Manager: Model Development PPB & BB Credit Risk- Africa Regions (AR) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Description

Model Development 

• Own end to end development of credit risk models across the lifecycle: application, behavioral/Early Warning Signals, collections & recoveries, pricing & profitability, and IFRS 9 PD/LGD/EAD components as applicable.
• Set and steward fit for purpose methodologies (segmentation, feature engineering, modelling approach, calibration, cut off design, fairness/explain ability).
• Ensure high quality, audit ready documentation (Methodology, data lineage, variable dictionaries, etc.) aligned to Group Model Risk Policy (GMRP) and internal standards.
• Drive peer review and reproducibility (code control, evidence packs) primarily in SAS & Excel.
• Conduct due diligence on vendor models (methodological fit, data requirements, limitations); where appropriate, assume ownership as if internally built.
• Deliver the book of work on time, aligned to scope, budget and AR country priorities; proactively manage risks and dependencies.
• Execute targeted analytics on demand to inform modelling decisions and portfolio strategies.

Model Risk Governance

• On time submissions to Independent Validation Unit; minimize rework by ensuring scope clarity, evidence completeness and stakeholder pre alignment.
• Ensure no overdue findings (validation, audit, regulatory) via disciplined action tracking, root cause remediation and evidenced closure.
• Uphold policy and control environment (GMRP, documentation standards, change control, annual reviews), and hold Model Owners to account for governance obligations.
• Coordinate management responses to auditors/regulators; prepare concise briefing packs that demonstrate model suitability, accuracy and use.
• Provide independent challenge on methodology choices, data quality, and usage constraints to reduce model risk.

Implementation & Monitoring Enablement 

• Translate model design into implementation specifications; support parallel runs, reconciliations, and cutover with clear back out criteria.
• Define monitoring thresholds/triggers (e.g., stability, discrimination, back testing) and develop monitoring templates.
• Ensure robust handover to Model Owners for ongoing monitoring, accuracy reviews and model owner reviews; verify capability and accountability in markets.
• Oversee vendor model implementation and integration; verify consistency with prototype and policy adherence.
• Support business usage/adoption through practical guidance and performance translation.

Stakeholder & People Leadership 

• Lead a mixed team (AVPs + contingent workers) with clear objectives, code/documentation standards, and coaching on modelling craft and communication.
• Train markets on model methodology, usage and monitoring practices; build self-sufficiency and succession in-country.
• Maintain senior level engagement with Group Model Risk, IVU, Group Finance and Country Risk leadership; provide transparent updates on delivery, issues and value.
• Plan capacity, allocate resources across priorities, manage budgets and maintain a predictable delivery rhythm.

Preferred Education

• BSc (Honours) / Master’s in Statistics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, or related quantitative field.
• 6–8+ years in credit risk model development (PPB & BB) including IFRS 9 components, application & behavioral scorecards and pricing & profitability modelling/analytics.
• Proven track record of on time model approvals and closure of validation/audit findings.
• Experience engaging with validators, auditors and regulators; strong governance discipline.
• Leadership of permanent and contingent teams; market training across multiple countries (African experience advantageous).

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Advanced SAS & Excel for development, reconciliations and monitoring (SQL/Python beneficial).
• Strong grounding in statistical/econometric methods (logistic/linear models, calibration, back testing, stability, discrimination metrics, etc.).
• Deep understanding of IFRS 9 (PD/LGD/EAD, staging, macro linkages, impairment governance) and model risk policy.
• Executive level communication; able to translate complex results into business relevant decisions.

Measures of Success

• On time model delivery and IVU submission; first time approval rate; no overdue findings.
• Model accuracy and stability (back testing, impairment performance; avoidance of material over/under prediction).
• Business adoption of model outputs with measurable value.
• Monitoring readiness (clear thresholds, templates, handover quality); adherence to governance milestones.
• Capability uplift (training coverage, improved documentation quality, reduced rework) across markets and team.

Education

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

End Date: January 26, 2026