MUSCAT : In line with its pioneering role in the development of Omani human resources and the recognition that Bank’s achievements are powered by its competent employees, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate continues to provide comprehensive multilevel Management Development programmes that are governed by a robust framework. These programmes aim at transitioning the Bank’s top talent to assume progressively higher roles and responsibilities and are closely linked with strategic plans, succession planning and the ability to fill critical roles from within.

Speaking on the occasion, Said Salim Al Aufi, General Manager – Human Resources & Administration, Bank Muscat, explained: “Bank Muscat’s Executive Management firmly believes that our employees are the very source of the Bank’s leading position and sustained growth. We ensure that we provide vast development opportunities and the finest working environment which makes us one of the top employers of choice and a magnet for top graduates in the country. Our Omanisation achievements of over 83 percent for Top Management, over 93 for Middle Managers, 100 percent for clerical and about 94 percent overall as of 30 June 2022 is a testimonial regarding the development of our employees.”

The bank has launched its flagship graduate development program, which has evolved into the premier High Potential Graduate Development program in the banking sector, with a focus on creating a foundation in banking, self-management and building the potential leadership pipeline at the bank by growing and nurturing talent internally to take up additional responsibilities in preparation for managerial roles. Specific modules throughout the programme emphasise on gaining critical knowledge and skills such as credit, investment banking, corporate finance, treasury and capital markets, retail banking, finance, assurance functions, etc. A total of 60 graduates have successfully completed the programme and 56 are currently enrolled in it. The two-year journey comprises 10 workshops and blended online modules with case studies, simulations and technical and leadership assessments. Participants who demonstrate the highest levels of both on-the-job performance and potential, proceed in due course to the First Time Line Managers programme.

Here the objective is to develop First Time Managers by equipping them with skills required to transition from job roles as individual contributors to assume managerial roles. This is achieved through the use of customised technology in learning along with tools, templates and case study simulators. The programme comprises 6 modules and 35 online modules delivered over a period of one year. A total of 49 participants are currently enrolled in this programme from across the bank.

Bank Muscat’s Middle Management Development Programme has helped the bank to ensure a steady flow of talented, well-developed managers to senior and middle-management roles in the banking sector. The main objective is to develop the bank’s leadership bench at the middle management level in order to support succession planning at the top and middle management levels. This also includes comprehensive assessments to assess readiness and potential. In 2022, the bank has launched its third Management Development Programme with a total of 25 participants.

The main capabilities being developed through these development programmes are: financial acumen, decision making, strategic thinking, building and leading high performing teams and people management capabilities. These programs are facilitated by top ranked business schools with world-class executive education practices. The bank also assigns resources to provide continuous development opportunities to its Top Management team through regular speeches on current trends and leadership by top leadership thinkers globally, executive coaching opportunities, participation in self-learning programmes and nominations to general and advanced management programmes at leading business schools.