Expert – Debt Management

Position: Expert – Debt Management

Department: Debt Management Office

Reporting to: Director, Debt Management Office

Job Summary:

The Debt Management Expert will play a crucial role within the Debt Management Office (DMO) of the Ministry of Finance, Sultanate of Oman, by providing expert analysis, recommendations, and implementation strategies related to public debt management. The role involves managing and advising on borrowing strategies, debt sustainability, and financial risk mitigation to support the government’s fiscal policy objectives. The Debt Expert will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, financial institutions, and international organizations, to ensure the efficient and sustainable management of Oman’s public debt.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement public debt management strategies in alignment with the government’s fiscal objectives.

• Advise the Director and senior leadership on optimal borrowing strategies, including domestic and international debt issuance.

• Analyze economic and financial market conditions to recommend policy adjustments and borrowing plans.

• Manage the issuance of government securities, including bonds and sukuk, and coordinate with financial institutions and investors.

• Ensure effective execution of debt issuance programs, including structuring, pricing, and settlement.

• Monitor and evaluate the composition of the debt portfolio to manage risks such as interest rate, currency, and refinancing risk.

• Identify and assess potential risks associated with the government’s debt portfolio.

• Implement risk mitigation strategies, including the use of hedging tools and derivatives to manage exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations.

• Advise on debt restructuring and refinancing opportunities to optimize debt servicing costs.

• Conduct debt sustainability assessments to evaluate the long-term implications of current and future borrowing.

• Provide regular reports on the government’s debt position and forecast future borrowing needs in coordination with the Ministry’s financial planning and budgeting teams.

• Ensure compliance with fiscal responsibility laws and international standards for debt sustainability.

• Liaise with international financial institutions (IFIs), credit rating agencies, and investors to maintain transparent and open communication about Oman’s debt management strategies.

• Prepare presentations, reports, and analyses for international bond roadshows and meetings with external stakeholders.

• Lead negotiations with lenders and investors to secure favorable terms for borrowing and debt restructuring.

• Prepare regular reports for the Director and senior leadership on debt management activities, portfolio performance, and market trends.

• Ensure all debt management activities are in compliance with national laws, regulations, and international best practices.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all debt transactions and government obligations.

• Provide training and technical support to staff within the Debt Management Office on public debt management principles, techniques, and tools.

• Keep abreast of global trends and innovations in debt management and apply relevant practices to Oman’s debt strategy.

Qualifications & Experience:

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

• Professional certifications (CFA, FRM, etc.) or specialized training in debt management is a plus.

• Minimum of 16 years of hands on experience in public debt management, financial markets, or treasury functions, preferably within a government or international financial institution.

• Proven track record in managing sovereign debt, including issuance, portfolio management, and risk mitigation.

• Strong understanding of international capital markets and debt instruments, including bonds, sukuk, and derivatives.

• Expertise in debt sustainability analysis, financial risk management, and public finance.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial modeling skills.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interacting with senior government officials and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge of international best practices in public debt management and compliance with global standards.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic financial planning and analysis.

• Risk management and debt sustainability expertise.

• Ability to work under pressure and handle complex financial transactions.

• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with various stakeholders.