Current Vacancies at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Description

Architecture

• Leverage a solid & deep understanding of the organization strategy to identify, design & deliver relevant, scalable, testable, re-usable technology solutions
• Work in collaboration with delivery teams to independently analyse customer requirements & varying business capabilities & leverage analysis to identify & accurately spec / frame ‘the complex business problems we are aiming to solve’ with each solution design or solution evolution
• Through the above processes, leverage emotional, social & business / commercial quotient to understand consumers and the broader range of stakeholders, their opinions & perspectives and reconcile these within the solution designs (negotiation skills and dealing with complex and divergent stakeholder opinions are a must)
• Leverage expertise in analytical & creative problem solving to synthesise a solution design (build a solution from its components) beyond the analysis of the problem
• Lead design thinking processes to successfully deliver solution blueprints & associated roadmaps
• Create end to end solution blueprints & ensure these can be implemented across all phases of the initiative life-cycle (ideation through to product launch & commercialization)
• Design & or contribute to the design & implementation of detailed feasibilities & business cases
• Leverage a strong engineering background to make the right choices in solution design – this knowledge includes but is not limited to: domain driven design, loosely coupled integration, microservices and other modern software design practices
• The above extends to identifying the best fit tools to be used for a particular solution, understanding those that would not be a good choice and leveraging researching skills to pivot towards something better
• Assume ‘one stop’ shop accountability for solution blueprint design & delivery decisions within an organization based on the above
• Work with project / program management teams to design solution roadmaps aligned to the strategic requirements of an organization and through which the solution can be implemented across all phases of the initiative life-cycle (ideation through to product launch and commercialization)
• Work embedded, as part of a delivery team, to ensure the successful design & implementation of solution blueprints
• Ensure that the detail of the solution (across all architecture domains) is accurate to the implementation of the initiative, true to the bank’s architectural principles/preferences, implementable by the different teams involved in the solution
• Work as part of embedded delivery teams to conduct solution reviews, code reviews, testing and other disciplines associated with solution design & delivery
• Attend various Group & Business specific architectural design forums and present solution designs and detailed business cases for approval
• Leverage synthesis & creative problem skills to identify risk (impending danger & challenges) and work with a cross functional group of stakeholders across the value chain for support & direction
• Conduct solution reviews against defined customer metrics and ensure the ongoing achievement of business results through solution implementation
• Ensure a solid understanding of emerging & evolving architectural principles and hold one stop shop accountability for the evolution of solutions in alignment with these principles (where it makes sense to do so)
• Build architectural capability across delivery teams in a business to ensure ongoing evolution of skills in solution delivery
• Contribute to the architecture body of knowledge
• Contribute to the design & evolution of architectural principles and preferences

People

• Participate in peer reviews (code, solution, testing etc.) and transfer knowledge and capability across delivery teams for improved solutioning & evolving architectural practices
• Set & Cascade solution direction across technology delivery teams
• Build & evolve the architectural capability of Delivery teams across the business – through active coaching & information / knowledge sharing
• As an SME, support the proactive attraction, recruitment, development, & retention of strong technology teams across an estate
• Leverage and embed agile practices in delivery teams and work to build strong self-directed, high performance teams through agile working practices (including daily, weekly, etc. sprint routines, regular & honest feedback etc.)

Financial & Vendor Management, Risk & Governance

• Carry the ‘one stop shop’ accountability for all risk associated with solution design (from ideation to deployment)
• Apply the organization risk & governance frameworks
• Ensure solution design alignment to Group guidelines & ensure solutions are sustainable for the enterprise
• Proactively involve / engage chapter & guild leads in solution decision making, applying an enterprise wide lens to product & service development
• Ensure solution design alignment to regulatory requirements and continuously update knowledge on regulatory requirements for the successful design of new & evolution of existing solutions
• Deliver on time & on budget (always)

