Senior Specialist: Risk & Securities- VP

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

Job Summary

To lead and guide effective risk management efforts for the Absa Technology function (all Technology teams under AGL). To be a trusted second line of defense risk management business partner working closely with the Absa Technology CIOs and technology teams, to support, advise, and provide tools to help them identify and handle risks effectively. This role will report to the Absa Technology Risk Head as a second line of defense providing risk management partner services to the Absa Technology management team

Job Description

Outcome Area: Risk Conscious Strategy Choices

• Actively challenge and contribute to business growth, service improvement and cost optimization with a financial and operational resilience and long-term value sustainability mindset.
• Working with function Business Unit leadership identify risks and opportunities in pursuit of strategic objectives.
• Facilitate the risk appetite and pain tolerance threshold discussions and decisions by business leadership.

Accountability: Appropriate Risk Culture and Matured Risk Management Practices

• Establish Clear Risk Governance: Design structures and processes that promote accountability and ownership in managing risks.
• Develop Practical Risk Processes: Implement straightforward risk practices that meet regulatory requirements and align with business objectives.
• Enhance the Risk Framework: Continuously update and improve the company’s risk management framework, including policies, processes, and standards.
• Embed Risk Awareness: Foster a mindset where leaders and teams naturally consider risks in decisions and operations.
• Provide Training and Tools: Deliver targeted training and tools to build skills and understanding in managing risks.
• Keep up with industry and risk management profession latest research, best practice, technology solutions to improve the risk function service.

Accountability: Effective Risk Management Business Partner

• Define the risk and capital management framework. ​
• Facilitate risk management lifecycle activities.
• Independent validation of key controls​.
• Advise day-to-day risk decisions within the risk culture and appetite, and report breaches.​
• Provide expert Risk Type Advisory.​
• Monitor emerging threats & provide expert advice.
• Manage interface with regulators​.
• Compile risk disclosures​.
• Review compliance with risk standards.

Accountability: People and Culture

• Promote a team culture that is consistent with Absa values.
• Create an engaging, enabling and productive work climate aligned to the employee value proposition.

Accountability: Internal and External Stakeholder Management and Disclosure

• Keep the Group CRO, peers, and risk type SMEs updated on Absa Technology matters that impact the group or their allocated business areas.
• Ensure appropriate business responses to Prudential Authority enquiries/questionnaires/surveys and adequate preparation for on-site engagements.
• Foster a healthy and trusting relationship with banking regulators, the board and the senior Absa leadership team.
• Establish and maintain high quality and stakeholder relevant risk disclosure reports.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strategic: ability to implement function level strategy in support of the group’s long-term objectives.
• Communication and Influence: ability to communicate effectively and influence different stakeholders and obtain buy-in.
• Effective stakeholder management: Ability to analyze and proactively manage different stakeholders across different seniority levels, cultures and legal/regulatory environments.
• Innovation and change: ability to identify and implement service optimization opportunities.
• Problem solving and decision-making: ability to quickly understand a situation and take decisive action/make tough calls.
• Quality and Excellence: Commitment to quality, high standards and robust risk/control management. Proven ability to deliver service excellence, managing often conflicting priorities.
• Strong knowledge of Information Technology management processes, systems and IT governance and risk management industry standards.
• Good knowledge of the risk management lifecycle processes, practices and professional standards.

Preferred Experience

• 5 years’ experience working in Information Technology.

• 4 years’ experience in the Banking.

• 3 years ‘experience working in the operational risk management profession.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised