Bank-e-Millie Afghan (BMA) is the foremost first financial institution of Afghanistan established in 1933. Similarly, it was the first financial institution established in a public-private partnership set up with a 72% share held by the private sector. As the first bank in the country, BMA introduced formal banking services to the people and government of Afghanistan. Since then, the bank’s competitive strength and ongoing market leadership philosophy lays in its strong capital base and proven trustworthiness. In 1976, it was fully nationalized by the government of Afghanistan. Since its establishment, BMA has been a leading bank in providing modern and secure banking services. Securing depositors' funds is the top priority of the bank. At the same time, the bank is contributing considerably to the development of manufacturing, agriculture, services, and international trade in the country. BMA is operating based on strong corporate governance principles, financial risk management, and strict compliance to keep its credibility and trust. At present, BMA has 19 City Branches including the HQ and 2 Counters in Kabul, 22 Provincial Branches accompanied by a broader outlook and prospect for growth and expansion in near future, and equity investments in the USA and England.

The Bank’s Shariah Board is the highest authority in making the final decision on matters related to the Shariah in the Bank’s course of business operation. Therefore, the Bank’s Shariah Board is responsible for the views, decisions and advices provided to the Bank and is expected to deliberate every arising issue extensively and in-depth before arriving at any decision. In doing so, the Shariah Board has the right to call upon any relevant party in the Bank or convene a meeting with the identified relevant parties to facilitate the decision making.
The Sharia Board has an advisory role only.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The Shariah Board is expected to perform an oversight role on Shariah matters related to the Bank’s Islamic operations and activities through the observations and reports from the Islamic Banking Department by identifying possible Shariah issues, if any, and propose the necessary corrective measures.
• The Shariah Board is expected to provide assistance to the Management or any related party thereof in overseeing the enforcement and implementation of the Shariah Board resolutions. The Shariah Board has the responsibility to disclose sufficient information on the Bank’s state of compliance in its annual financial report as per the requirements under applicable laws during the tenure of the Shariah Board’s appointment.
• To provide clarifications and opinions and where relevant, issue resolutions on matters pertaining to both generic and specific issues associated with Shariah principles that require a Shariah opinion.
• To approve all products, manuals, policies and procedures submitted by the Islamic Banking Department.
• To perform an oversight role on any Shariah matters post-approval to ensure that all of the Shariah requirements as set out in its guidelines and resolutions are followed by the Islamic Banking Window (IBW).
• To be the sole point of reference and highest authority in all Shariah matters relating to banking and finance; and to advise on such other functions as may be prescribed by Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) from time to time only in relation to Shariah matters.
• To issue opinions on how the Banks should address and rectify any Shariah non-compliant practices.
• In addition to the abovementioned duties and accountabilities, the members of the Shariah Board are expected to observe other relevant provisions herein contained.
• Other duties and accountabilities of the Shariah Board and the governing operation procedures for the Shariah Board shall further be spelt out in the terms of reference (hereinafter referred to as “ToR”) of the Shariah Board and the Bank.

The proposed member of the Shariah Committee shall at least either have qualification or possess necessary knowledge, expertise or experience in the following areas:

• MA or BA in Islamic Studies, from a recognized and well reputed University.
• Extensive knowledge of the Islamic Jurisprudence (Usul-ul-Fiqh).
• Islamic transaction/commercial law (Fiqh-ul-Mua'melat).
• Knowledge of or familiarity with the banking industry will be a big advantage.
• Adequate understanding of the detailed responsibilities of the committee membership as well as the bank's business, operations and risks.
• Proficiency in local languages and English, both oral and written.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Have adequate time to perform his/her duties as Audit Committee Member at the Bank’s Office.
• The candidate MUST NOT BE an active employee of Afghan government except Universities, national and international institutions.

Experience:

• Strong knowledge of Shariah & Law or Fiqh-ul-Mua'melat or experience of at least 5-7 years giving religious rulings.

Track Record:

• The Shariah Committee/Board Members must have faultless track record in the companies he has served either in the capacity of an Employee or Director/Chief Executive or as Chairman.
• Has not given any wrong fatwa/s on Islamic Finance transactions.
• Has not been associated with any illegal activity especially relating to banking business.
• Has not been convicted any criminal offence, involved in any fraud/forgery, financial crime, or disqualified by country court, etc.

Qualified and interested applicants should apply online to vacancies@bma.com.af or submit their CVs and applications to the BMA’s HRM department in Kabul (Bank-e-Millie Afghan (BMA), Head Office, Ibne-Sina Watt) or to any of the BMA’s city and provincial branch before the closing date.

When applying, please clearly mention vacancy name and number in subject line of your email and/or papers and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: Applications will be not considered without mentioning entire email address (info.bsd@dab.gov.af) (info.ibfd@dab.gov.af) in CC of their email while applying for the position.