1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. business plans

ISLAMIC FINANCIAL SERVICES BOARD
RESEARCH SPECIALIST
The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) is an international standard-setting organization
that promotes and enhances the soundness and stability of the Islamic financial services
industry by issuing global prudential standards and guiding principles for the industry, broadly
defined to include banking, capital markets and insurance sectors.
The IFSB is seeking candidates for the position of Research Specialist.
Based at the IFSB Secretariat Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the incumbent plays a key
role in developing the new standards and guiding principles for the institutions offering Islamic
finance services (IIFS), initiates and undertakes research/surveys to the point of final
publication, undertakes studies on Sharī`ah compliance issues in Islamic financial services
industry which are deemed crucial from regulatory and supervisory perspective. The
incumbent also conducts IFSB workshops and prepares the material such as case studies
and group discussions.
The advertised position is a starting point for an exciting career in the IFSB. This position is
aimed at an outstanding young and motivated individual, who has demonstrated a
commitment to Islamic finance, supported by academic success, professional achievement
and potential for leadership. As a global standard-setting body on Islamic finance, we value
diversity in our workplace, and encourage qualified men and women with diverse
backgrounds to apply for this position. If you are selected to join IFSB, your assignment will
be enriched through on-the-job learning, specialised training, and mentoring. It is an
opportunity to contribute to the soundness and stability of Islamic financial services industry
and gain exposure to the IFSB’s intensive work programme.
Closing date for the application is 31 May 2015.
Job Description:
1) Preparing research papers on various issues relating to different sectors of Islamic
financial services industry such as banking, Takaful and Islamic capital markets. The
main tasks include:
a) Compiling all relevant issues pertaining to the relevant topic from existing literature;
b) Drafting of the Survey Questionnaires;
c) Conducting surveys from the supervisory authorities and IIFS from the IFSB member
countries;
d) Incorporating survey responses into the research paper;
e) Collecting, compiling and analysing empirical data on the relevant topic, where
available;
f) Preparing and presenting the draft paper for feedback from internal and external
stakeholders; and
g) Finalising the research paper based on the feedback received from stakeholders.
2) Conducting facilitating the implementation of IFSB standards (FIS) workshops on various
standards. The main tasks include:
a) Preparing presentations, materials and case studies for the workshops;
b) Delivering the presentations, interacting with the participants and answering their
queries; and
c) Conducting the case studies and moderating the discussions and arguments among
the workshop participants.
3) Working on miscellaneous tasks such as:
a) Manage projects such as preparing matter for e-learning modules, drafting
programmes for IFSB events;
b) Undertaking ad-hoc research and draft issue papers on Islamic finance;
c) Preparing slides and speeches as well as collecting source material for themselves or
the management when invited as speakers or discussants for participating in
roundtables, forums, seminars and conferences; and
d) Deliver presentations at IFSB events as well as international conferences and
seminars, as advised by the management.
The incumbent should possess at least a Bachelor Degree in Economics/Business
Administration/Finance/Islamic finance and have between 1 to 3 years of working experience.
Knowledge in Islamic financial services and international financial markets as well as
understanding of the IFSB’s objectives and functions is an added advantage . Candidates also
need to possess and show evidence of the following:
 Excellent written, inter-personal and communication, and organizational skills are
essential to provide a high level of response to member and non-member enquiries.
 Fluent in English – written and spoken. Fluency in Arabic is an added advantage.
 Exposure in coordinating research and survey.
 A keen eye for detail and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
 Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, lead projects,
meet multiple concurrent deadlines, organise time and priorities, and work well as a
member of a team.
 Strong commitment to delivering results.
 Experience in managing workshops/seminar.
 Experience working with a diverse workforce and in an international environment will be
an added advantage