Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the highest executive authority of HWMI and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, operational management, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and organizational performance of the institution.

The CEO shall implement the policies and strategic directives approved by the Board of Directors while ensuring that HWMI operates in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices in microfinance and financial services.

1. Strategic Leadership

· Develop and implement HWMI's strategic vision, mission, and long-term business plans.

· Lead institutional growth initiatives and market expansion strategies.

· Identify emerging opportunities in microfinance, digital finance, SME financing, agricultural finance, and financial inclusion.

· Advise the Board on strategic opportunities, risks, and organizational priorities.

· Ensure alignment of organizational objectives with national economic and financial sector development goals.

2. Corporate Governance

· Serve as the principal link between management and the Board of Directors.

· Ensure implementation of Board decisions and resolutions.

· Maintain strong governance standards throughout the institution.

· Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.

· Ensure compliance with all governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.

3. Financial Management and Sustainability

· Oversee preparation and execution of annual budgets and business plans.

· Ensure institutional profitability and financial sustainability.

· Monitor financial performance indicators and institutional health.

· Manage liquidity, capital adequacy, funding strategies, and asset quality.

· Lead fundraising efforts and secure financing from investors, donors, development partners, and financial institutions.

· Ensure prudent management of institutional resources.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

· Ensure full compliance with regulations of the relevant financial regulatory authorities of Afghanistan.

· Maintain effective communication and reporting with regulators.

· Establish and strengthen enterprise risk management systems.

· Oversee operational, financial, credit, legal, compliance, reputational, cybersecurity, and strategic risks.

· Ensure implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), Know Your Customer (KYC), and related compliance frameworks.

5. Operations Management

· Direct and oversee all operational activities of HWMI.

· Ensure efficient delivery of financial products and services.

· Improve operational effectiveness and service quality.

· Establish performance management systems across departments and branches.

· Monitor operational performance against approved targets.

6. Credit and Portfolio Management

· Oversee lending operations and portfolio quality.

· Ensure sound credit risk assessment and portfolio monitoring.

· Monitor portfolio-at-risk (PAR), loan recovery rates, write-offs, and delinquency trends.

· Strengthen credit policies and procedures.

· Ensure responsible lending practices and customer protection standards.

7. Human Resource Leadership

· Build and maintain a high-performing organizational culture.

· Lead recruitment, development, retention, and succession planning initiatives.

· Establish performance management and staff development systems.

· Promote diversity, professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

· Ensure compliance with labor laws and organizational policies.

8. Business Development and Partnerships

· Develop strategic partnerships with banks, investors, donors, development agencies, NGOs, government entities, and private sector stakeholders.

· Represent HWMI in national and international forums.

· Identify new business opportunities and innovative financial products.

· Promote institutional visibility and reputation.

9. Digital Transformation and Innovation

· Lead digital finance initiatives and technology modernization efforts.

· Promote digital lending, mobile banking, and financial technology solutions.

· Improve operational efficiency through technological innovation.

· Support development of data-driven decision-making systems.

10. Reporting and Performance Monitoring

· Provide regular reports to the Board regarding operational, financial, compliance, and strategic performance.

· Present annual business plans, budgets, and performance reports.

· Establish institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

· Ensure timely and accurate reporting to stakeholders and regulators.

Authority

The CEO shall have authority to:

· Manage day-to-day operations of the institution.

· Recommend organizational structures and staffing plans.

· Approve expenditures within delegated authority limits.

· Negotiate partnerships and agreements subject to Board policies.

· Represent HWMI before government entities, regulators, donors, investors, and partners.

· Execute Board-approved strategic and operational decisions.

Education

Minimum:

· Master's Degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, Development Finance, or related field.

Preferred:

· MBA, Master's in Finance, Economics, Banking, or equivalent.

· Professional certifications such as ACCA, CFA, CPA, CIMA, FRM, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Professional Experience

· Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in banking, microfinance, financial services, investment, or related sectors.

· Minimum 5 years in a senior executive leadership role such as CEO, Deputy CEO, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, or equivalent.

· Demonstrated experience managing large-scale financial institutions or microfinance organizations.

· Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, governance, and risk management.

· Experience working with regulators, investors, donors, and international development partners.

· Experience in Afghanistan or similar developing markets is highly preferred.

Required Competencies

Leadership Competencies

· Strategic Vision

· Executive Leadership

· Decision-Making

· Change Management

· Stakeholder Management

· Results Orientation

Technical Competencies

· Financial Management

· Banking and Microfinance Operations

· Credit Risk Management

· Regulatory Compliance

· Corporate Governance

· Business Development

· Digital Financial Services

· Enterprise Risk Management

Behavioral Competencies

· Integrity and Ethics

· Accountability

· Communication Skills

· Negotiation Skills

· Team Leadership

· Problem Solving

· Innovation and Adaptability

Language Requirements

· Fluency in English (Written and Spoken) – Mandatory.

· Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto – Mandatory.

· Additional international language skills are an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The CEO's performance shall be evaluated against:

· Institutional profitability and sustainability.

· Portfolio growth and quality.

· Portfolio-at-Risk (PAR) performance.

· Loan recovery performance.

· Compliance and audit results.

· Strategic plan implementation.

· Customer growth and outreach.

· Staff performance and retention.

· Risk management effectiveness.

· Fundraising and partnership development achievements.

Interested candidates shall submit:

1. Cover Letter.

2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. Copies of academic and professional certificates.

4. Three professional references.

5. Copy of National ID or Passport.

Selection Process

The recruitment process may include:

1. Initial screening of applications.

2. Technical evaluation.

3. Competency-based interview.

4. Presentation of strategic vision for HWMI.

5. Reference and background verification.

6. Final Board interview and approval.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HWMI is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, diversity, integrity, and professional excellence. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Eligibility

HWMI welcomes applications from both national and international candidates who meet the required qualifications, experience, and competency requirements outlined in this Terms of Reference. Candidates of all nationalities will be considered on the basis of merit, professional competence, leadership capability, and their ability to effectively lead and strengthen the institution. International candidates must be willing and able to reside and work in Afghanistan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.