Senior Modelling Data and Implementation Scientist at Absa

Job Summary

The modelling data and implementation scientist is responsible to lead modelling data and implementation initiatives and process execution by providing technical guidance with the aim to deliver continuous improvement of the modelling data and implementation landscape. The role is responsible for thought leadership in the modelling data and/or implementation landscape of 1 or more business units, while managing and aligning the expectations and vision of 1 or more modelling stakeholders. Standardization through mentorship and an improved control environment are also key objectives of the role.

Job Description

Accountability:  Modelling data and implementation processes/solutions (25%) 

• Provide guidance to Model Risk and Development in the capacity as model implementation and/or modelling data specialist.
• Review, guide, design modelling data preparation processes.
• Review and improve modelling data preparation code and documentation.
• Review, guide, design model implementation processes.
• Review and improve model implementation code and documentation.
• Ensure model selection rules (model hierarchies) are updated to reflect the latest approved and implemented model application scopes.  These model selection rules needs to be approved in the various model committees and embedded into operational processes.
• Provide leadership and guidance to ensure that the modelling data and model implementations comply with regulatory requirements.

Accountability:  Strategic landscape enhancement for modelling data and implementation (25%) 

• Motivate, enhance and facilitation modernization and best practice implementation of new technologies within the Model Risk and Development team.

Accountability:  Risk and Control environment (15%) 

• Lead and monitor the execution of controls ensuring that appropriate governance regarding modelling data, model implementation and model execution are embedded.
• Review detailed control documentation and motivate enhancements where appropriate.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by identifying and facilitating the embedment of regulatory requirements within the modelling data and implementation environment.

Accountability:  Stakeholder Engagement (20%) 

• Lead the modelling data and/or implementation landscape for 1 or more business units, while managing and aligning the expectations and vision of 1 or more modelling stakeholders (Regulatory Reporting, Risk Measurement, Model Development, Model Monitoring, Model Validation, BIIS/IT Stakeholders and Model Owners).
• Ensure correct model usage by assisting and guiding key model owner interactions.
• Present findings, design documentation and other modelling data implementation documentation to both internal and external stakeholders.

Accountability:  People management (15%) 

• Manage the delivery of key initiatives regarding modelling data and implementation objectives.
• Provide technical mentorship to ‘Modelling data and implementation analysts’ as well as ‘Modelling data and implementation engineers’.

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum B-degree in Quantitative Modelling and/or Computer Science (NQF level no.7) preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ experience

Knowledge & Skills: (Maximum of 6)

• Quantitative and analytical thinking
• Knowledge of modelling and statistics
• Communication skills (Verbal, Written)
• Knowledge of Credit Risk and Banking Products
• Knowledge of Data warehousing, Data bases and Data structures
• Big data (Data structures and querying languages)

Competencies:  (Maximum of 8 competencies)

• Adapting and responding to change
• Creating and innovating
• Presenting and communicating information
• Learning and researching
• Analysing
• Applying knowledge and technology
• Planning, scheduling and people management
• Leadership

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology