Senior Specialist: Model Validation (Machine Learning) at Capitec Bank

Purpose Statement

• To be responsible for technical review and validation of models used within the organisation, especially machine learning models, ensuring appropriate model governance and model risk management processes and standards are in place in order to manage model risk and improve and optimise model methodologies and usage.

Experience
Minimum:

• 5+ years working experience in data science, machine learning and integration of developed solutions.
• Able to design and deliver end-to-end on all but the most complex ML projects without supervision
• Predictive modelling techniques (statistical and machine learning) and deployment
• Data mining and predictive modelling
• Experience in a wide range of model types.
• Having own model reviewed and validated, or validating models
• Presenting and defending findings to model developers and senior management

Ideal:

• In a banking environment
• Acting as the subject matter expert and holding accountability for the reviewing and validation of machine learning models.
• Model governance, model risk management and model risk aggregation experience.

Qualifications (Minimum)

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics or Data Science

Qualifications (Ideal or Preferred)

• Honours Degree in Statistics or Data Science

Knowledge
Minimum:

Knowledge and understanding of:

• Machine learning model development. 
• Underlying theory and application of machine learning models, must be able to understand underlying principles and theory and be able to teach others. 
• Best practices for data science 
• Ethical AI design principles
• Machine learning model architecture (technical design and implementation processes)
• Source control systems e.g. Git, Bitbucket, or Sourcetree
• Analytics
• Statistical and predictive methodologies
• Table and database structures
• Statistical software (e.g. SAS, R, Python)
• Database querying (e.g. SQL)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel (including VBA)
• Technical understanding and knowledge of different operating systems / databases / programming languages
• Model risk management and model governance.
• Understanding of technical issues and the impact these may have on other models, strategies, decisions and areas 
• Reporting at strategic level for senior management/executives

Ideal:

Knowledge and understanding of:

• Specialist in one or more specific machine learning competencies, e.g. NLP, Deep Learning etc.
• Credit scoring
• Financial mathematics and models (pricing, provisions, ICAAP, capital)
• Basic accounting 
• Relational database technologies
• Solution and experimental design
• Banking products such as Personal Loans, Credit Cards, Home Loans, Vehicle Finance
• Understanding of how economic risks could affect the bank
• Project management
• Knowledge of risk management concepts and their applications.

Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Numerical Reasoning skills
• Commercial Thinking Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Computer Literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook)

Competencies

• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Writing and Reporting
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Analysing
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
• Achieving Personal Work Goals and Objectives

Conditions of Employment

• Clear criminal and credit record
• A valid driver's license and own vehicle is required