(Student Attachment – Licensing) – Nairobi – Capital Markets Authority – 2024

(Student Attachment – Licensing) – Nairobi – Capital Markets Authority

• Position: Student Attachment – Licensing
• Company: Capital Markets Authority
• Location: Nairobi
• Type of Job: Internship
• Reporting to: Senior Manager, Approvals, Analysis, and Issuer Governance
• Application Deadline: November 7, 2024

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Introduction

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is a statutory agency responsible for regulating and developing an efficient capital market in Kenya. As part of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of financial professionals, we invite applications for the Student Attachment – Licensing position. This unique opportunity allows students to gain invaluable practical experience in the capital markets sector while contributing to essential regulatory processes.

This attachment program spans three months and offers a chance for students to develop their skills in a dynamic work environment. Candidates will benefit from exposure to real-world scenarios and gain insights into the operations of a leading regulatory authority. The role is onsite and provides opportunities for professional growth and networking within the capital markets ecosystem.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Student Attachment – Licensing, your primary duties will include:

1. Conducting Fit and Proper Assessments:
   Assess the qualifications and integrity of key personnel at market intermediaries to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
2. Preliminary Review of Applications:
   Review applications for the issuance of debt and equity securities, including corporate bonds, to facilitate informed decision-making.
3. Preliminary Review of License Applications:
   Evaluate license applications from various market players, contributing to the development of a secure and efficient market environment.
4. Conducting Research and Preparing Legal Briefs:
   Engage in thorough research and prepare legal opinions and briefs to support the licensing and approvals processes.
5. Providing Logistical Support:
   Assist the licensing and approvals section with logistical requirements, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the team.
6. Undertaking Additional Assignments:
   Participate in various assignments as directed by supervisors, offering a well-rounded experience in regulatory practices.

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Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Requirements:

• A continuing student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Laws or enrolled at the Kenya School of Law.

Key Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

• Integrity and Honesty:
  A strong ethical foundation to uphold the values of the Capital Markets Authority.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Professionalism:
  A commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct in all professional interactions.
• Team Player:
  Willingness to collaborate and contribute positively to a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to Multi-task:
  Competence in managing multiple responsibilities efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Self-management:
  Strong organizational skills to ensure effective prioritization and execution of tasks.

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Company Culture and Values

At the Capital Markets Authority, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and accountability. Our mission is to create a vibrant capital market that promotes investment and economic growth. We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are dedicated to supporting our employees’ professional development. As part of our commitment to equality, we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities.

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Apply Now For Student Attachment – Licensing

If you are a motivated student eager to gain practical experience in the capital markets sector, we invite you to apply for the Student Attachment – Licensing position. Please ensure that you provide complete and accurate information during the application process through our e-recruitment portal. Applications should be submitted by November 7, 2024.

Apply Now Below

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Student Attachment – Licensing

As an expert recruiter with  years of experience, I present the following detailed tips to help you craft a standout application for the Student Attachment – Licensing position at the Capital Markets Authority. Each tip is accompanied by examples to illustrate how you can effectively implement these strategies.

1. Tailor Your Resume

• Customize your resume specifically for the licensing attachment role by emphasizing coursework and experiences that directly relate to capital markets and regulatory compliance. For instance, if you have taken courses like “Corporate Finance” or “Securities Regulation,” highlight these in the “Education” section. Additionally, if you’ve completed projects involving research on market regulations, include a bullet point that states, “Conducted a comprehensive analysis of corporate governance regulations as part of a group project, resulting in a presentation that received high commendations from faculty.”

2. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

• Begin with a strong opening statement that captures your enthusiasm for the position. For example, you might start with, “I am excited to apply for the Student Attachment – Licensing position at the Capital Markets Authority, where I can leverage my academic background in law and my passion for financial regulations to contribute to your mission of fostering an efficient capital market in Kenya.” This sets a positive tone and clearly states your interest in the role.
• In the body of the letter, draw connections between your experiences and the CMA’s goals. For example, “During my internship at [Company Name], I assisted in the regulatory compliance team, where I helped prepare documentation for licensing applications, furthering my understanding of the intricacies involved in capital markets regulation.”

3. Highlight Relevant Skills

• Clearly demonstrate your skills in integrity, communication, and teamwork. For instance, if you have worked in group settings, describe your role: “In a recent group project on financial ethics, I took the lead in coordinating discussions and ensuring all voices were heard, which fostered a collaborative environment and resulted in a comprehensive report that analyzed ethical dilemmas in capital markets.” This shows your ability to work well with others and highlights your leadership skills.

4. Research the CMA

• Familiarize yourself with the Capital Markets Authority and its mission. When preparing your application or during an interview, mention specific programs or initiatives that resonate with you. For example, “I am particularly impressed by the CMA’s initiative to enhance investor protection through the establishment of stringent licensing criteria, and I am eager to contribute to these efforts by applying my analytical skills during the attachment.”

5. Prepare for Interviews

• Practice common interview questions relevant to the role. For example, if asked about your approach to conducting fit and proper assessments, you could respond: “I would begin by reviewing the applicants’ qualifications and past experiences to assess their compliance with regulatory requirements. Following that, I would conduct background checks and interviews to ensure that they possess the integrity and professionalism needed for the role.”
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. For instance: “In my internship at [Company Name] (Situation), I was tasked with reviewing license applications (Task). I developed a checklist to ensure all necessary documents were included (Action), which reduced processing time by 30% (Result).”

6. Showcase Your Academic Achievements

• Include relevant academic projects or coursework in your resume that highlight your preparation for the role. If you have conducted research related to capital markets or regulations, mention this explicitly: “Researched the impact of regulatory changes on market stability as part of my thesis project, demonstrating my ability to analyze complex legal frameworks and their implications.”

7. Demonstrate Ethical Understanding

• Given the nature of the CMA’s work, illustrate your understanding of ethics in finance and regulation. Discuss any relevant courses or case studies where ethical considerations were pivotal. For example, “In my course on Business Ethics, I analyzed a case study involving regulatory breaches in financial markets, which reinforced my understanding of the importance of integrity and transparency in fostering public trust.”

8. Emphasize Multi-tasking Abilities

• In your Key Skills section, emphasize your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Provide concrete examples: “While managing my academic workload, I successfully coordinated a student-led initiative to organize a financial literacy workshop, which involved planning, outreach, and execution—all while maintaining my grades.” This showcases your ability to balance competing responsibilities.

9. Network with Industry Professionals

• If possible, connect with professionals in the capital markets or regulatory sectors. Seek informational interviews to gain insights about the CMA and the skills valued in the industry. For instance, you might reach out to alumni from your university who work at the CMA and ask questions about their experiences and the skills they consider essential for success in the agency.
• Mention any networking you’ve done in your application or during interviews: “I recently spoke with [Name], a former intern at CMA, who shared invaluable insights about the regulatory landscape and the importance of adaptability in this field.”

10. Follow Up After Applying

• After submitting your application, consider sending a brief follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position. A suggested template might be: “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the Student Attachment – Licensing position submitted on [Date]. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the CMA and look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further.” This demonstrates professionalism and reinforces your eagerness for the role.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.