Job Description

As the AVP Head of Sharia Consultation and Documentation, you will lead the advisory and documentation function within the Sharia Department, ensuring all products, services, contracts, and business operations are fully compliant with Islamic principles. This role involves close collaboration with internal departments, regulatory bodies, and the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB). You will act as the primary point of contact for Sharia advisory matters, providing expert guidance while ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all Sharia-related approvals.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Sharia Consultation & Advisory

• Provide expert advice on Sharia-compliant structures across retail, corporate, investment, and treasury products.
• Review new product proposals and ensure alignment with AAOIFI (Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions) standards and local regulations.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams and the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB).
• Prepare and deliver Sharia opinion papers (Fatwas) and justifications where required.

2. Documentation Management

• Develop, review, and standardize all Sharia-related documentation including contracts, terms & conditions, product brochures, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure documentation is clear, accurate, and reflects the approved Sharia structure.
• Maintain a centralized repository of all Sharia documents and Fatwas.

3. Sharia Supervisory Board Engagement

• Prepare and present submissions to the SSB for product and transaction approvals.
• Maintain accurate meeting minutes and implement the SSBs resolutions.
• Coordinate periodic meetings and ensure effective communication and record-keeping.

4. Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to UAE Central Bank regulations and other applicable Sharia-related regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with internal compliance and legal teams to mitigate any risks related to Sharia non-compliance.
• Participate in audits and respond to queries from regulatory and external bodies.

5. Training & Development

• Conduct Sharia training and awareness sessions for internal stakeholders including front office, legal, compliance, and risk teams.
• Keep abreast of evolving Sharia standards, market trends, and regulatory changes.

Requirements:

• Education:
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Islamic Finance, Sharia Law, or equivalent.
• Additional certifications such as CSAA (Certified Sharia Adviser and Auditor) from AAOIFI preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 812 years of experience in Islamic banking with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong exposure to Sharia product development, documentation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Skills:
• Deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh Al Muamalat).
• Excellent drafting and documentation skills.
• Effective communicator with fluency in English (Arabic is an advantage).
• Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills.

Preferred Candidate:

• Previous experience working in a GCC country or international Islamic bank.
• Proven ability to manage a multicultural team and navigate cross-functional projects.