Manager - Shari’a Assessment & Testing

Role Overview

Manager - Shari'a Assessment & Testing at ADIB, located in Abu Dhabi.

Role Purpose

Maintain Shari'a Compliance across the ADIB Group by continuously monitoring the Bank's business activities and operations in accordance with the prevailing standards and resolutions of the Higher Shari'a Authority (HSA), the related resolutions of the Bank's Internal Shari'a Supervisory Committee (ISSC), and the relevant regulations issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in alignment with the SCD policies, procedures, methodologies, and the policies and frameworks established by the ISCG.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Monitoring & Assessment

• Support the Senior Manager in maintaining and enhancing Sharia compliance across the ADIB Group as per the applicable procedures and policies.
• Monitor continuously the Bank's compliance with HSA Resolutions, related ISSC Resolutions and applicable standards and requirements issued by the CBUAE.
• Ensure the Bank's Annual Shari'a Assessment and Testing Plan comprehensively covers all critical areas of Sharia compliance within the ADIB Group.
• Oversee and conduct detailed Shari'a monitoring and assurance reviews across various business units.
• Assess and evaluate Shari'a Non-Compliance (SNC) Risks and related controls.

Execution & Delivery

• Execute effectively the assigned tasks as per the approved Annual Plan in accordance with relevant policies, utilizing a risk-based methodology supported by systems, such as the Governance, Risk and Control (GRC) platform.
• Maintain regular coordination with Business Units and Operational Risk Management teams to identify issues and develop and implement effective controls.

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare detailed reports on the review findings and results addressed to different stakeholders and Committees as per the applicable policies.
• Compile and present to Unit's management comprehensive reports on the review findings and results.
• Assist in communicating these reports effectively to key stakeholders and other relevant stakeholders.

Governance & Implementation

• Supervise and ensure the implementation of action plans derived from the field reviews.
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of Shari'a compliance issues identified during assessments.
• Track progress and provide updates on the status of action plans.
• Implement and continuously refine the SCD policies, procedures, and methodologies.
• Provide support and guidance to the execution team to ensure high standards of Shari'a compliance.
• Provide support to other SCD functions as and when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Shari'a/Islamic banking or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience in Shari'a related functions in Islamic banking, preferably in Shari'a Compliance, Shari'a Consultation and/or Shari'a Audit.
• AAOIFI CSAA and/or CIPA certifications (or equivalent certifications).

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of banking and Islamic banking products.
• Expert knowledge of principles of Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence, Shari'ah standards, products and Islamic banking operations.
• Expert knowledge of AAOIFI Shari'a Standards.
• Strong academic skills or experience in Shari'a Compliance or Shari'a Audit.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Reasonable legal and compliance background.
• Ability to balance between compliance requirements and business needs.
• Experience in Leadership roles.
• Fluent or proficient in Arabic and English.