Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Location: Kabul

Country: Afghanistan

Functional areas: Economy, Banking, Business Administration, Finance

Educa...

Location: Kabul

Country: Afghanistan

Functional areas: Economy, Banking, Business Administration, Finance

Education: Masters

Work type: Full Time

Contract: Permanent

Gender: Any

Probation period: Three Months

Extendable: Yes

Deadline: 2026-10-12

Full job details, requirements and the application form are available on the original listing page on Jobs.af.

Education

Minimum

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Banking, Economics, Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

Preferred

• MBA or Master's Degree in Banking, Finance, Operations Management, Economics, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications in banking, operations management, project management, risk management, or financial services are highly desirable.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in banking, microfinance, financial services, or related sectors.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior management or executive-level operational role.
• Demonstrated experience managing branch networks and large operational teams.
• Proven experience in operational management, credit operations, portfolio management, and process improvement.
• Experience working with regulators, development partners, and financial institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience in Afghanistan or similar emerging markets is preferred.

Required Competencies

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Leadership
• Decision-Making
• Team Leadership
• Change Management
• Results Orientation

Technical Competencies

• Microfinance Operations
• Banking Operations
• Credit Administration
• Portfolio Management
• Operational Risk Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Process Improvement
• Digital Financial Services

Behavioral Competencies

• Integrity and Professionalism
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Adaptability and Innovation

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (Written and Spoken) – Mandatory.
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto – Mandatory.
• Additional international language skills are considered an asset.

Eligibility

HWMI welcomes applications from both national and international candidates who possess the qualifications, experience, and competencies required for this position. Selection shall be based solely on merit, professional qualifications, leadership capabilities, integrity, and demonstrated experience. International candidates must be willing and able to reside and work in Afghanistan and comply with all applicable legal, visa, and work permit requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The COO's performance shall be evaluated against

• Operational efficiency and productivity.
• Portfolio growth and portfolio quality.
• Branch performance and profitability.
• Portfolio-at-Risk (PAR) indicators.
• Loan processing turnaround times.
• Customer satisfaction levels.
• Compliance and audit performance.
• Cost management and operational effectiveness.
• Staff productivity and performance.
• Strategic plan implementation milestones.

Interested candidates shall submit

• Cover Letter.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of academic and professional certificates.
• Three professional references.
• Copy of National ID or Passport.

Selection Process

The recruitment process may include

• Initial application screening.
• Technical assessment.
• Competency-based interview.
• Presentation on operational improvement strategies for HWMI.
• Reference and background verification.
• Final interview with the CEO and Board-appointed committee.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HWMI is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, diversity, integrity, and professional excellence. Applications are welcomed from both national and international candidates. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Eligibility

HWMI welcomes applications from both national and international candidates who meet the required qualifications, experience, and competency requirements outlined in this Terms of Reference. Candidates of all nationalities will be considered on the basis of merit, professional competence, leadership capability, and their ability to effectively lead and strengthen the institution. International candidates must be willing and able to reside and work in Afghanistan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Application destination: mailto:[email protected]