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology

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Job Description

• Administrative and operations support: Provide administrative and operations support and advice against standard operating procedures 
• Ad Hoc duties: Provide support to customers and team as required to ensure team performance on an ongoing basis 
• Compliance and Risk Management: Fulfil all activities in adherence to relevant control and compliance requirements, and quality standards 
• Administration: Effectively fulfil all required administrative duties, including tracking and reporting

Education

• Higher Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

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Job Description

Platform Engineering, Deployment & Optimisation

• Leverage platform engineering expertise & a working knowledge of specific platforms and their constituent parts to positively contribute to platform feature and service designs
• Take accountability for deeply understanding & building expertise on the platform, the platform contribution to the broader platform strategy & business and customer requirements & all available technologies
• Develop business & customer aligned, lasting & innovative platform feature sets
• Positively contribute to, define & implement the development/engineering lifecycle (end to end) and lead lifecycle improvements over successive releases.
• Produce simple, extensible, and maintainable features with very few defects. Continually works to find and fix defects.
• Leverage platform (service design & code) & engineering technical expertise to proactively identify risks and prevent defects
• Identify patterns that reveal errors and unanticipated problems, and influence telemetry analytics design decisions
• Identify & Apply metrics to drive the quality and stability of code
• Ensure consistent, usable, forward-looking, maintainable test infrastructure
• Apply object orientated design in development & draw from a large base of design patterns
• Uphold our technical principles of: self-service, scalability, re-usability, resilience & stability in all development practices and deliver feature sets that sustainably deliver on these principles
• Apply knowledge and expertise in User / Customer experience to deliver a stable user experience in all design & development that is simple, elegant, and useful.
• Proactively identify development practices that work well & leverage & improve these for future solution design and deployment
• Document feature set and constituent design information to produce solution design blueprints and validation collateral
• Based on engineering & platform expertise and a sound knowledge of the business & customer requirements
• consistently provide key ideas for the enhancement & optimization of the platform
• Develop & document complete designs and implement testing processes that identify and eradicate platform or service-wide problems / improve on platform performance
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the quality & ongoing quality assurance of the product/service’s in use, and take appropriate action to resolve issues throughout the lifecycle of the product or service
• Ensure alignment to platform and service release plans for effective deployment of solution designs
• Drive & implement design review processes & practices with the team & participate & positively contribute to design reviews for the feature area led by others
• Apply expertise in engineering & available technologies to enable effective review processes
• Cascade review lessons learnt for the benefit of the broader team
• Enable problem resolution across technical teams, apply and or facilitate root cause analysis, deeply understand the root causes of issues and find ways to resolve them (sustainably)
• Continuously review & find ways to optimize team processes & improve engineering quality, productivity, and team responsiveness to feedback and changing priorities
• Optimize, refactors and reuse components to improve performance and maintainability – ensuring maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and return on investment
• Take accountability for maintaining platform standards and best practices, and drive adoption across multiple service teams
• Demonstrate knowledge of, identify & find required data for the ongoing monitoring & improvement of the platform feature area
• Proactively monitor the performance of the platform features & solutions
• Translate monitoring data into clearly articulated descriptions of opportunities & defects, their impact to the customer scenario and to the product or service as a whole, and the relevance to product and service targets (within scope of the job).
• Cascade and communicate these insights across the team to influence platform decision making
• Leverage production performance monitoring and customer data to make feature area technical design and implementation decisions.
• Synthesize data from multiple sources and present & define concise, impactful conclusions that influence feature teams to solve defects and meet quality targets

Accountability: Financial & Cost Optimization, Risk & Governance

• Understand the platform cost model & the optimal cost : serve of the platform, use this understanding to drive the platform efficiency & effectiveness objectives
• Participate in incident management & DR activity – applying critical thinking, problem solving & technical expertise to get to the bottom of major incidents
• Apply Group risk (e.g. Architecture, development, change & release etc.), governance, compliance & regulatory standards and frameworks
• Proactively identify technical risks and mitigate these (pre, during & post release)
• Update / Design all feature documentation aligned to the organization technical standards and risk / governance frameworks

