South Africa Country Head

Wahed; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 2 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A global fintech company is seeking a Country Head in Johannesburg, South Africa, to launch and scale operations. This role requires strategic leadership to establish Wahed as the leading provider of Shariah-compliant financial solutions. Ideal candidates will have 10-15 years of experience in capital markets or fintech, strong project management skills, and a deep understanding of local regulations. The position offers an opportunity to drive financial dignity and inclusion in a growing market.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years in capital markets, banking, investments, or fintech with measurable achievements.
• Experience launching or scaling new market operations in South Africa.
• Strong project management skills and stakeholder engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop country strategy positioning Wahed as a leading provider in South Africa.
• Oversee the launch of products and features for successful market entry.
• Build relationships with regulators and financial institutions.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication

Understanding of South African regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

About Wahed

Wahed is a global fintech company on a mission to build a new financial system that is ethical, accessible, and entirely interest‑free. From offices across the globe, the team is pioneering Shariah‑compliant equity ETFs, riba‑free alternatives to high‑yield savings accounts, and no‑leverage real‑estate investments for true interest‑free income‑producing assets.

Job Brief

Wahed is expanding into South Africa, a nation with deep financial inequality and a sophisticated ecosystem. We need a mission‑driven, commercially astute Country Head to launch and scale Wahed South Africa from the ground up. The role involves building product localisation, establishing regulatory relationships, and driving sustainable growth.

Strategic Leadership & Mission Alignment

• Develop and execute a purpose‑driven country strategy positioning Wahed as the leading provider of Shariah‑compliant and ethical financial solutions in South Africa.
• Partner with the CEO and global leadership to shape long‑term priorities, investment decisions, and growth pathways.

Market & Launch Execution

• Oversee the launch of products and features, ensuring successful implementation and localisation.
• Coordinate cross‑functional workstreams (product, operations, technology, marketing, legal, risk) to deliver a seamless high‑integrity market entry.
• Establish robust governance, compliance, and risk frameworks aligned with South African regulations and Wahed’s global standards.

Stakeholder Regulator & Partner Engagement

• Build influential relationships with regulators, financial institutions, partners, community leaders, and Shariah governance stakeholders.
• Position Wahed as a trusted, values‑aligned entrant that enhances financial inclusion and aligns with South Africa’s socioeconomic priorities.
• Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships that strengthen product reach, credibility, and local impact.

Growth Performance & Market Insight

• Drive customer acquisition, retention, and market penetration through data‑driven insights and continuous improvement.
• Identify emerging opportunities unique to the South African context, such as community‑based inclusion initiatives or culturally relevant products.
• Report regularly to the c‑suite on launch progress and performance, including key milestones, financial metrics, customer acquisition, and product usage.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing South Africa team aligned with Wahed’s mission and culture.
• Foster an environment of accountability, innovation, and values‑based decision‑making.
• Strengthen cross‑border collaboration to integrate South Africa fully into Wahed’s global operating model.

Job Specification

Experience & Track Record

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• 10‑15 years in capital markets, banking, investments, or fintech with measurable commercial and operational achievements.
• Experience launching or scaling new market operations, ideally within South Africa’s financial services ecosystem.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling operations in new markets with direct South Africa experience being a significant advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise, execute, and drive multiple launch‑related initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder and regulator engagement experience; credible with senior decision‑makers.
• Analytical and insight‑driven mindset, capable of tailoring global offerings to local customer needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills across cultures and stakeholder groups.
• Deep understanding of South African regulatory frameworks is highly advantageous.

Qualifications & Values Fit

• Understanding of Shariah‑compliant investing or Islamic finance (or willingness to learn deeply).
• Passion for ethical finance, financial access, and building mission‑led organisations.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to Wahed’s global expansion and purpose. As South Africa Country Head you will shape a movement that drives financial dignity, inclusion, and values‑based investing for millions across the region. If you are a strategic, mission‑driven leader who thrives in high‑growth environments and believes finance should serve people, we invite you to help build Wahed’s future in South Africa.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgement. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Department / Functional Area: Business Operations

Vacancy: 1