About the job Executive Director - Fintech/Financial Services
PLEASE READ THE FULL JD BEFORE APPLYING. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DISQUALIFIED.
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established, regulated financial services organisation operating within the FinTech and digital financial services space in East Africa.
With a strong footprint in the Ugandan market and a clear transformation agenda, the organisation is focused on strengthening its operational resilience, governance framework, and regulatory readiness, while continuing to evolve into a digitally led institution.
They are now seeking an experienced Executive Director to work in close partnership with the CEO and Board, providing executive leadership across operations, risk, compliance, credit, and governance.
This is a senior, office-based leadership role in Kampala and requires daily on-site presence.
Application Process & Mandatory Qualifying Questions
This is a senior executive appointment. Applications are assessed rigorously.
To be considered, applicants must submit:
- An up-to-date CV and
- Either a covering letter or covering notes that clearly answer the qualifying questions below
Applications that do not explicitly address all qualifying questions will be automatically disqualified.
Qualifying Questions (Must Be Answered in Your Covering Notes or Letter)
- How many years have you held a senior leadership role within a regulated financial institution? - Please specify the institution type and duration.
- Describe your direct experience engaging with financial regulators in East Africa. Include the regulator(s), nature of engagement, and your personal level of accountability.
- Which functions have you directly overseen at executive level? (e.g. Operations, Risk, Compliance, Credit, Legal, Governance). Please provide a brief context.
- What role have you personally played in establishing, strengthening, or maintaining a strong control and risk management environment within a regulated organisation?
- Are you currently based in Uganda and able to work without restrictions (no visa sponsorship required) full-time from an office in Kampala? Please confirm clearly.
- What is your notice period and required compensation?
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and serving on the Executive Committee, the Executive Director will act as a principal executive leader, responsible for translating the strategic vision into secure, compliant, and operationally sound execution.
The role carries significant accountability for:
- the organisations control environment
- regulatory engagement and readiness
- operational resilience
- risk culture and governance standards
- cross-functional leadership of critical control and support functions
Key Responsibilities
Executive & Strategic Leadership
- Partner closely with the CEO in shaping and executing the organisation's strategic plan
- Provide executive oversight across risk, compliance, credit, legal, and operations
- Ensure strategic initiatives are delivered within a robust regulatory framework
Risk, Compliance & Governance
- Maintain a strong, embedded risk and control environment
- Act as a senior management contact for regulators and statutory bodies
- Ensure continuous exam-readiness and timely closure of regulatory matters
- Oversee business continuity and crisis management frameworks
Operational Excellence
- Ensure smooth, secure, and efficient day-to-day operations
- Drive operational efficiency and resilience across systems and processes
- Lead initiatives to strengthen technological and operational infrastructure
People & Leadership
- Provide executive leadership to senior functional heads and cross-functional teams
- Support performance management, succession planning, and leadership development
- Embed a culture of accountability, integrity, and risk awareness
Innovation & Digital Enablement
- Identify innovation opportunities that enhance efficiency and customer experience
- Ensure all digital initiatives align with regulatory and risk requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Minimum 12 years experience in financial services
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a regulated financial institution
- Hands-on oversight of operations, risk, compliance, and governance
- Direct, demonstrable engagement with financial regulators in East Africa
- Strong understanding of Ugandan regulatory and statutory requirements
Leadership & Capability
- Broad, cross-functional executive experience
- Calm, decisive leadership style with strong operational judgement
- Credible communicator at Board and regulator level
- High ethical standards and unquestionable integrity
Education & Professional Standing
- Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline
- Masters degree (MBA, Finance, Risk, or similar) strongly preferred
- Professional certifications in Risk, Compliance, or Banking are advantageous
Location & Commitment
- Based in Uganda (Kampala)
- Full-time, office-based role
On Offer
- Senior executive leadership opportunity within a regulated FinTech environment
- Direct exposure to Board-level decision-making
- Opportunity to shape and stabilise a growing institution
- Competitive executive remuneration package (shared at shortlist stage)