Senior Payments Officer, Foreign Payments (Senior Business Analyst 2)

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Payments Officer, Foreign Payments (Senior Business Analyst 2) to join its Financial Markets Department. This role presents an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to advance their careers within Kenya’s apex financial institution while contributing to the stability, efficiency, and integrity of national and international payment operations.

Key Job Information

• Position: Senior Payments Officer, Foreign Payments (Senior Business Analyst 2)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Mid-level to Senior
• Department: Financial Markets Department
• Application Deadline: Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 5.00 p.m.

About the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)

The Central Bank of Kenya is the principal monetary authority of the Republic of Kenya, mandated to formulate and implement monetary policy, promote price stability, foster a stable and competitive financial system, and support sustainable economic growth. As a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial ecosystem, CBK plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the banking sector and overseeing national payment systems.

CBK operates at the intersection of national, regional, and international financial markets, working closely with government institutions, commercial banks, and global financial partners. The Bank is recognized for its commitment to professionalism, strong governance frameworks, and continuous modernization of financial market operations, including foreign exchange management and payment systems.

Careers at CBK offer exposure to some of the most impactful job opportunities in the public financial sector today. Professionals joining CBK this week gain access to a collaborative, high-performance environment that values integrity, innovation, and public service, while supporting long-term career growth and skills development.

Job Description

The Senior Payments Officer, Foreign Payments is a core member of the Foreign Payments Team within the Financial Markets Department. The role holder is responsible for participating in the processing, review, and oversight of foreign payment transactions to ensure that CBK meets its operational, regulatory, and strategic responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

This position plays a critical role in supporting government payments, foreign exchange operations, and third-party transactions while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and international standards. It is well-suited for professionals seeking fresh positions in financial markets, treasury operations, and payment systems administration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Contribute to the effective performance of the Foreign Payments function in line with CBK’s strategic objectives.
• Work collaboratively as part of the team to deliver on assigned Key Result Areas and demonstrate role-specific competencies.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

• Process Government payments, CBK foreign exchange transactions, and third-party payments within established timelines.
• Process and confirm third-party guarantees issued to Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
• Handle requests for opening project accounts and Eurobond accounts in accordance with approved procedures.
• Review payments summary reports and identify, analyze, and escalate unreconciled items.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on foreign payment operations and related systems.
• Provide accurate information and explanations on issues related to payments administration.
• Apply standardized controls and operational metrics to monitor transaction performance and productivity.
• Draft, implement, and support initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing operational and financial risk.
• Ensure strict adherence to CBK payment policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time in support of departmental and institutional objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics, Banking, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, banking operations, and emerging issues affecting the sector.
• Knowledge of national, regional, and international regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Demonstrated understanding of Public Debt Management, Foreign Exchange management, and risk management principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with payment systems such as SWIFT.
• Exposure to portfolio management, treasury management, money markets, and capital markets.
• Working knowledge of accounting and taxation implications within banking and financial markets.
• Familiarity with banking laws and regulatory frameworks in Kenya and internationally.

Work Experience

At least three (3) years of relevant work experience in financial markets, banking operations, treasury, payments administration, or a closely related field.

Core Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Government payments processing
• Payment systems and platforms
• Financial and treasury operations
• Risk management and compliance
• Market analysis and emerging financial trends

Behavioral and General Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• High level of professionalism and ethical conduct
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Customer orientation and service excellence
• Integrity, honesty, and independence
• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure
• Mentoring, coaching, and change leadership capabilities
• Emotional intelligence and objective decision-making

Benefits and Compensation

The Central Bank of Kenya offers a competitive compensation and benefits package aligned with public sector standards and the Bank’s mandate. Employees benefit from structured career progression, exposure to complex financial markets operations, continuous professional development opportunities, and a stable work environment that supports work-life balance.

These careers at CBK are among the latest jobs in Kenya’s financial sector, offering long-term professional growth and the opportunity to contribute to national economic stability.

How to Apply for Senior Payments Officer, Foreign Payments Job Opportunity at CBK

Interested candidates seeking fresh job opportunities and exploring the latest vacancies at the Central Bank of Kenya are encouraged to apply today through the official CBK Careers Portal. This week, CBK is actively reviewing applications for this Senior Payments Officer position.

Applicants should submit a complete application, including an updated CV detailing relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements aligned with the role requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This is a unique opportunity to join one of Kenya’s most respected institutions and advance a career in financial markets and payments administration. Qualified professionals are encouraged to register or log in to the CBK Careers Portal and apply before the stated deadline.