Accountability: People

• Proactively & effectively (time & quality) collaborate & drive collaboration on features across feature team (e.g. managing dependencies & interdependencies, conflict resolution, information & best practice sharing, problem resolution outside of own area etc.)
• Apply collaboration skills in development practices & issue resolution regardless of team boundaries & lead communication with relevant stakeholders through to conclusion
• Contribute to a high performance team environment & culture as a high performing member of a self-directed team aligned to agile working
• Leverage coaching techniques in all team related activity to drive a higher quality service, design and deployment of technical solutions.
• Proactively seek & provide feedback across a range of stakeholders for the benefit of the team & leverage feedback to consistently improve platform solution delivery
• Coach & mentor other engineers & support engineering teams on technical solutions and problem resolution & proactively seek coaching & mentoring from others
• Participate in peer reviews, testing, problem solving within and across the broader team
• Cascade platform performance feedback and ensure capability development across teams to enable efficient & effective platform service delivery
• Drive the design of content, tools & materials for strategy alignment, education & adoption processes to be applied across stakeholder groups

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology

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Education and Experience Required

• Formal tertiary qualification – Finance Degree with Honors in Investments/Inv Management/Math of Finance would be an added advantage. 
• 5  years Investment industry experience; experience in dealing with Investors; Investment banking related product and Systems experience essential.
• 5 years working for Top tier Financial Services firm

Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrate strong understanding of financial markets and instruments, including HF’s and CIS’s, that can be leveraged with appropriate product 
• Demonstrate a good degree of knowledge of the structured products – listed and OTC  
• Demonstrate strong ability in dealing with systems, including the improvement of functionality as well as the configuration and the testing thereof  
• Solid understanding of various infrastructure functions and their interdependencies as they relate to products and processes
• Knowledge of competitor products. 
• Experience in one or more investment product and systems. 
• Ability to work under pressure within tight deadlines
• Experience in financial product marketing  

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Job Description

The role is primarily responsible for:

• The delivery and maintenance of a Pan Africa Payments and Regulatory COE Governance and Control Framework while ensuring alignment to regulatory requirements and internal policies
• Define and revise risk standards in alignment with Global Payments best practice standards
• Ensure embedment and adherence to all risk and payment standards across all payments businesses To oversee governance, risk and control for the Pan Africa Payments and Regulatory COE business
• Setting and managing overall risk appetite for the business together with ORM, Country CRO’s, Audit and principal risk owners.
• Ensure reconciliations are performed according to standards and that escalation is in place through appropriate dashboards.
• Ensure adherence to the risk event standards and governance.
• Ensure quick and appropriate reporting and investigation of risk events Ensure accurate and appropriate risk event articulation and escalation.
• Ensure all new payment products and implementations are fit for purpose.
• Ensuring satisfactory audits across all markets.
• Working closely with business units to identify potential risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them. They provide guidance and support to business units on compliance-related matters, including monitoring and reporting on compliance activities.
• Plays a critical role in ensuring that the P&R COE operates in a manner that is compliant with regulations and industry standards, while also minimizing risks to the organization's reputation and financial performance Innovate and implement an appropriate proactive digital risk event solution

