Head, Research

• Contribute to the design and enhancement of the Bank's flagship analytical publications, including the African Trade and Economic Outlook (AETO), African Trade Report (ATR), and Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA).
• Work with researchers, economists, financial analysts and IT colleagues to integrate robust quantitative modelling into research outputs and trade finance insights.
• Provide advanced analytical input to support evidence-based decision-making across the Bank.

Data Management & Advanced Analytics

• Lead the development and implementation of data management strategies, including data collection, cleaning, validation, storage and governance.
• Build and maintain data architectures that support large-scale, structured and unstructured data relevant to trade finance, macroeconomics, markets and customer behaviour.
• Develop predictive models and algorithms to forecast macro trends, assess risk and identify opportunities in trade finance.
• Integrate AI, machine learning and advanced analytics into economic and financial modelling to strengthen scenario analysis and forecasting.
• Ensure secure, compliant and high-quality data environments, including adherence to data governance and data security protocols.
• Communicate findings via dashboards, visualisations and reports for senior stakeholders.

Model Development & Governance

• Lead the design, development, backtesting, validation and documentation of models across risk categories (e.g. credit, market, liquidity, operational).
• Coordinate with Model Owners, Approvers, Users and the Internal Model Validation Unit to ensure models meet business, risk and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement monitoring and post-implementation review (PIR) frameworks to track model performance, usage and fitness-for-purpose.
• Undertake periodic recalibration, realignment and redevelopment of models to reflect evolving market conditions and risk profiles.
• Engage with external auditors and third-party service providers as needed on model-related matters.
• Stay up to date with advances in modelling and analytics, integrating innovative approaches where appropriate.

Training & Stakeholder Support

• Provide training and guidance to end-users on interpreting and applying models across the Bank.
• Act as a key subject-matter expert on data, models and analytics, supporting functions across the Group and subsidiaries.

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure all models and data processes comply with relevant regulatory requirements and internal risk policies.
• Understand and adhere to the Bank's AML, Regulatory and Conduct Compliance policies (Staff Handbook, AML/CFT/CPF, Conflicts of Interest, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, Insider Trading).
• Document and escalate risks and issues related to model development, deployment and data usage.
• Complete all mandatory compliance training and contribute to a strong culture of compliance across the Bank.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Econometrics, Statistics, Engineering, or another quantitative discipline.
• Strong coding skills and experience using statistical and programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, etc.
• Proven experience working with and creating data architectures.
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning techniques (e.g. clustering, decision trees, neural networks) and their practical applicability.
• Strong grounding in advanced statistical techniques (regression, distributions, statistical tests) and their applied use in finance and economics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical material to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated drive to continuously learn and master new modelling tools, techniques and technologies.

Years & Nature of Experience

• 12–15 years of proven banking or financial sector experience in data management, model development and analytics.
• Significant experience developing, implementing and maintaining risk and economic models within an enterprise risk or research context.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (risk, finance, IT, research, business units) to deliver analytic and model-based solutions.
• Deep expertise in quantitative modelling, risk analytics and macroeconomic analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coordinate multiple specialist teams and act as the technical escalation point.
• Ability to propose innovative, high-impact solutions to complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, including external parties.
• Comprehensive understanding of Afreximbank's mandate, African trade and macroeconomic landscape.
• Embodiment of Afreximbank's core values:
• Commitment to Africa and empowerment of Africans
• Uncompromising integrity
• Passion for learning and drive
• Teamwork
• Trust and respect for the individual
• Innovation, excellence and flexibility
• Professionalism and responsiveness
• How to Apply

Interested candidates who wish to apply for this position are invited to send their CV and supporting documents to:

Please indicate
"Head, Research – Afreximbank"
in the subject line of your email.