking principles and approved product structures.
• Assist in review of Standard Operating Procedures, process documents, accounting treatments and system configurations relating to Islamic Consumer Banking products from a Shariah compliance perspective.

ISSC Secretariat & Governance

• Coordinate administrative and secretarial functions of the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, compiling submission papers and ensuring timely circulation of meeting materials.
• Prepare draft minutes of ISSC meetings.
• Maintain records of decisions, action items and resolutions.
• Monitor timely completion of follow-up actions.
• Support preparation, issuance and maintenance of ISSC resolutions, pronouncements, approvals and other Shariah governance documentation.
• Maintain records and databases relating to ISSC submissions, resolutions, pronouncements, meeting minutes and other approved Shariah governance documents.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy and accessibility of records.
• Coordinate approval-by-circulation exercises.
• Assist in ensuring matters approved outside meetings are appropriately documented and ratified by the ISSC.
• Assist in maintaining relevant corporate records relating to the ISSC, including committee charters, appointment documentation, regulatory approvals and related governance records.
• Support preparation of the ISSC Annual Report and other governance-related reports, presentations and submissions as required.
• Coordinate logistics for ISSC meetings, including travel arrangements, meeting venues, documentation, invoicing and administrative matters relating to ISSC members.

Shariah Research & Analysis

• Conduct Shariah research on matters relevant to the Bank's Islamic banking operations.
• Assist in preparation of research papers, technical analyses and discussion materials for review by the ISSC and Head of Internal Shariah Control.
• Gather and analyse relevant references, resolutions, standards, fatwas and industry publications issued by the Higher Shariah Authority, AAOIFI, IFSB, ISRA, International Islamic Fiqh Academy and other recognised bodies.
• Support Shariah advisory and research activities with gathered intelligence.

Training & Awareness

• Assist in identifying, coordinating and administering Shariah training and awareness programmes for relevant employees involved in Islamic banking activities.
• Maintain training records and assessment results.
• Support development and dissemination of Shariah awareness materials, guidance notes, newsletters, publications and educational content.
• Promote understanding of Shariah requirements within the Bank.

Governance & Compliance Framework

• Assist the Head of Internal Shariah Control and relevant Shariah Advisory personnel in maintaining and enhancing the Bank's Shariah Governance Framework and related governance processes.
• Collaborate with Shariah Compliance, Internal Shariah Audit and other control functions in supporting effective implementation of the Shariah Governance Framework across the Bank.
• Assist in review, monitoring and communication of new or amended Islamic banking regulations, standards, circulars and guidelines issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, Higher Shariah Authority and other relevant regulatory or standard-setting bodies.
• Participate in ensuring that applicable regulatory requirements, Shariah governance requirements and internal policies relating to Islamic banking activities are appropriately implemented and adhered to within the areas of responsibility.

Management & Escalation

• Report to the VP, Shariah Advisory – Consumer Banking, ISSC Secretariat, Research & Training and consult with the latter on significant or sensitive matters.
• Perform duties within approved policies, procedures, Shariah standards, and the Bank's Shariah Governance Framework.
• Escalate matters involving new Shariah interpretations, material Shariah risks, regulatory issues, or exceptions to the VP and/or Head of Internal Shariah Control for guidance and approval.
• Exercise judgment in handling day-to-day Shariah advisory, ISSC secretariat, research, and training activities within delegated authority.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Shariah, Islamic Finance, Islamic Banking, Business Administration, Law, or other related disciplines from a reputable and recognised university.
• 4–6 years of experience in Shariah Advisory, Shariah Compliance, Shariah Research, ISSC Secretariat, Islamic Banking, or related areas.
• Experience in Islamic banking operations, Shariah governance, product review, policy review, or Shariah compliance activities.
• Good understanding of Islamic banking products, Shariah governance requirements, and AAOIFI Shariah Standards.
• Good understanding of the CBUAE Shariah Governance Framework, Higher Shariah Authority requirements, and Islamic banking industry practices.
• Professional qualification or certification in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance, Shariah Governance, or Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence is preferred.
• Experience in supporting training, awareness, committee administration, or stakeholder coordination would be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• 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 would be an advantage.

Additional Information

• Career development opportunities through training and skill development initiatives.
• Performance-based culture with structured plans for career progression.
• Joining FAB means being part of a team of talented and passionate individuals with a shared vision to support stakeholders and "Grow Stronger."