Chief Sharia Assurance & Testing Leader

ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 280,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in Abu Dhabi seeks a Unit Head - Shari’a Assessment & Testing to oversee the SAT Unit, ensure Shari’a compliance, and drive risk-based testing across the group. You will supervise monitoring, develop annual plans, and coordinate with ISSC, BUs, and ORM for timely remediation.

The role requires extensive Shari’a expertise, leadership, and fluency in Arabic and English, with oversight of reporting to senior committees and action-plan follow-up.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Shari’a/Islamic banking or equivalent.
• Postgraduate or higher qualification in Shari’a/Islamic banking or equivalent
• Strong academic background and experience in Shari’a compliance.
• AAOIFI CSAA and/or CIPA certifications (or equivalent certifications).
• Expert knowledge of banking and Islamic banking products.
• Expert knowledge of the principles of Islamic commercial jurisprudence, Shari’a standards, products, and Islamic banking operations.
• Expert knowledge of AAOIFI Shari’a Standards.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Reasonable legal and compliance background.
• Ability to balance between compliance requirements and business needs.
• Experience in Leadership roles.
• Fluency and proficiency in both Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of SCD in effectively supervising and managing the SAT Unit’s functions through continuous monitoring of compliance with HSA/ISSC resolutions.
• Develop and formulate the SAT’s Annual Shari’a Assessment and Testing Plans in line with internal policies, procedures, and methodologies.
• Lead and oversee Shari’a monitoring and assurance reviews across the Bank.
• Ensure the Annual Plan comprehensively addresses all critical areas of Shari’a compliance within the ADIB Group.
• Ensure execution of the Annual Plan using a risk-based methodology supported by the GRC platform.
• Oversee assessment and evaluation of Shari’a Non-Compliance risks and related controls with coordination across BUs and ORM.
• Prepare detailed reports on Shari’a review and testing findings for various stakeholders and committees.
• Provide regular updates to the ISSC and other committees.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations based on review results.
• Ensure timely implementation of action plans arising from Shari’a reviews with robust follow-up.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Arabic & English fluency

Risk-based thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Shari’a/Islamic banking or equivalent

Postgraduate or higher qualification in Shari’a/Islamic banking or equivalent

AAOIFI CSAA and/or CIPA certifications (or equivalent)

Job description

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in Abu Dhabi seeks a Unit Head - Shari’a Assessment & Testing to oversee the SAT Unit, ensure Shari’a compliance, and drive risk-based testing across the group. You will supervise monitoring, develop annual plans, and coordinate with ISSC, BUs, and ORM for timely remediation.

The role requires extensive Shari’a expertise, leadership, and fluency in Arabic and English, with oversight of reporting to senior committees and action-plan follow-up.