Chief Operations Officer – COO

About the Company

Momin Afghan Microfinance Institution (MAMI) was established in 2024 in Afghanistan. The institution operates under a valid license issued by Da Afghanistan Bank and is formally authorized to provide microfinance services in accordance with Da Afghanistan Bank MFI’s Regulations.

MAMI is engaged in the provision of microfinance services, including Islamic financing and asset-based financing (Murabaha), to support micro and small entrepreneurs, low-income households, and community-based businesses. The institution focuses on promoting financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihood development across Afghanistan.

Through responsible Islamic financing practices in accordance with Shariah principles and strong governance structures, MAMI is committed to enhancing access to financial services for underserved communities while maintaining transparency, accountability, and full compliance with Da Afghanistan Bank regulatory standards

Job Summary

Momin Afghan Microfinance Institution (MAMI) is seeking qualified, experienced, and results-oriented professionals for the positions of Chief Operations Officer (COO) 

The selected candidates will be responsible for overseeing and strengthening the institution’s operational activities, implementing strategic and business plans, monitoring branch performance, improving financing and recovery operations, maintaining portfolio quality, ensuring compliance with approved policies and procedures, and enhancing operational efficiency in line with the institution’s objectives and applicable regulatory requirements.

1. Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies, annual business plans, and operational objectives in alignment with the institution's overall strategic direction.
• Establish operational priorities and measurable performance targets for branches, financing activities, and relevant operational units.
• Monitor overall operational performance, evaluate progress against approved targets, and recommend corrective measures where necessary.
• Advise the CEO on operational challenges, business expansion opportunities, resource requirements, and improvements to institutional performance.

2. Business Development and Branch Network Management

• Lead initiatives to expand the institution's financing operations, strengthen its market position, and increase outreach to target customers.
• Oversee the performance of the branch network and ensure that branches operate in accordance with approved business plans, operational policies, and institutional standards.
• Review branch productivity, financing growth, customer acquisition, collection performance, and operational efficiency.
• Assess opportunities for establishing new branches, expanding into new markets, and improving existing service delivery, subject to the required approvals.

3. Financing Operations and Portfolio Quality

• Provide overall oversight of financing operations, including customer acquisition, financing assessment, approval processes, disbursement, monitoring, and recovery, within the approved delegation of authority.
• Monitor the quality and growth of the financing portfolio, including overdue installments, collection performance, and portfolio-at-risk indicators.
• Coordinate with Risk Management and other relevant functions to address portfolio deterioration, strengthen recovery mechanisms, and maintain responsible financing growth.
• Ensure that financing activities are conducted in accordance with approved policies, procedures, internal controls, and applicable regulatory requirements.

4. Islamic Microfinance and Product Development

• Ensure that the institution's financing operations are consistent with approved Islamic financing structures and applicable Sharia requirements.
• Lead the development and improvement of financing products and operational delivery channels in coordination with relevant departments and Sharia advisers.
• Evaluate market needs and recommend new products and services that support the institution's strategic objectives and financial sustainability.
• Ensure that approved products are supported by appropriate operational procedures, documentation, monitoring mechanisms, and staff guidance.

5. Operational Policies, Controls, and Risk Management

• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ensure effective internal controls, proper segregation of duties, accurate operational documentation, and compliance with delegated authorities.
• Coordinate with Risk Management, Compliance, and Internal Audit to address operational weaknesses and follow up on agreed corrective actions.
• Identify significant operational risks and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures and business continuity arrangements are implemented.

6. Operational Resources and Interdepartmental Coordination

• Coordinate with Finance, IT, Administration and Logistics, and other relevant departments to ensure that operational activities receive appropriate institutional support.
• Monitor operational resource requirements and promote the efficient use of the institution's financial, technological, and logistical resources.
• Work with relevant departments to improve operational systems, reporting processes, and service delivery efficiency.

7. Performance Monitoring and Management Reporting

• Review operational reports submitted by the DCOO, branch managers, and relevant operational units.
• Evaluate performance against approved targets and initiate corrective actions where operational results fall below expectations.
• Submit periodic operational performance reports, strategic recommendations, and significant risk updates to the CEO.
• Ensure timely follow-up on management decisions and the implementation of approved operational plans.

8. Leadership and Accountability

• Provide direction and professional guidance to the DCOO and other personnel under the COO's supervisory authority.
• Ensure accountability for operational results and promote a culture of integrity, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other relevant duties assigned by the CEO or the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the institution's governance framework and delegated authority.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Work Experience

Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in microfinance, banking, financial services, or a related sector.

At least 5 years of experience in senior management or leadership positions.

Demonstrated experience in operational management, branch network supervision, business planning, financing operations, and portfolio management.

Experience working with Islamic microfinance products and Sharia-compliant financing is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of microfinance operations, financing and recovery procedures, portfolio quality indicators, and operational risk management.

Ability to develop and implement operational plans, monitor performance, and achieve institutional targets.

Good understanding of policies, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and reporting systems.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.

Leadership and Communication

Excellent leadership, team management, coordination, and communication skills.

Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results.

High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to institutional objectives.

Other Requirements

Fluency in Dari and Pashto is required. Proficiency in English is an advantage.

Familiarity with Afghanistan’s microfinance sector and relevant regulatory requirements is preferred.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their updated CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Applicants must clearly mention the Job Vacancy Number in the subject line of their email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Applications that do not meet the stated qualifications and requirements may not be considered.