Key Accountabilities

Governance 

• Deliver, implement, and maintain a ‘fit for purpose’ TxB Risk and Control governance framework aligned to regulatory requirements, internal policies and alignment to industry standards.
• Together with relevant stakeholders, ensure P&R COE process and solutions are “fit for purpose”
• Together with and business heads operating in accordance with the ERMF provisions as well as ensure its embedment
• Ensure the appropriate risk governance is followed.
• Proactively address shortcomings and regulatory changes to ensure Integrity and good customer outcomes are maintained.
• Driving the remediation of risks across the business whilst ensuring that enterprise risks road to satisfactory and remediation plans are prioritised
• Identifying and managing risks within the organization Accountability: Risk Management and Compliance
• Ensure that the Payment and Regulatory COE governance framework applicable to the business is documented and distributed to the different business areas for implementation and embedment in their processes
• Act as a principal sponsor for the area’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework
• Ensure there are proper internal audit procedures and the timely resolution of all audit findings Manage key risks through an inclusive governance framework to keep key stakeholders accountable
• Ensure that all key risks are allocated to responsible individuals and that they are managed and reported on through the governance framework
• Ensure that the team understands all compliance requirements and that all regulatory requirements are adhered to
• Undertake periodic formal reviews on each product and report results and proposed remedial action to the Leadership Team. Influence necessary senior stakeholders and drive implementation of remedial actions. Accountability: People Management
• Lead, develop and motivate the Payment and Regulatory COE Governance and Innovation team – including responsibility for performance management, development, under performance, training, assuming reward and recognition, grievance cases and discipline Appropriately resource the team to execute the strategy by recruiting and attracting talent to the organisation
• Create a high-performance environment and effective team working

Stakeholder Relationships 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including business unit leaders, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Operational Risk leaders, Enterprise risk functional leads and enterprise risk managers, and critical role players with CIB, Group and Board. Effective stakeholder expectation management through engagement, sound reporting and governance structures
• Ensure that accurate and timely reporting on the bank's risk profile, control environment, and compliance with regulatory requirements is provided to senior management and the board of directors

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, banking, Economics or Similar (NQF level 6.)
• Post Graduate degree or MBA (NQF Level 7) is preferable
• Ten (10) plus years Payments and Banking experience . 10 years experience and proven track record in a similar role
• Knowledge of exchange control and sanctions an advantage Knowledge and Skills
• CIB and Payments Legislation and Compliance Strategic planning and management
• Attention to detail
• Written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Risk and Fraud Management
• Financial Acumen Interpersonal and communicating skills
• Management and Leadership Skills
• Relationship Building and Networking skills Competencies
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
• Decisive and Proactive
• Persuasive and influencing
• Translate expertise and technology into

Education

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

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Education

• Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Job Summary

• Deliver day-to-day knowledge work, in order to execute predefined objectives as per agreed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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Education

• Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Job Summary

• Deliver day-to-day knowledge work, in order to execute predefined objectives as per agreed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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Job Description

Credit Risk Management

• Take ownership for the strategic management  of the “high value” / “high risk” / “complex” /”high profile” Relationship Banking distressed client base ensuring that effective strategies are devised and implemented to ensure the management of impairments is within acceptable norms – i.e. impairments are forecast and raised in a timely manner.
• Support the Senior Business Support Specialist as they lead the detailed / complex negotiations with clients, other lenders, creditors and third party advisors regarding the agreement to, and implementation of strategy, to ensure properly mitigated credit risk for the Bank, based on continued Bank support and in the circumstances where strategies may conflict with client goals (e.g. insolvency).
• Where required take the lead in negotiating with clients, other lenders, creditors and third party advisors on complex transaction and/or where capacity is needed.
• Drive pro-active formulation and implementation of strategies pertaining to the client relationship, to improve credit risk.
• Deliver high standards of credit quality for high-risk and / or complex cases through the application of best practice to credit proposals.  Ensure high standards of credit discipline are applied to monitoring and control activities especially unauthorised borrowing.
• Make personal lending decisions within delegated personal mandate.
• Provide assistance and coaching to case managers in formulating strategies for the more complicated cases.
• Evaluation and approval / decline of credit proposals which lie outside the personal mandate of other team members in Business Support across all portfolios.
• Where necessary, stand-in as the chair of the various committees in the absence of the Head of Business Support.
• Attend the Regional, Segment and Relationship Banking Risk committee meetings, from time to time, and at discretion.
• Contribute to overall business and credit policy development.

