Executive Assistant to the Chief Risk Officer at Absa

Job Summary

• To provide organizational, administrative and logistical support to the Chief Risk Officer in a professional manner that enhances the effectiveness of the Chief Risk Officer and the area they lead.

Job Description

Accountability: Operational Process Support

• As the first point of contact for the Chief Risk Officer, demonstrate professional demeanor and discretion and role model Absa Values when interacting with all stakeholders, especially in high-pressure situations
• Act as initial point of entry for escalated client queries. Redistribute the resolution or respond directly to the stakeholders where appropriate and report only major issues to the Group Financial Director
• Take personal accountability for ensuring all complaints lodged directly with the Chief Risk Officer are resolved
• Maintain an updated view of priority projects and initiatives underway and provide regular updates to the Group Financial Director on progress, risks and issues.
• Support the Group Financial Director team management including establishing regular team and 1:1 interaction for direct reports on topics including performance, development and general engagement
• Take charge of general office administration including ordering of stationery and groceries, restocking printers etc.
• Manage travel, cell phone, expense claims etc. (i.e. responsible for controlling signatures, taking policy into account, urgency and effecting timeous forwarding of documents) in line with Absa policies and standards.
• Retrieve bank property e.g. cell phone, 3G cards, laptops, access cards etc. from direct reports as required.

Accountability: Administrative Support

• Manage the diary of the Chief Risk Officer, in an efficient manner in line with the Chief Risk Officer priorities, including booking of venues, preparation of relevant meeting materials, arranging travel, and taking minutes where required.
• Oversee the planning and execution of BU events for the Chief Risk Officer such as town halls, road shows, employee discussion forums, product launches, customer entertainment events and formal functions.
• Prepare the key themes presentations and reviews for the Chief Risk Officer by researching and packaging detailed content. Ensure that presentations are designed to reflect the Absa Group’s brand..

Accountability: Governance and Control

• Support the Chief Risk Officer in the signoff process for risk events (losses and write-offs) by obtaining all investigation documentation and making recommendations on whether the BU should take the loss or whether it should be absorbed by a different area. Liaise with other mandate holders in the BU to ensure that they follow a rigorous process before approving write-offs.
• Review all write-offs and near misses each month and provide a report to the Chief Risk Officer on trends identified and recommended actions.

Education and experience required

Diploma or equivalent NQF level 5 qualification
Minimum:

• At least 7 years’ recent experience supporting a senior-level executive or Listed Company Director
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Previous experience of successfully working in a dynamic, high demand work environment with tight deadlines, where the role required handling and maintenance of highly confidential and sensitive materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Advantage

• Financial industry experience

Knowledge & Skills:

• High level of PC literacy (MS Office, Outlook)
• Knowledge of basic financial/accounting concepts
• Excel intermediate
• Basic accounting knowledge
• Project management intermediate

Competencies:

• Planning and Organising
• Personal and Interpersonal skills
• Writing and Reporting
• Deciding and initiating action
• Relating and networking
• Persuading and Influencing

Education

• Higher Diplomas: Office Administration (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