AVP, Shariah Advisory - Consumer Banking, ISSC Secretariat, Research & Training

First Abu Dhabi Bank · Abu Dhabi

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JOB SUMMARY / INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the job is to assist in managing and delivering Shariah advisory support to Consumer Banking on the development, review, structuring, documentation and implementation of Islamic banking products, services and related initiatives in accordance with the resolutions and directives of the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC), the Higher Shariah Authority (HSA) and applicable regulatory requirements.
In addition, the role is responsible for coordinating and performing ISSC secretariat activities, conducting Shariah research and analysis, supporting policy and procedural reviews, and facilitating Shariah training and awareness initiatives across the Bank. The jobholder will contribute to the effective implementation of the Bank's Shariah governance framework and support adherence to the requirements of the CBUAE Shariah Governance Standard and other relevant regulatory expectations. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the provision of Shariah advisory services to Consumer Banking on the development, structuring, review and implementation of Islamic Consumer Banking products and services, ensuring adherence to the resolutions and directives of the Higher Shariah Authority (HSA), Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC), AAOIFI Shariah Standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the review of agreements, documents, instruments, process flows and other materials relating to Islamic Consumer Banking products and transactions and provide recommendations to ensure compliance with Shariah requirements.
• Review product-related communications, branding, promotional and marketing materials for Islamic Consumer Banking products to ensure the information presented is accurate, appropriate and consistent with Islamic banking principles and approved product structures.
• Assist in the review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documents, accounting treatments and system configurations relating to Islamic Consumer Banking products from a Shariah compliance perspective.
• Coordinate the administrative and secretarial functions of the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC), including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, compiling submission papers and ensuring timely circulation of meeting materials.
• Prepare draft minutes of ISSC meetings, maintain records of decisions, action items and resolutions, and monitor timely completion of follow-up actions.
• Support the preparation, issuance and maintenance of ISSC resolutions, pronouncements, approvals and other Shariah governance documentation.
• Maintain records and databases relating to ISSC submissions, resolutions, pronouncements, meeting minutes and other approved Shariah governance documents, ensuring completeness, accuracy and accessibility.
• Coordinate approval-by-circulation exercises and assist in ensuring matters approved outside meetings are appropriately documented and ratified by the ISSC.
• Assist in maintaining relevant corporate records relating to the ISSC, including committee charters, appointment documentation, regulatory approvals and related governance records.
• Support the preparation of the ISSC Annual Report and other governance-related reports, presentations and submissions as required.
• Coordinate logistics for ISSC meetings, including travel arrangements, meeting venues, documentation, invoicing and administrative matters relating to ISSC members.
• Assist in identifying, coordinating and administering Shariah training and awareness programmes for relevant employees involved in Islamic banking activities, including maintaining training records and assessment results.
• Support the development and dissemination of Shariah awareness materials, guidance notes, newsletters, publications and educational content to promote understanding of Shariah requirements within the Bank.
• Conduct Shariah research on matters relevant to the Bank's Islamic banking operations and assist in the preparation of research papers, technical analyses and discussion materials for review by the ISSC and Head of Internal Shariah Control.
• Gather and analyse relevant references, resolutions, standards, fatwas and industry publications issued by the HSA, AAOIFI, IFSB, ISRA, International Islamic Fiqh Academy and other recognised bodies to support Shariah advisory and research activities.
• Assist the Head of Internal Shariah Control and relevant Shariah Advisory personnel in maintaining and enhancing the Bank's Shariah Governance Framework and related governance processes.
• Collaborate with Shariah Compliance, Internal Shariah Audit and other control functions in supporting the effective implementation of the Shariah Governance Framework across the Bank.
• Assist in the review, monitoring and communication of new or amended Islamic banking regulations, standards, circulars and guidelines issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, Higher Shariah Authority and other relevant regulatory or standard-setting bodies.
• Participate in ensuring that applicable regulatory requirements, Shariah governance requirements and internal policies relating to Islamic banking activities are appropriately implemented and adhered to within the areas of responsibility.
• Reports to the VP, Shariah Advisory – Consumer Banking, ISSC Secretariat, Research & Training and consults with the latter on significant or sensitive matters.
• Performs duties within approved policies, procedures, Shariah standards, and the Bank's Shariah Governance Framework.
• Escalates matters involving new Shariah interpretations, material Shariah risks, regulatory issues, or exceptions to the VP and/or Head of Internal Shariah Control for guidance and approval.
• Exercises judgment in handling day-to-day Shariah advisory, ISSC secretariat, research, and training activities within delegated authority.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Shariah, Islamic Finance, Islamic Banking, Business Administration, Law, or other related disciplines from a reputable and recognised university.
• Good understanding of Islamic banking products, Shariah governance requirements, and AAOIFI Shariah Standards.
• 4–6 years of experience in Shariah Advisory, Shariah Compliance, Shariah Research, ISSC Secretariat, Islamic Banking, or related areas.
• Experience in Islamic banking operations, Shariah governance, product review, policy review, or Shariah compliance activities.
• Good understanding of the CBUAE Shariah Governance Framework, Higher Shariah Authority requirements, and Islamic banking industry practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good organisational, administrative and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Team player with the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, accuracy and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Preferred / Beneficial
• Professional qualification or certification in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance, Shariah Governance, or Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence is preferred.
• Experience in supporting training, awareness, committee administration, or stakeholder coordination would be an advantage.
• Arabic would be an advantage. 

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good organisational, administrative and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Team player with the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, accuracy and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic would be an advantage. 

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