Sharia Advisor

• Provide guidance to ensure the Islamic Relief Microfinance adheres to relevant Sharia-compliant financial regulations and standards.

• Implement and conduct periodic monitoring procedures to detect weaknesses in the IMFP\'s compliance program and communicate the results to IMFP manager and the on a monthly basis, or more frequently as needed.

• Serve as a liaison and provide assistance during external audits and regulatory examinations, and prepare and/or review responses to compliance audits or examination reports and, if appropriate, make changes to the IMFP\'s policies, procedures and control systems.

• Monitor pending or proposed changes to rules, regulations or laws in order to ensure that the IMFP is informed and prepared to implement changes as they occur and coordinate the training of the IMFP\'s personnel with respect to compliance issues, laws and regulations.

• Research compliance issues/questions and provide interpretation or clarification to employees, using legal counsel when necessary and develop and maintain a library of compliance resources that can be accessed by employees via intranet.

• Provide timely compliance advice to operations of the applicability of regulations impacting transactions

• Actively partner with operations on all initiatives providing compliance advice

• Establish and maintain a procedure to address customer complaints to ensure timely, and accurate response with due consideration given to any relevant consumer protection regulation.

• Participate in the development of new products and services; to ensure proper consideration of regulatory compliance issues.

• Maintain up to date knowledge and may train others on products, services, departmental systems, and related technology, policies and procedures.

• Follow all IMFP policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.

• May perform other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for maintaining own professional development.

• To comply with IRP’s policies and procedures in undertaking the above roles and responsibilities.

• To undertake any other reasonable duties those are consistent with the job and at its level of responsibility as and when required by line management.

• Take part in any cross organisational groups or learning sets which are appropriate to the job role

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder must show a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide vision, mission and core values.

Essential:

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications 

• Bachelor/Master degree holder, preferably in Islamic financing/Sharia Courses /Islamic banking or relevant discipline.

• Strong organisation skills and attention to detail to ensure high quality in one’s work.

• Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure and subject to changing priorities; proven experience of managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and using judgment and initiative in problem resolution.

• Excellent communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills, with command on written and spoken English in particular.

• Excellent levels of computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications and MF software.

• Ability to work with a range of senior managers, peers and junior colleagues and build smooth working relationships

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in Islamic finance industry. 

• Familiarity with the regulatory environment governing Islamic finance and microfinance operations is essential. Experience navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with Sharia standards within this framework is beneficial.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret and apply Islamic legal principles (Fiqh) to financial transactions, are critical. Experience in evaluating financial products, contracts, and transactions for Sharia compliance is important.

Pre-employment Checks:

 Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

Screening clearance

Receipt of satisfactory references

Please note, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to live and work in Pakistan. We are unable to progress applications that would require sponsorship.

Our Values and Commitment to Safeguarding:

IR is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IR engages. IR expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organization.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer

To cater to the higher living cost, IR Pakistan is transferring the exchange gain (PKR-GBP) on salary to staff at a prevailing conversion rate till further notice. Salaries are paid in local currency