Group Head of Operational Risk at Alexander Forbes

Job description

Closing Date: 27 July 2017

Job Main Purpose:

To manage and integrate operational risk practices across the portfolio of countries (currently Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana). This includes specialist sub operational risk types such as Information Risk, Outsourcing Risk, BCM (Business Continuity Management, change risk and Capital Allocation and to oversee the operational financial risk, from an organizational perspective.

FORMAL EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BCom / BCom Hons or relevant degree with risk management experience in financial services. Alternatively, Internal Audit experience in financial services.
• Minimum of 7 or more years’ experience in the:
• Experience ideally covering a broad range of processes/products across insurance, asset management and pension funds
• Performing “non-routine” and diversified activities either in operational risk management, Internal Audit or within business unit operations.
• Knowledge of IT processes, ideally as well as Operational Risk management practices.
• Ideally to have Knowledge of the Insurance regulatory environment
• Conceptual understanding of:
• Investment management
• Balance sheet management
• Funds transfer pricing
• Capital allocation
• Asset liability management

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Responsibilities

• To reduce Operational Risk where appropriate in a cost-effective manner.
• To report monthly to Business Unit and Group Operational Risk management on the level of Operational Risk, the activities underway to reduce risk and to escalate areas of concern.
• To assist the business units in implementing adequate Operational Risk management processes to meet regulatory and Group requirements.
• To ensure that all subsidiaries complies with the Group’s Operational Risk management framework and policies.
• Facilitate the regular review and update of operational risk assessments.
• Operational Risk events – Capture (where required), review and perform causal analysis.
• Monitor progress on actions required to improve controls and escalate where necessary.
• Review and follow up month end reports.
• Review BU Key risk indicator information and ensure that BU is responding adequately to minimise Operational Risk.
• Follow up issues reported by Internal Audit to ensure management action is taken to resolve.
• Review Data quality in the Operational Risk management system.
• Produce monthly reports for Group Risk Committee and BU’s.
• Review of activities to assess compliance with Group Operational Risk policies.
• Operational Risk Pillar 2 scenario analysis and associated capital calculations.
• Support Responsibilities
• Activities to ensure the readiness of the Group for business disruptions. Including preparation for Business Continuity tests.
• Training of BU staff.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong problem solving capabilities
• The ability to interact in a team-environment and manage a team
• The ability to find innovative solutions to complex and often unusual challenges
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to use initiative
• Ability to effectively and efficiently prioritise
• Flexible and adaptable
• Able to handle pressure
• Strong Communication skills