Manager, Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management (Manager 1)

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) invites applications for the position of Manager, Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management in the Financial Markets Department. This is an excellent job opportunity at CBK for professionals seeking senior roles in financial markets jobs in Kenya with a focus on domestic debt management, portfolio strategy, and market development initiatives.

Key Job Information

• Position: Manager, Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management (Manager 1)
• Department: Financial Markets Department
• Location: Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Managerial/Senior
• Application Deadline: Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 5.00 p.m.

About the Role

The Manager, Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management will oversee the planning, development, and execution of domestic debt strategy and portfolio management initiatives. The role ensures alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030, Medium-Term Plans (MTPs), Public Debt Management Policies, and Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP). The role holder will provide strategic direction, technical guidance, and effective stakeholder engagement to support public debt management, market development initiatives, and financial markets in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Support CBK strategic plans by providing input to divisional policy, promoting growth, stability, and access to financial markets.
• Support public debt management and market development priorities, contributing to the implementation of national Medium-Term Plans and Public Debt Policies.
• Coordinate the Domestic Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management, including proposals for debt issuance, borrowing programs, and portfolio evaluation aligned to the PFMA and the government fiscal framework.
• Lead, supervise, and appraise staff within the Debt Strategy & Portfolio Management Section, ensuring effective planning, performance management, and capacity building.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

• Assist in design, development, review, and monitoring of the Domestic Debt Management Strategy (DDMDS) and Government Borrowing Program (GBP).
• Oversee issuance planning for government securities, including pricing, instrument mix, and market engagement at Joint Treasury Working Group (JTWG) and Bond Market Forum (BMF) meetings.
• Participate in auctions of government securities, providing analysis, justifications, and recommendations in line with debt management objectives and market development goals.
• Support debt portfolio management, including evaluation of Treasury bills and bonds portfolio, risk assessment, interest rate management, and cost optimization.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, memos, and presentations to inform CBK Management and the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on debt and market developments.
• Contribute to financial market stability by monitoring domestic debt market trends and emerging issues in money, capital, and derivative markets.
• Engage with external stakeholders including the National Treasury, government agencies, World Bank, and IFC on debt-related initiatives and joint projects.
• Coordinate publication contributions for the CBK Weekly Bulletin, Annual Public Debt Management Report, Medium-Term Debt Strategy, and Debt Sustainability Analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Banking, Public Relations, Communication, Marketing, Information Science, or related field.
• Master’s Degree or professional qualification in Finance, Banking, or related field is an added advantage.
• Membership in a professional body is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, domestic debt strategies, portfolio management, and risk management.

Work Experience

• At least eight (8) years’ experience in financial markets or debt management, with a minimum of three (3) years in a managerial capacity.

Technical Competencies

• Public financial management and domestic debt management.
• Treasury bills, bonds, and other financial market instruments.
• Portfolio management, pricing, and evaluation of debt instruments.
• Financial markets emerging issues: Money markets, Capital markets, and Derivatives.
• Market analysis: Fundamental, technical, and structural/financial engineering.
• Investor awareness, investment policies, CS-DRMS, Bloomberg/Reuters systems.
• Banking laws, regulations, Central Banking Operations, strategic planning, budgeting, risk management, stakeholder management, and public relations.
• Strong report writing and computer skills.

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership, team building, performance management, and mentoring staff.
• Professionalism, integrity, ethical orientation, and adherence to CBK values.
• Analytical skills, decision-making, governance, and ability to challenge the status quo.
• Customer focus balancing internal and external stakeholders.
• Resilience, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.

How to Apply for job opportunities at CBK

Professionals seeking CBK employment or exploring financial markets jobs in Kenya are invited to apply for the Manager, Debt Strategy and Portfolio Management position via the CBK Careers Portal. Interested candidates should register or log in, complete the online application form, and submit all relevant supporting documents before the application deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is an exceptional career opportunity at the Central Bank of Kenya for professionals looking to advance in public debt management and financial market strategy.