‘Jisr’ programme to develop national talent in financial sector

MUSCAT: ‘Jisr’ — a bridging programme designed to develop national talent in the financial sector — was launched at the College of Banking and Financial Studies, Muscat, on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025. The programme seeks to qualify Omani professionals capable of leading institutional development for sustainable growth in the financial sector.
This programme is designed to align the outcomes of higher education with the needs of the labour market and to enhance the capabilities of Omani graduates through practical skills and specialised knowledge, enabling them to efficiently integrate into the financial sector, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The launch of the programme was held under the auspices of Khalid bin Salim al Ghammari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour for Labour and attended by several officials from the financial and banking sectors.
Mahmood bin Abdullah al Owainy, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance and General Supervisor of the National Programme for Financial Sustainability and Financial Sector Development “Estidamah”, explained that the bridging programme aims to offer a comprehensive training and qualification experience that enhances professional skills and empowers a generation of national talents to lead institutional development in the financial sector.
He emphasised the importance of this bridging programme as a qualitative step in preparing national talents and refining their skills to meet future demands, highlighting the crucial role of partnerships between government entities, educational institutions and the private sector in promoting employment and capability development, contributing to national economic growth.
For his part, Dr Zahran bin Salim al Salti, Dean of the College of Banking and Financial Studies, stated that the collaboration between the College and the National Programme for Financial Sustainability and Financial Sector Development “Estidamah” will enhance the implementation of this programme by combining academic education, applied qualification and practical training within financial institutions. It will also develop the professional and behavioural skills of participants and empower them to contribute effectively in the workplace.
This programme is part of the initiatives of the National Programme for Financial Sustainability and Sector Development “Estidamah”, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the Capital Market Authority and institutions from the banking and insurance sectors.
The programme targets graduates and job seekers in financial disciplines. Each cohort accommodates 40 trainees and the programme extends over 24 weeks, following a hands-on and applied training methodology within financial institutions.
Participants will receive advanced knowledge in areas such as sustainable lending, climate risk management, green financial product design, sustainable underwriting practices and innovation in insurance products. The programme also includes specialised modules in microfinance and parametric insurance to strengthen capabilities in facing climate change.
The programme is divided into two main tracks: banking and insurance, each offering a specialised and practical experience in the field of sustainability. The aim is to prepare participants for direct employment, with participating institutions committing to hiring a significant portion of graduates as part of their operational plans. This programme will be followed by other specialised training courses serving the financial sector. — ONA