Job Description

The Global High Net Worth (GHNW) team aims to be the first-to-market provider of a HNW, Shariah-compliant Takaful product to serve Muslim HNWIs in the growing and attractive markets of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. An in-house Shariah department will be established to oversee Shariah compliance, research, audit, and risk management functions, ensuring all products and operations of the window adhere to Islamic principles. The team will also provide training and support for product development and work closely with other departments to integrate Shariah principles into business practices.  

Position Responsibilities:

1. Lead the Shariah Department

• Serve as head of this unit with overall oversight and responsibility over its performance and outcomes

• Take responsibility for the recruitment, development, and management of this team to achieve the current and future business objectives

• Lead this team through organization changes with effective communication and lead by example

2. Shariah Compliance

• Ensure that all Takaful operations, products, and services comply with Shariah principles and guidelines.

• Develop and implement Shariah Governance Frameworks and policies.

3. Shariah Research and Development

• Conduct research on Shariah principles and emerging trends in Islamic finance to support product development and innovation.

• Provide Shariah input during the design and development of new products.

4. Shariah Risk Management

• Identify and assess Shariah-related risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

• Collaborate with the Risk Management team to integrate Shariah risk considerations into the overall risk management framework.

5. Shariah Audit

• Oversee internal audits to ensure compliance with Shariah principles.

• Liaise with external Shariah advisors and auditors as needed.

• Design and deliver training programs to enhance employees’ understanding of Shariah principles and their application in Takaful operations.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for all Shariah-related matters within the company.

• Engage with external Shariah Committee and Islamic finance experts to ensure alignment with best practices.

7. Training and Education

• Design and deliver training programs to enhance employees’ understanding of Shariah principles and their application in Takaful operations.

8. Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for all Shariah-related matters within the company.

• Engage with external Shariah Committee and Islamic finance experts to ensure alignment with best practices.

9. Reporting

• Prepare and present reports on Shariah compliance and related activities to senior management and Shariah Committee.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies, Shariah Law, or a related field. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred.

• Experience - At least 10 to 15 years of Shariah compliance experience with at least 8 years in managerial position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of Islamic finance principles and Shariah regulations.

• Extensive experience in Shariah compliance within the financial services industry, preferably in Takaful or Islamic banking.

• Experience in product development within the Islamic finance sector.

• Proven leadership and management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Actively pursue opportunities for development of self and team.

• Proficiency in Arabic is an advantage. 

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

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