Head of Risk: IBD Pan Africa at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Seasoned Risk Specialist to be accountable to the IBD COO and responsible for implementing and embedding the Risk, Governance and Control Framework and related policies to ensure the effective management, review and reporting of all risk items across Pan Africa for the Investment Banking Division. The key purpose of this role is to provide leadership, improve, implement, develop and monitor robust processes and controls across IBD and ensure alignment with continental regulators and existing Absa policies, standards and procedures. Furthermore, it is to ensure that the risk profile and performance is effectively managed in an integrated manner across businesses in and outside of South Africa.
• This role is suited to degreed individual with a min of 10 years’ experience in an Operational Risk/ Audit/ Governance role in an Investment Bank. Deep knowledge of Investment Banking Risk, Supervision, Conduct and Governance frameworks essential

Job Description

Accountability: Strategic and Change Agenda

• In conjunction with the IBD Manco team, participate in defining the Change agenda with specific focus to the risk appetite of IBD
• To assist and ensure that the risk profile of IBD is in line with the broader Change agenda; and
• On an annual basis, identify key strategic drivers for the Business Unit's risk function to support with strategic components.
• Review the overall Business Unit Risk Appetite and risk strategy and provide necessary guidance and recommendations.

Accountability: Manage Risk Activities

• To lead the implementation and embedment of the various Risk Frameworks and Target Operating Models (eg. Operational, Conduct, etc) and manage the risk and related Governance and Reporting activities within The Business Unit and, in so doing. provide support to the Executives to ensure resolution, remediation and closure of any risk items;
• Be responsible for ad hoc risk and control remediation support to the offices of the Business Unit Head across SA & ARO;
• Assist Desk Heads in meeting their supervisory & risk management accountabilities;
• Assist to realign business' risk resolution activities as and when required;
• Provide proactive and reactive overall support to Business Unit in terms of Assurance requirements and directives;
• Provide the Business Unit Risk team oversight, technical advice and support on cross functional and high priority risk programmes and initiatives; and
• Close the gap between risk management practices, business operational practices and knowledge by ensuring through defining the appropriate cross functional business tool kits, guides, awareness programmes, targeted presentations and supporting strategies..
• Ensure the management and oversight of assurance findings and control issues identified in the Business Unit are appropriately addressed and that remedial actions are embedded into day to day operational risk frameworks and practices;
• Responsible for the design and implementation of updated risk management standards, processes and procedures with support of Business Executive Management;
• Design the Business Unit Governance Framework and Control RemediationImplement measures and tools to enhance the predictive assessments in meeting assurance commitments.

Accountability: Stakeholder and relationship management

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders e.g. Audit , TM, TA, Trading, Compliance, COO & Desk Heads to understand their continuous requirements and gather feedback from meeting sessions to improve or maintain their expectations

Accountability: Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Represent the Business Unit in terms of the CIB risk reporting governance and management information requirements by coordinating standardised submissions between the different stakeholders, verifying the accuracy of data, integrating the information into a presentable report and ensuring appropriate approvals and escalations:
• Implement appropriate tracking sheets and frameworks to track cross functional risk metrics and action plans;
• Co-ordinate an overall control remediation indicator dashboard (Scorecard containing key control measures):
• Host regular scorecard alignment sessions at MANCO to ensure transparency, prioritisation and remediation planning:
• Ensure actionable MI is delivered on a regular and timely basis; and
• Define and implement robust processes to ensure transparency and accuracy reporting.

Accountability: IBD Control Environment

• Develop and implement the overall control environment to manage operational and conduct risk events and compliance to regulations ensuring that the team meets its obligations in managing the framework aligned to all 3 lines of defense.
• Implement and embed applicable business unit standards within the IBD environment.
• Create strategic assurance alliances with key independent parties such as Credit Risk, Operational Risk, Compliance, - Fraud Risk, Group Internal Audit, CIB Business Enablament and other functional teams to ensure CIB processes are robust.
• Execution of and directly influence the business/key stakeholders so ensuring appropriate action is taken where necessary.
• Undertake ad hoc project management assignments on an as needed basis, such as ones related to risk and control enhancements

Accountability: Strategy Formulation and Execution

• Ensuring an integrated and effective risk management framework that is implemented and embedded in all presence countries.
• Accountable for implementing efficient and effective governance of significant risks and related opportunities.
• Align and collaborate at a strategic level with all other risk activities delivered across SA & ARO.
• Country visits to influence adoption and embedment of a coherent risk culture within first line.

Education

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