Change Management 

• Drive the development and execution of strategic projects (as required) from time to time
• To take ownership of the watchlist processes and drive standardisation across Business Support in terms of the way in which Business Support reports and measures its KPIs
• Develop and produce a Portfolio Review Committee monthly pack for discussion with Business Support leadership and Risk leadership

People Management 

• Coach and support members of the team by assisting their technical development. Be responsible for the sharing of knowledge including technical solutions, tips, ideas and good practices within own and across other teams.
• Ensure that the resources and skills within the team are appropriate and comply with the requirements of the business area.
• Closely monitor and drive Key Performance Indicators/Drivers (as agreed from time to time).
• Ensure adherence to Absa’ values.
• Ensure that employee survey mechanisms are in place and based on the results, that corrective actions are taken where necessary.
• Drive diversity management.
• Build a pool of A players and raise talent levels.
• Be responsible for the sharing of knowledge including technical solutions, tips, ideas and good practices within own and across other teams

Stakeholder Management  

• Raise local profile in the team as well as the broader Relationship Banking Credit team and business partners
• Ensure stakeholder alignment and satisfaction utilising sound stakeholder management techniques
• Champion the Business Support team’s relationship with internal and external Clients, develop a strong network of internal contacts, external and panel professionals to maximise financial benefit for the Bank.
• Position and promote Business Support with Relationship Banking Teams, Relationship Banking Risk, Group Risk as well as external Clients, Industry Specialists and peers.

Governance

• Ensure that appropriate mandates are in place and reviewed annually.
• Ensure that standards and/or policies are in place and they align with strategies and reviewed annually
• Ensure that processes and procedures are documented, aligned with strategies and reviewed annually.
• Maintain the necessary meeting and reporting structures to support a highly effective governance structure.
• Comply with the Bank’s credit policies, standards, frameworks and philosophy at all times, and check that any policy breaches have been suitably addressed and mitigated against and reported to the appropriate authority e.g. Forensics.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Responsibility for adherence to governance, compliance and lending portfolio controls and MI as required from time to time.

Education and Experience Required

• Postgraduate degree (preferably in Finance or Accounting as a Major) and a qualification in related legal fields would be an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years banking experience
• 8 to 10 years senior management corporate credit evaluation experience.
• Preference would be given to incumbents with extensive track record in managing Turnarounds, Restructures and Workouts of financially distressed clients.
• Member of SARIPA and/or TMA-SA

Education

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

go to method of application »

