IDB1832 - Director General, Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI)

The Role

The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, serves as the IDB Group’s primary organizational unit for the delivery of Islamic Finance research, training, information, advisory, technical assistance and Islamic Financial Products development services within the Group and to its Member Countries.

IRTI is responsible for basic and applied research in Islamic finance with the mission to facilitate its practical application in collaboration with other IDB Group members and partner organizations. IRTI is also responsible for enabling the development and sustenance of a dynamic and comprehensive Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI), which supports the socio-economic development in member countries. It is also mandated to develop capacity of the personnel engaged in Islamic finance development activities in the IDB Group’s Member Countries.

IRTI’s lead role as the focal point in the IDB Group for all matters related to Islamic Economics and Finance will entail research, policy dialogue, training, advisory, technical assistance and Islamic Financial Products development, in addition to working closely with internal and external stakeholders (such as Islamic Finance Infrastructure Institutions) to support and promote the development of the Islamic Finance Services Industry.

IRTI’s principal functions are to:

1. Enable the development of a dynamic, innovative and sustainable Islamic Financial Services Industry, including assisting Member Countries and Non-Member Countries to create and foster an enabling environment for Islamic Finance sector development.
2. Conduct applied research on how the principles and best practices of Islamic Economics and Finance can be harnessed for the socio-economic development of Member Countries and Muslim Communities worldwide.
3. Promote the development of Islamic Economics and the Islamic Financial Sector and related institutions in Member Countries, in collaboration with relevant other business units in the IDB Group and external Islamic Finance research institutions.
4. Conduct policy dialogue and collect, synthesize and disseminate the results of Islamic Economics and Finance research conducted by external entities, and the lessons of internal and external experience in Islamic Finance operations, to IDB Group members and Member Countries.
5. Provide training in Islamic Economics and Finance sector and project financing modalities to IDB Group staff and Member Country officials.
6. Provide advisory services and technical assistance related to Islamic economics, banking and finance.
7. Be the focal point, collaborate and coordinate with Islamic Infrastructure institutions, multilateral bodies and other public and private sector organizations to promote Islamic economics, banking and finance.
8. Collect, systematize and disseminate data and knowledge in Islamic economics, banking and finance in Member and Non-Member Countries.
9. Assess existing Islamic Finance products and instruments used by IDB Group members and identify areas of further improvement.
10. Develop innovative Islamic Finance products and instruments and promote their use by the IDB Group and Member Countries. 

The Director General of IRTI is a senior management position that reports to the President of the IDB Group. The Director General of IRTI has direct responsibility for managing the Islamic Research and Training Institute as a global knowledge centre for Islamic Economics and Finance. The Director General of IRTI is responsible to steer the Institute to carry out its mandate, principal functions, vision and mission in accordance with its Statute. The Director General of IRTI has direct line responsibility for the following departments: Research and Development Services Department, Islamic Finance Capacity Development Department and Islamic Financial Products Development Center.

The Director General of IRTI is also responsible for the preparation of the annual program, the short-term and long-term plans of the Institute; the organisation and co-ordination of basic and applied research, training personnel engaged in Bank's activities, proposing regulations and rules, planning and controlling Budget, coordinating and preparing annual report and controlling day to day activities. The Director General of IRTI is expected to ensure the implementation of proportionate governance, internal controls processes to mitigate any financial, operational or human capital risks that can have an impact on the Institute’s operations.

The Director General of IRTI advises the Group’s Management on all technical matters related to Islamic finance as well as serves as the IDB Group’s spokesperson for such matters.

The Director General of IRTI is a member of the IDB Group Management Team, which exercises oversight on all aspects of the Group’s activities. The position requires direct interaction with the IDB Group’s senior management, Board of Executive Directors, external clients, multilateral development banks, the OIC, public and private sector organizations and non-governmental organizations.

The Director General of IRTI position requires a PhD in Islamic economics and/or Islamic banking and finance or a related field, good working experience including a proven track record in a senior management position in the field of Islamic economics, banking or finance. Top level exposure and research experience are also required for this position.

The candidate must have the following Profile:

1. Ph.D. in Islamic economics, Islamic banking, Islamic finance or any field related to the business of the institute.
2. Minimum 20 years experience including a proven track record of senior management in the field of Islamic Economics.
3. The last 5 years of the experience should be at a senior management position in a large or medium organization.
4. A track record of working in demanding and complex environments of introducing ideas and innovation and of following through their implementation.
5. Established reputation and track record of achievements and research experience in Islamic economics, banking and finance.
6. Top level experience in addressing economic and social development issues.
7. Experience with working in large multicultural organizations in the public or private sector with diversified workforce.
8. Proven intellectual leadership in managing and maintaining an efficient and transparent work environment.
9. Track record in building and sustaining relationships with chief executives and boards of directors.
10. Ability to communicate effectively with oversight bodies such as boards of executive directors, board of governors and other senior government officials.
11. Familiarity with the region as well as the work of multilateral and bilateral development finance institutions will be an added advantage.
12. Ability to inspire and motivate staff and work across boundaries.
13. Fluency in English. Good knowledge in Arabic and/or French will be an added advantage. Good writing and public speaking skills.
14. Sound negotiating skills. 

The IDB Group offers an internationally competitive remuneration package.