Overall Purpose

• The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will serve as the principal executive leading the Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE), responsible for ensuring the effective management of the organisation as provided by the Capital Markets Act (Chapter 485A of the Laws of Kenya). The CEO is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors.
• S/he will be responsible for providing strategic, operational and financial leadership with an emphasis on long-term goals, sustainable growth, capital allocation and return to shareholders. The CEO will work with an executive senior leadership team to lead the development and implementation of strategic plans that shape the future direction of the organisation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

Strategy Formulation and Implementation

• Working closely with the Board, formulate the strategic direction of the NSE to ensure the organisation is well positioned for growth and success. The CEO will be required to lead the development of high-quality forward-thinking business strategies, and operational plans that leverage technological solutions where possible, to deliver desired strategic outcomes.
• With the support of the executive senior leadership team, communicate the organisation’s vision, mission and overall direction and unite the organisation around a common purpose and goals.
• Provide strategic leadership and decision-making on critical issues, and developments affecting the organisation.

Corporate Governance & Board Management

• Have overall responsibility for proper governance structures of the NSE as required under the relevant legislation.
• Provide the Board with strategic advice including reporting on market insights, trade and economic conditions, opportunities, risks and other material issues to enable the Board to fulfil its fiduciary responsibility.
• Ensure management has an effective working relationship with the Board through the provision of timely, effective, accurate information and advice as necessary.
• Ensure compliance to legal and regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures.

Operations Management

• Provide operational leadership and implement policies, procedures and practices that improve operational effectiveness and delivers continued improvement of how NSE runs.
• Leverage technology in a transformative way to deliver customer-centered services, products and business efficiencies.
• Supervise and ensure proper and sound financial management of the NSE to achieve its financial and strategic objectives.
• Ensure that the business operates within the appropriate risk framework.

Business Development and Customer Engagement

• With a strong focus on technology, spearhead business development activities that will position the NSE for new levels of growth and competitiveness.
• Foster a culture and tone that is customer-centered in delivery of NSE’s services.
• Provide the leadership to develop innovative strategies that will enable deeper penetration of NSE’s products and services amongst existing and potential clients.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the NSE, as required by the Board in local and global industry events, promoting a positive image being the Company’s principal spokesperson.
• Forge strategic linkages and cultivate valuable relationships within the business environment, locally and internationally, with the Government, Regulators, other Exchanges, and other stakeholders to support NSE’s growth, expansion and interests.
• Ensure the organisation is appropriately visible and participating in issues that advance national agenda.

People Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership, and lead by example modelling NSE’s values in all interactions and activities.
• Foster a culture that promotes high performance and internal excellence.
• Ensure NSE has the right systems in place to attract talent, retain and encourage growth and development.
• Ensure that the NSE has a conducive work environment, that promotes diversity and inclusivity.
• Undertake any other duties as may be guided by the Board from time to time.

Job Specification

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a reputable university with relevant professional qualifications. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Industry Knowledge and Experience

• At least ten (10) year’s experience in an executive leadership role preferably within the financial services sector in an organisation of significant size and complexity.
• Solid understanding of the dynamics within local and global capital markets.
• Proven success as a senior executive managing executive leadership teams.
• Track record of success in driving growth and profitability.
• Demonstrable experience in driving strategic initiatives and strong appreciation of the role of technology in driving business transformation.
• Building and maintaining valuable relationships with private and public sector stakeholders at the highest levels.
• Experience with institutional capacity building.
• Possess excellent relationship capital with well-developed business networks locally and internationally.
• Abreast of local and global market trends and topical issues such as climate change, ESG etc.

Key Competencies
Leadership

• Solid leadership skills; able to inspire, motivate and empower teams to deliver high levels of performance.
• Effective at building teams that are diverse, inclusive and committed.
• Strong judgement and decision-making skills.
• High resilience and mental agility.

Strategic Orientation

• Ability to create a vision for success and bring it to life.
• Forward-thinking leader able to identify opportunities and drive towards solutions.
• A strong appetite for driving transformative change.

Innovation

• Ability to identify gaps, opportunities and generate meaningful solutions.
• Strong appreciation of the role of technology in driving transformation.

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.

Stakeholder Management

• Ability to build strategic alliances to support growth and development of the organisation.
• Effective at engaging and managing a broad range of stakeholder relationships.

Problem-solving

• Critical thinking to solve complex problems.
• Analytical and negotiation skills.

Values-driven

• Strongly ethical.
• Visible commitment to NSE’s values – Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability and Accountability.

Terms of Service and Remuneration

• Appointment to the position is on a contract term of four (4) years, renewable once, subject to performance and retirement age and the Capital Markets Regulations.
• The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package in accordance with the Company’s policies.