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Job Description: Role Description Application deadline: March 08, 2026 The CEO is responsible for the overall management and leadership at SMEP microfinance Bank. The CEO heads the institution’s executive team and directly supervises all departmental leads. The CEO is responsible for leadership strategy, operations, spiritual integration, credit risk, finance, client protection, and compliance. He/she represents the institution within HOPE International and other like-minded networks and communicates with local and national regulators and other government officials. The CEO also carries out his/her responsibilities working as part of a team with the central service unit (CSU) staff of HOPE International, requesting their support and partnering with the appropriate specialists to develop and improve the institution. The CEO recognizes and respects the authority of the local SMEP board of directors, and HOPE International as the major shareholder, its president and other officers. Location: Nairobi, Kenya , Kenya Level: Executive Type: Full-time Department: Microfinance Reports to: The local board of directors and the HOPE International regional director Position supervises: SMEP management team Responsibilities Promote and fulfill SMEP’s vision, mission and motivation at all times. Spiritual Integration and Christian Witness Personally model Christian behavior to the staff in leadership style, resolution of issues, selection and development of staff, context-appropriate Christian witness with staff, and in setting and leading the spiritual agenda of the organization. Coordinate the creation and implementation of the spiritual integration plan for the benefit of clients, staff, and other entities that the organization works with. Governance Ensure the organization meets all local legal requirements and lead board meetings and executive committee meetings when required. Maintain a robust enterprise risk management framework across credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, and cyber risks; implement prompt corrective actions when required. Represent the MFI and maintain good working relationships with governmental authorities, donors, other local practitioners, and the general public. Liaise with HOPE’s other MFIs and partners in the region, including site visits, sharing lessons and best practices learned in research of program, etc. Risk and Compliance Responsible for the management of risk and risk assessment in the organization. Vigilantly ensure that all staff understand and comply with the policies and procedures and that all employees are doing their utmost to protect the assets of the organization. Ensure systems are in place to review, expose, report and eliminate areas of risk within the organization. Responsible for the day-to-day administrative management of the internal audit team, recognizing their direct reporting line to the local board and the HOPE International internal audit structure. Ensure the entire staff cooperates with internal audit to reduce risk and maximize compliance, ensuring the use of best practices. Planning Lead the process of establishing strategic plans to optimize the growth of the microfinance institution. Ensure that financial and analytical models are completed and maintained. Create the 5-year and annual business plan for board approval, including financial, marketing, operational and spiritual integration plans. Maintain updated security protocol for local and international staff. Funding Secure capital funding to meet or exceed the business objectives, developing and maintaining strong working relationships with HOPE International, HOPE Global Investment Fund, and other external funding organizations and banks as needed. Pursue funding through funding proposals and continuing donor relations in order to ensure a continued development of the MFI. Resourcing Responsible for ensuring that the organization is correctly staffed according to the business plan and in line with the established HR policies. Ensure that suitable facilities and equipment are available to the staff. Model servant leadership in the work environment. Invest in the personal development of key managers and establish a succession plan. Achieving Results Drive growth in deposits, high-quality lending (SME, group banking, church segments), fee income, and digital adoption; optimize cost-to-income and balance-sheet health. Responsible for achieving or exceeding the business plan within the assigned budget. Work with the management team to solve problems, address training and capacity issues, and find improvements and efficiencies for the benefit of the organization and its clients. Lead initiatives to further expand SMEP’s impact through microenterprise development. Reporting Ensure that HOPE International reporting deadlines are met. Ensure that reporting to the local government is completed as required. Provide reports as needed for lenders, donors, auditors, etc. Meet regularly with the HOPE International regional director to review status and issues. Qualifications Personal confession of Christian faith and commitment to SMEP’s vision, mission and motivation at all times. Master’s degree in commerce/business/finance or advanced degree in relevant field, CPA(K), ACCA, CFA, CISA, CPA. 10 years’ experience in microfinance, banking, or financial services sector, preferably in Africa or other developing countries. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Track record in microfinance/retail banking and digital transformation. Adaptable and resilient, able to maintain effectiveness and composure in high-pressure situations. Demonstrated desire to help people that have been brought low by poverty, or other circumstances regain hope, dignity, and ability to support themselves and their families. Creativity and ability to work with limited resources. Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively. Experience with Microsoft suite, T24 and other software packages, as required. Professional working proficiency in spoken/written English, full professional proficiency in spoken/written Swahili (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ILR_scale).

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SMEP Microfinance Bank

HOPE International

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