Head of Corporate Affairs: Risk, Governance and Reporting at Absa

Job Summary

Lead and drive the roll-out of the ERMF within Corporate Affairs (CA) and deliver on the operational agenda to enable CA Risk. Collaborate closely with all CA Exco Members and senior stakeholders to embed an effective Risk Operating Model. Ensure a robust and effective governance and control framework within CA. Lead and coordinate CA preparation for compliance with the Group audit team and Central Risk and Governance team. Lead conformance reviews as required.

Job Description

Accountability:  Risk strategy and planning

• Design and own the end to end the Risk strategy for CA (in accordance with the ERMF) - ensuring the Risk operating model in CA is fit for purpose.

• Ensure delivery of a robust control, governance and risk framework for CA, in line with CA risk appetite.

• Identify solutions for challenges and improvements within the CA environment and define appropriate interventions (technology, training, process, procedure etc.) to address these areas

• Embed effective KRI’s which speak to the health of function.

• Set and communicate a long term operations strategy for CA – supported by operations and change management from CA Enablement team.

Accountability: Stakeholder relationship management

• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are engaged in the risk governance structures, in compliance with the ERMF and AGL governance requirements.

• Partner with business unit risk teams where necessary, to ensure a holistic approach across the organisation in managing Reputation Risk and Brand Safety.

Accountability: Corporate Affairs risk profile management and strategy execution

• Implementing an effective and fit for purpose risk reporting operating model.

• Drive a culture of proactive compliance and risk management within the executive team and the function as a whole.

• In conjunction with CA leadership - review, update and embed fit-for-purpose governance structures within CA to manage risk in line with the ERMF.

• Ensure effective tracking of controls and weaknesses in CA and advise leadership on corrective actions

• Own and manage control issues related to Risk activities in CA and ensure adequate, effective remediation in line with AGL Group minimum standards.

• Ensure the applicable Principal Risks relevant to CA are in place. Monitor all business risk activities within the operating environment through obtaining feedback and providing guidance for tactical plans to ensure compliance to Group standards.

• On a quarterly basis, evaluate the CA Principle Risks and acquire the required attestations to confirm control status.

• Present the function’s requirements in CA ExCo and to relevant external stakeholders, such as the Enterprise Risk Committee, Reputation Risk Officer and others as required.

• Lead the people, systems, processes, and innovation agenda to achieve maximum automation – in collaboration with FTEC, CA Enablement and CA subject matter experts

Accountability: Reporting

• Ensure that all the necessary Corporate Affairs reporting is concluded on time, in line with the Group Reporting schedule

• This includes the function’s balanced score card measures, as well as inputs into other score cards and/or annual reports for the Group.  This includes reporting on BB-BEE, socio-economic development spend (SED), CSI impact, diversity and inclusion, colleague measures etc. Ensure that reporting is completed in line with the Group’s reporting standards and requirements, signed off by the data owners and submitted on time.

• Manage the reporting team in such a way so as to foster a culture of accuracy, timeliness, and actively seek out ways to leverage automation/digital innovation to enhance reporting outcomes.

Accountability: Control measures

• Understand the control measures applicable to my role through reading the Code of Conduct and other training allocated to me. Where responsible for risks and controls ensure that these are appropriate and fit for purpose.

• All mandatory training completed to deadline and understood within given timescales.

• Where applicable, all key risks identified, tracked, logged and managed as per the Risk Framework procedures

• Where applicable, all key controls to have identified owners, with audit trail of regular review and maintenance together with supporting records.   

• Where applicable, all risk events (incidents) or control failures to be escalated, investigated, reported and fixed at root cause to prevent reoccurrence

Minimum requirements:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Business Science, Business Administration, Audit, Accounting or similar

• 10 years’ experience in Risk management, Governance or similar

• Experience in a leadership position, in a Risk Governance based roles

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