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Director – Research, Policy & Market Development (Grade 2) – The Capital Markets Authority, Nairobi

The Capital Markets Authority • Nairobi, Kenya

Category Management / Senior / Management
Job Type Full_time
Experience Minimum fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience. At least three (3) years serving in a Deputy Director or equivalent executive leadership position. Extensive experience in research,...
Industry Sales, Marketing & Communication
Salary KES 650,000 – 900,000 /month
Posted Jul 03, 2026

Job Description

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking an accomplished and visionary executive to join its senior leadership team as the Director-Research, Policy & Market Development (Grade 2). This strategic leadership opportunity is suited to an experienced professional who possesses exceptional expertise in policy formulation, economic and financial research, market innovation, institutional strategy, and regulatory development. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will provide executive oversight of research, policy development, market expansion, knowledge management, investor education, financial inclusion, and emerging technology initiatives that strengthen Kenya's capital markets. This position plays a critical role in shaping the future direction of Kenya's investment ecosystem by delivering forward-looking policy recommendations, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, promoting sustainable market growth, and encouraging innovation across the financial sector. The Director will champion initiatives that improve investor confidence, expand access to investment opportunities, enhance regulatory intelligence, and position the Authority as a regional leader in capital market development. The successful candidate will work closely with government institutions, financial sector stakeholders, development partners, listed companies, market intermediaries, professional associations, and international regulatory organizations to develop practical solutions that support competitive, transparent, and resilient financial markets. The role also requires providing executive leadership in the adoption of advanced analytical technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain applications, predictive analytics, and big data solutions that improve policy formulation and regulatory decision-making. As a member of the Authority's executive management team, the Director will foster a culture of innovation, evidence-based decision-making, institutional excellence, and continuous improvement. The position demands exceptional leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to transform research findings into practical policy interventions that support inclusive economic growth. Candidates with an outstanding record of executive leadership, policy development, research excellence, and market transformation are encouraged to apply for this prestigious opportunity to contribute to Kenya's financial sector development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide executive leadership in developing long-term research strategies that strengthen the Authority's regulatory effectiveness and market competitiveness.
  • Lead formulation, review and modernization of regulatory policies supporting sustainable capital market development.
  • Direct comprehensive economic, financial and legal research that informs evidence-based policy decisions.
  • Develop innovative market growth strategies that encourage product diversification and investment expansion.
  • Drive initiatives that improve accessibility, transparency and efficiency within regulated financial markets.
  • Provide strategic oversight of investor education programmes that improve financial literacy across diverse communities.
  • Lead national awareness campaigns promoting informed participation in capital and commodities markets.
  • Champion financial inclusion initiatives that broaden access to regulated investment opportunities.
  • Guide implementation of market development projects supporting issuers, investors and intermediaries.
  • Promote innovation by facilitating development of emerging financial products and digital investment solutions.
  • Oversee institutional knowledge management systems that enhance organizational learning and regulatory intelligence.
  • Direct implementation of advanced data analytics programmes supporting regulatory supervision.
  • Lead adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain and Big Data technologies for market intelligence.
  • Coordinate market surveys, research studies and stakeholder consultations supporting future regulatory reforms.
  • Build productive relationships with government agencies, industry participants, investors and development partners.
  • Represent the Authority during regional and international policy engagements and regulatory forums.
  • Provide executive guidance on strategic planning, performance management and organizational transformation.
  • Ensure research outputs maintain high analytical standards and support institutional decision-making.
  • Strengthen collaboration between research, supervision, enforcement and market development functions.
  • Monitor emerging domestic and global financial trends affecting capital market growth.
  • Prepare strategic reports and policy recommendations for executive management and the Board.
  • Drive innovation culture by encouraging creative thinking and continuous institutional improvement.
  • Mentor senior managers while building high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ensure departmental resources are effectively managed to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Promote integrity, accountability, professionalism and ethical leadership throughout all directorate operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Law, Development Studies or another relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
  • Master's Degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
  • Membership in a recognized professional body with active good standing.
  • Valid professional practicing licence where applicable.
  • Leadership training programme lasting at least four weeks from a recognized institution.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in modern computer applications and digital workplace technologies.

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should prepare a detailed application letter highlighting their suitability for the position together with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae in PDF format. Applications should be submitted by email to [externaladvert2026@cma.or.ke] (mailto:externaladvert2026@cma.or.ke) on or before July 6, 2026**. Only candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process will be contacted. Applicants invited for final consideration will be required to present valid clearance documents in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, including a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Clearance Certificate, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Clearance Certificate, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Tax Compliance Certificate, and Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) Clearance Certificate. The Capital Markets Authority is committed to equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from qualified persons living with disabilities. The Authority does not charge any recruitment fee at any stage of the hiring process, and any form of canvassing will result in automatic disqualification. Candidates are encouraged to submit complete applications before the closing date to ensure consideration for this executive leadership opportunity.

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