Job Description

Credit Risk Management

• Lead detailed negotiations with customers, other lenders, creditors and 3rd party advisors regarding the agreement to and implementation of strategy, to ensure properly mitigated credit risk for the Bank, based on continued bank support.  
• Where appropriate, obtain customer’s agreement to the use of professionals including accountants, turnaround professionals, attorneys and property professionals.
• For turnaround customers, agree critical success factors in liaison with Relationship Executives, Regional Credit Managers and other Credit teams to ensure credit risk normalisation and relationship preservation. Obtain customer commitment and agreement to implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies and remedial actions to improve the client credit risk profile.
• Be able to pro-actively identify and suggest alternative corporate structures and / or Corporate Finance actions (e.g. merger activity, consolidation or divisionalisation of entities etc.)
• Solid understanding of legal documentation and associated risks, including:
• Review of all legal documentation pursuant to the existing facility structure, identifying and obtaining additional security and / or shortcomings in terms of said structure
• Review of all legal documentation which is entered into from a restructure perspective
• Must be able to engage and support internal legal counsel with respect to litigation matters
• Interact with client representatives, most at senior level (e.g. CEO and /or FD), including shareholders from time to time, and be able to meaningfully discuss and question the client’s proposed strategies and action plans – including appraisal of budgets and cash flow plans
• Identify where risk mitigation strategies have broken down and negotiate and implement remedial or corrective action in consultation with the client.
• Make lending decisions within an appropriate personal mandate.
• Perform robust financial and non-financial analysis on the client that will support and underpin all new proposals in terms of the clients' credit risk implications by liaising closely with business to formulate Credit applications/proposals.
• Assess credit applications for WL clients within own mandate and approve or decline these applications or recommend to the appropriate sanctioning level.
• Structure a lending solution for the client based on the analysis conducted, that will account for the potential threats to the client and, that is within set credit limits and the Bank's credit lending policies and appetite.
• Facilitate the credit sanctioning process by responding to sanctioned enquiries i.e. non-acceptance of approved terms and conditions, applications and/or attend all relevant Credit meetings, where necessary, in order to present and sponsor credit applications that have been submitted under the roleholder's signature.
• Produce relevant management information and statistics, i.e. monthly impairment assessment and Strategy sheets, etc as required from time to time.
• Manage exposures by taking daily credit decisions and reviewing information from various systems (CMS) and taking credit decisions accordingly.
• Use information gathered to compile reviews/amendments/new applications to be submitted to Business Support in liaison with the Relationship Executives (RE).
• Request and drive valuations on properties from RE’s/business units, which serve as security for facilities to be used to calculate impairments.
• Champion the Business Support team’s relationship with internal and external customers, develop a strong network of internal contacts, external and panel professionals to maximise financial benefit for the Bank. 
• To drive the implementation of appropriate strategies and/or risk mitigation measures in the client portfolio with a view to reducing the Capital at Risk.
• Inputs into the weekly/monthly impairment forecasting, as required from time to time.
• Proactively manage Business Rescue as governed by Chapter 6 of the Companies Act of 2008, and in alignment with the existing Business Support Procedures for time to time.
• Monitor the client’s business performance on a continuous basis, in addition to performing formal reviews at specified time intervals, to ensure early identification of changes to the client's risk profile.
• Analyse and interpret the clients' historical data i.e. financial statements to forecast the client’s potential growth and sustainability and make recommendations or take decisions within mandate.
• Ensure client meets financial convenants and the facility terms and conditions on a monthly basis by reviewing in line with the agreed covenants/terms and conditions/timelines.
• Review and recommend the impairment calculations, strategy to be adopted and Watch List risk classification for each client, which forms part of the Watch List summary for all High Value clients under his/her control.
• Review the Impairment/Capital at Risk calculation, on a monthly basis and sign off in line with the Bank policies.
• To manage the clients' value to Absa through optimising revenue opportunities i.e. pricing for risk in terms of the Pricing policy.
• Mitigate and manage the credit exposure to the Bank by adhering to the Business Support Policy and Procedures and the Bank's Credit policy.
• Maintain thorough, accurate and up to date client credit files (soft copies), which include a set of financials, evaluations and credit decisions.
• Obtain input from Product Industry Specialist/s, where appropriate, for assistance in analysing the risk for specific High Value clients.
• Ensure that the monthly Watch List is accurate and completed in line with the relevant policies and procedures.

People Management

• Assist the Business Support Team Leader to coach and support other members of the team by assisting their training and development.
• Ensure adherence to Absa’ values.

Change Management

• Assist with the development and execution of strategic projects (as required) from time to time.

Stakeholder Management

• Raise local profile in the team as well as the broader  Group Risk team and business partners

Governance

• Ensure that you only take decisions within mandate
• Ensure that you maintain standards in line with Absa policies
• Ensure that you follow and abide by processes and procedures.
• Comply with the Bank’s credit policies and philosophy at all times, and check that any policy breaches have been suitably addressed and mitigated against and reported to the appropriate authority e.g. Forensics.
• Provide bank codes and reports on clients, to other financial institutions as and when requested.
• Adhere to the Relationship Banking Credit Policy and other relevant legislation e.g. NCA, Companies Act, Insolvency Act and other relevant legislation.
• Responsibility for adherence to governance, compliance and lending portfolio controls and MI as required from time to time.

