The Nairobi-based institution is seeking a full-time executive to lead its management team and oversee strategy.SMEP Microfinance Bank has opened recruitment for a new chief executive officer, with applications set to close on March 8, 2026.
The Nairobi-based institution is seeking a full-time executive to lead its management team and oversee strategy, operations, risk, finance, compliance, and spiritual integration.
The position reports to the local board of directors and the regional director of HOPE International, the bank’s majority shareholder.
The successful candidate will head the executive team and directly supervise departmental leads, while representing the institution within HOPE International and other like-minded networks.
The CEO will also engage local and national regulators and government officials, and work closely with the Central Service Unit staff of HOPE International to strengthen institutional capacity.
According to the advert, the role carries broad governance and risk oversight responsibilities.
The CEO will be required to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, maintain a robust enterprise risk management framework across credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, and cyber risks, and implement corrective action where necessary.
The holder will also support the internal audit function while recognising its reporting line to the local board and HOPE International’s internal audit structure. Strategic planning and funding form a core part of the mandate.
The CEO will lead the development of five-year and annual business plans covering financial, marketing, operational and spiritual integration targets.
The role includes securing capital funding to meet business objectives and maintaining relationships with HOPE International, the HOPE Global Investment Fund and other external funding partners and banks.
Operationally, the chief executive will be expected to drive growth in deposits and high-quality lending across SME, group banking and church segments, expand digital adoption, optimise cost-to-income ratios and safeguard balance sheet health.
The CEO will also be responsible for ensuring timely reporting to HOPE International, government authorities, lenders, donors and auditors.
The advert places strong emphasis on spiritual leadership. Applicants must demonstrate a personal confession of Christian faith and commitment to SMEP’s vision and mission, and be capable of modelling Christian behaviour in leadership, staff development and organisational culture.
The role includes coordinating and implementing a spiritual integration plan for staff and clients.
Candidates must hold a master’s degree in commerce, business, finance or a related field, or an advanced professional qualification such as CPA(K), ACCA, CFA, CISA or CPA.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in microfinance, banking or the wider financial services sector is required, preferably in Africa or other developing markets.
SMEP is also seeking proven analytical and problem-solving skills, a track record in microfinance or retail banking and digital transformation, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
Professional working proficiency in spoken and written English and full professional proficiency in spoken and written Swahili are mandatory.
Experience with Microsoft applications, T24 and other relevant software packages is also required.
The position is classified at executive level within the microfinance department and supervises the SMEP management team.
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online by March 8, 2026.
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