Manager – Debt Management Strategy

About the job
Position: Manager – Debt Management Strategy

Department: Debt Management Office

Reporting to: Director, Debt Management Office

Job Summary:

The Debt Management Strategy Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the Government of Oman’s debt management strategy to ensure sustainable borrowing practices and effective public debt management. The role includes overseeing debt issuance, managing debt portfolios, and providing strategic advice on domestic and international borrowing. The manager will work closely with the General Manager of the Debt Management Office to align debt policies with Oman’s broader fiscal and economic objectives, ensuring that borrowing is efficient, cost-effective, and within acceptable risk levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation of Oman’s medium-to-long-term debt management strategy in alignment with national fiscal policies and macroeconomic objectives.

• Establish policies to ensure government borrowing is carried out in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, minimizing risks such as refinancing, currency, and interest rate risks.

• Analyze debt sustainability and advise on the appropriate mix of domestic and external borrowing, taking into account market conditions, financing needs, and risk profiles.

• Oversee the planning and execution of domestic and international debt issuance, including government bonds, sukuk, and other financing instruments.

• Develop annual borrowing plans to meet government financing needs, ensuring alignment with budgetary objectives and liquidity requirements.

• Collaborate with international financial institutions and investors to secure favorable borrowing terms for Oman.

• Manage and monitor the government’s debt portfolio, ensuring a balance between cost efficiency and risk management.

• Assess the portfolio’s exposure to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, and refinancing risks, and recommend appropriate hedging strategies if needed.

• Regularly review the structure of the debt portfolio, ensuring a well-diversified mix of instruments and currencies that align with Oman’s fiscal goals.

• Conduct debt sustainability analyses (DSA) to assess the long-term impact of public debt on Oman’s fiscal health.

• Design and implement risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate risks related to public debt, including market risks, credit risks, and contingent liabilities.

• Establish early warning systems to detect potential debt vulnerabilities, providing timely recommendations for corrective measures.

• Work closely with the Budget Department, Macro-Fiscal Policy Unit, and other key government entities to ensure debt management policies are integrated with the broader fiscal framework.

• Engage with international financial institutions (such as the IMF, World Bank) and rating agencies to align Oman’s debt strategies with global best practices and enhance creditworthiness.

• Liaise with the Central Bank of Oman to coordinate on monetary and fiscal policy, particularly in relation to domestic debt issuance and management of sovereign assets.

• Foster the development of the domestic debt market by promoting the issuance of local-currency instruments and encouraging local investment in government debt.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with international and domestic investors, rating agencies, and financial institutions to secure favorable financing terms.

• Organize investor roadshows and presentations to communicate Oman’s debt management strategy and fiscal outlook, enhancing market confidence and transparency.

• Provide regular reports and presentations to the Director on Oman’s debt position, portfolio performance, and market trends.

• Advise on policy adjustments required to ensure long-term debt sustainability, including potential fiscal reforms or new borrowing instruments.

• Prepare reports for submission to the General Secretary, Cabinet, and other senior stakeholders on the government’s debt strategy, portfolio status, and risk assessments.

• Build internal capacity within the Debt Management Office by providing training and mentorship to junior staff on debt management principles, financial analysis, and risk management.

• Stay informed on global trends in sovereign debt management, implementing best practices to improve Oman’s debt management processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree Finance, Economics, or a related field. Master is a plus.

• Professional certifications (such as CFA or equivalent) in debt management, financial risk management, or public finance are preferred.

• Minimum of 11 hands on years of experience in debt management, public finance, or financial markets, with a strong focus on sovereign debt strategy and risk management.

• Proven track record in managing government debt portfolios and developing medium-to-long-term debt strategies in a government or international financial institution.

• Experience with debt issuance, market borrowing strategies, and managing relationships with international financial institutions and investors.

• Expertise in debt management, financial markets, and fiscal policy, with strong knowledge of sovereign debt instruments.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement complex debt strategies.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience engaging high-level government officials, financial institutions, and investors.

• Proficiency in debt sustainability analysis, risk management frameworks, and financial modeling.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

• Comprehensive understanding of Oman’s economic and fiscal environment, including challenges and opportunities in public debt management.

• Ability to manage and mitigate debt-related risks in a dynamic global environment.

• Collaborative and interpersonal skills for engaging with stakeholders across various levels of government and the private sector.