POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ASA International Kenya Ltd. The CEO will be responsible for providing leadership to the management team, setting goals, driving growth, and ensuring the overall success and sustainability of the organization. The successful candidate should possess excellent financial acumen, proven leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of the microfinance and financial industry in Kenya. ASA Kenya is eager to acquire a microfinance bank license and the CEO will be instrumental in driving this process.

ASA International has adopted a road map for digital transformation. As part hereof, the company will launch its operations app as well as implement a core banking system.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Boost performance growth from high touch ‘ASA Model’ and oversee financial performance, ensure profitability, sustainability, and compliance with regulations.
• Lead the transformation of the organization as a deposit-taking microfinance bank.
• Drive adoption of the Digital Strategy of the company.
• Harness the opportunity of the Digital Financial Service (DFS) channel.
• Grow revenues from payments and deposits with appropriate Central Bank licensing
• Pursue value-added services to grow clients’ businesses.
• Manage people and financial resources effectively.
• Support the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance.
• Integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy as the core part of the operation.
• Foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy for an inclusive, diverse, and global work culture.
• Keen appetite for organizational risk management and compliance.
• Drive organizational values of professionalism, teamwork, and integrity to create an agile work environment.
• Effective relationship management with local and international lenders and investors.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Extensive experience (at least 10 years) in microfinance banking or similar financial institutions, with significant time spent in leadership roles.
• In-depth knowledge of microfinance and microbanking principles, practices, and regulations.
• Strong financial and strategic planning skills, with a track record of driving growth and achieving targets.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• A humble, meticulous, and confident professional with a proven track record in change management.
• Ability to quickly dig down the processes and data; however, also take a step back and take in the overview of the situation.
• Analyze problems and translate them into concrete improvements and get the right buy-in and implement them.
• Self-starter, proactive, and decisive.
• Excellent social skills and a good dose of organizational sensitivity.
• A team player who continuously improves self and the people around him/ her.
• Strong financial acumen and skills to communicate financials with different stakeholders.

REPORTING LINE

The CEO shall report to the group chief of operations with a dotted line reporting to the Group CEO.