Vice President, Islamic Business Development

About QNB Group

Founded in 1964 as Qatar’s first locally owned commercial bank, QNB Group has expanded into the largest banking group in the Middle East and Africa. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, it now operates across more than 31 countries on three continents, offering a broad suite of modern financial products and services. The group employs over 28,000 people, serves up to 20 million customers, and operates through around 1,000 branches and locations supported by an ATM network of 4,300 machines.

The bank is consistently rated among the top regional financial institutions by major credit rating agencies, including Standard & Poor’s (A), Moody’s (Aa3), and Fitch (A+). It has also received several international awards from respected financial publications. Backed by strong financial results and growing international reach, QNB is recognized by Brand Finance Magazine as the most valuable bank brand in the Middle East and Africa. The group also runs active community initiatives and supports a range of social, educational, and sporting events.

Role Purpose

This position carries end-to-end responsibility for achieving the international Islamic banking targets across assets, liabilities, and profits. The role leads the design and execution of the approved international banking strategy, aligned with the wider group direction. It also ensures that Islamic product offerings stay competitive, market-relevant, and aligned with the needs of retail and corporate customers seeking Sharia-compliant banking solutions. In addition, the role builds and sustains relationships with external business partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and drive KPIs and established performance practices for the role.
• Review international Islamic banking strategy and business development plans, then implement the approved roadmap to deliver short- and long-term goals efficiently.
• Guide the preparation and execution of annual business plans for Islamic banking units within international banking to meet growth and expansion targets.
• Monitor budgets for deposits, financing, profits, expenses, and related measures in line with group strategy, working closely with Islamic teams in branches and subsidiaries.
• Promote best practices across all Islamic banking activities in international operations to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the financial and non-financial drivers of bank performance.
• Operate within delegated authority and assign responsibilities to staff while monitoring execution.
• Deliver Sharia-compliant products and services that meet or exceed the expectations of current and prospective Islamic banking clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with international regulators and ensure timely support for auditors and group compliance as needed.
• Work closely with internal departments to support group objectives and share accurate information with auditors, compliance, financial control, and risk teams.
• Communicate approved strategy, plans, budgets, and policy updates to relevant department heads so they can align their work accordingly.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Islamic banking rules and practices issued by AAOIFI, IFSB, and overseas regulators, including obtaining local Sharia committee approvals when required.
• Support investment fund selection by assessing suitability for QNB International Islamic.
• Track international market trends and identify investments that fit the bank’s credit and investment criteria.
• Study market conditions such as entry barriers, returns, profit rates, competition, and customer demand, and incorporate these into product design.
• Lead the rollout of Sharia-compliant products.
• Delegate operational and financial authority appropriately within countries offering Sharia-compliant services.
• Use group partnerships effectively to maximize available resources.
• Review the Islamic portfolio by segment, product, customer nationality, business profile, employer, industry, and other relevant measures to assess performance and quality.
• Submit periodic reports and updates to the SEVP International Business and other stakeholders as required.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment across the Islamic portfolio, including clear authority lines, accountability, reporting structure, and segregation of duties.
• Oversee action plans to address control weaknesses or Sharia compliance findings raised by internal audit, Sharia auditors, external auditors, or compliance teams.
• Represent Islamic banking offerings at conferences and similar events to strengthen the group’s reputation.
• Lead improvement initiatives across functions and encourage creative, out-of-the-box thinking within the team.
• Promote innovative ideas and recognize contributions from team members.
• Build the overall Islamic training plan and keep personal professional development up to date.
• Stay current with developments in the field and create opportunities for ongoing learning.
• Hold regular meetings with Islamic teams in international branches and subsidiaries to improve the offering.
• Resolve grievances or internal conflicts quickly and decisively.
• Identify staff development opportunities, coach team members, and help prepare them for greater responsibility.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews for individual staff and the wider team.

Experience and Education

The role requires at least 12 years of relevant experience, preferably gained in a highly rated international bank. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

Application Documents

Applicants must be ready to provide a resume/CV, passport, educational certificates, and any other requested documents.