Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategy, Policy and Legal

The description of the directorates and units falling within the remit of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategy, Policy and Legal) is intended to provide an indication of the scope of responsibilities associated with this vacancy. The organisational remit and reporting structures may be amended from time to time at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer following consultation with the Board of Governors.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategy, Policy and Legal) shall be an ex officio member of the Executive Committee, Resolution Committee and the Enforcement Decisions Committee, and shall actively participate therein.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy CEO (Strategy, Policy and Legal) will be responsible for:

Strategic Leadership:

• Assist and support the Chief Executive Officer in the development and execution of the MFSA’s strategic objectives and priorities.
• Ensure that the objectives of the directorates falling under his/her responsibility are aligned with the overall mission and strategic direction of the MFSA.
• Provide strategic direction to the directorates within his/her remit, ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the directorates’ overall functions and responsibilities.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of directorate workplans, clearly communicating objectives and desired outcomes.

Operational Management:

• Lead, mentor and provide direction to all Chief Officers and Heads falling under his/her responsibility, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with officials within his/her directorates to oversee day-to-day operations as needed, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of objectives.
• Oversee the directorates’ processes, systems, procedures, resources, budgets, and all other operational matters required for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure coordination and collaboration across the directorates and units falling within his/her remit, as well as with other directorates across the Authority to effectively achieve shared goals and organisational priorities.
• Liaise closely with the other Deputy Chief Executive Officers to foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
• Lead and participate in directorate, unit and team meetings, as necessary, to ensure effective communication which supports the effective delivery of the Authority's strategic and operational objectives.
• Conduct performance appraisals and hold regular one-to-one meetings with the Chief Officers falling under his/her responsibility, providing constructive feedback and support to enhance performance and leadership capability. Regular one-to-one meetings should also be held with the key personnel within his/her directorates.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Take a proactive approach towards building strong professional relationships, with a broad range of stakeholders, including regulated entities, representative bodies, consumers, the Government, European Union and other domestic and international authorities.
• Represent the MFSA at local and international meetings, fora, working groups, workshops, conferences and other engagements related to his/her remit as may be necessary or as requested by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Communicate regulatory policies, supervisory priorities, decisions, and initiatives effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertake frequent travel, as required, in connection with the performance of his/her duties.

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure that the directorates falling under his/her remit carry out their functions and responsibilities effectively and efficiently in accordance with the direction and vision set by the Chief Executive Officer. Goals, objectives and milestones should be clearly communicated and delivered.
• Coordinate the activities of the directorates and units falling within his/her remit to ensure a unified and coordinated approach in fulfilling the MFSA’s statutory obligations and responsibilities.
• Ensure that directorate-wide responsibilities are conducted effectively, consistent with MFSA’s strategic objectives, applicable legal and regulatory frameworks, and the Authority’s risk appetite, whilst promoting collaboration across the organisation.
• Promote and uphold the highest standards of governance, integrity and ethical conduct across the directorates for which he/she is responsible.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to the financial sector and the directorates’ operations and remit.
• Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times and that data is handled in accordance with the applicable legal, regulatory and internal frameworks.

Other duties:

• Provide assistance and support to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Governors as necessary.
• Represent the MFSA in legal proceedings, be they judicial or otherwise, and in front of tribunals, boards, committees or other bodies that have the power to summon witnesses or otherwise oversee the activities of the MFSA.
• Contribute to and provide input on studies, consultations, policy initiatives and other work undertaken by European Union institutions, supranational standard setters and international organisations.
• Keep abreast of developments in financial services regulation, supervision and related areas.
• Provide training and participate in conferences and workshops organised by the Authority and external stakeholders.
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Executive Officer, as may be required from time to time in accordance with the operational and strategic needs of the Authority.

About You

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications, experience and skills:

• Qualification at MQF Level 6 or an equivalent qualification in: Law, Accountancy, Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Insurance, Economics, Business Administration, Criminology, or in a relevant field.
• A minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in legal and/or policy development, preferably in the financial services sector or related fields. A minimum of 7 years’ experience will be considered where an applicant is in possession of a pertinent degree at MQF Level 7 or an equivalent qualification in the aforesaid or in another relevant field.
• A track record of successful leadership with evidence of strategic planning and decision-making, as well as organisational/operational management.
• Experience in both national and European financial services laws, regulations, Directives, and up to date knowledge of latest developments in such fields and international standards.
• Experience in the drafting of regulatory frameworks.
• Evidence of leading significant, organisation-wide change projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and public representation.
• Additional certifications in finance, regulatory compliance and/or leadership will be considered favourably.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of the financial sector and markets, regulatory frameworks, and risk management principles.
• Ability to identify opportunities, assess risks and exercise sound judgement in relation to regulation, policy, and organisational issues.
• Ability to create and drive a culture of cohesion and teamwork across the organisation.
• A hands-on approach and ability to work long hours.
• People oriented and results driven.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Superior leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both Maltese and English.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.
• Strong reasoning ability, integrity, and high ethical standards.
• An individual of good moral character.

Only eligible applicants will be considered and given the opportunity to attend for a first interview. Successful candidates will be shortlisted and will be called for a second interview.

The selected candidate will be required to undergo relevant tests, background checks, and security screening prior to being offered the position in view of the sensitive nature of this role. Such checks may be conducted on an ongoing basis thereafter.

The Authority reserves the right to obtain references on the applicant from independent sources.