Education and Experience Required

• Preference would be given to incumbents with extensive experience in Restructuring, Turnaround and Workouts.
• BCom degree (with Accounting III as Major) and / or other postgraduate qualifications in Business or related legal fields would be an advantage.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years banking experience
• 5 to 10 years senior Commercial and/or Corporate credit experience.
• Preferably, proven success in a customer facing and/or similar Business Support role dealing with financially distressed clients
• Member of SARIPA and/or TMA-SA

Education

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

go to method of application »

Job Description

Credit Risk Management

• Lead detailed negotiations with customers, other lenders, creditors and 3rd party advisors regarding the agreement to and implementation of strategy, to ensure properly mitigated credit risk for the Bank, based on continued bank support.  
• Where appropriate, obtain customer’s agreement to the use of professionals including accountants, turnaround professionals, attorneys and property professionals.
• For turnaround customers, agree critical success factors in liaison with Relationship Executives, Regional Credit Managers and other Credit teams to ensure credit risk normalisation and relationship preservation. Obtain customer commitment and agreement to implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies and remedial actions to improve the client credit risk profile.
• Be able to pro-actively identify and suggest alternative corporate structures and / or Corporate Finance actions (e.g. merger activity, consolidation or divisionalisation of entities etc.)
• Solid understanding of legal documentation and associated risks, including:
• Review of all legal documentation pursuant to the existing facility structure, identifying and obtaining additional security and / or shortcomings in terms of said structure
• Review of all legal documentation which is entered into from a restructure perspective
• Must be able to engage and support internal legal counsel with respect to litigation matters
• Interact with client representatives, most at senior level (e.g. CEO and / or FD), including shareholders from time to time, and be able to meaningfully discuss and question the client’s proposed strategies and action plans – including appraisal of budgets and cash flow plans
• Identify where risk mitigation strategies have broken down and negotiate and implement remedial or corrective action in consultation with the client.
• Make lending decisions within an appropriate personal mandate.
• Perform robust financial and non-financial analysis on the client that will support and underpin all new proposals in terms of the clients’ credit risk implications by liaising closely with business to formulate Credit applications/proposals.
• Assess credit applications for WL clients within own mandate and approve or decline these applications or recommend to the appropriate sanctioning level.
• Structure a lending solution for the client based on the analysis conducted, that will account for the potential threats to the client and, that is within set credit limits and the Bank’s credit lending policies and appetite.
• Facilitate the credit sanctioning process by responding to sanctioned enquiries i.e. non-acceptance of approved terms and conditions, applications and/or attend all relevant Credit meetings, where necessary, in order to present and sponsor credit applications that have been submitted under the roleholder’s signature.
• Produce relevant management information and statistics, i.e. monthly impairment assessment and Strategy sheets, etc as required from time to time.
• Manage exposures by taking daily credit decisions and reviewing information from various systems (CMS) and taking credit decisions accordingly.
• Use information gathered to compile reviews/amendments/new applications to be submitted to Business Support in liaison with the Relationship Executives (RE).
• Request and drive valuations on properties from RE’s/business units, which serve as security for facilities to be used to calculate impairments.
• Champion the Business Support team’s relationship with internal and external customers, develop a strong network of internal contacts, external and panel professionals to maximise financial benefit for the Bank. 
• To drive the implementation of appropriate strategies and/or risk mitigation measures in the client portfolio with a view to reducing the Capital at Risk.
• Inputs into the weekly/monthly impairment forecasting, as required from time to time.
• Proactively manage Business Rescue as governed by Chapter 6 of the Companies Act of 2008, and in alignment with the existing Business Support Procedures for time to time.
• Monitor the client’s business performance on a continuous basis, in addition to performing formal reviews at specified time intervals, to ensure early identification of changes to the client’s risk profile.
• Analyse and interpret the clients’ historical data i.e. financial statements to forecast the client’s potential growth and sustainability and make recommendations or take decisions within mandate.
• Ensure client meets financial convenants and the facility terms and conditions on a monthly basis by reviewing in line with the agreed covenants/terms and conditions/timelines.
• Review and recommend the impairment calculations, strategy to be adopted and Watch List risk classification for each client, which forms part of the Watch List summary for all High Value clients under his/her control.
• Review the Impairment/Capital at Risk calculation, on a monthly basis and sign off in line with the Bank policies.
• To manage the clients’ value to Absa through optimising revenue opportunities i.e. pricing for risk in terms of the Pricing policy.
• Mitigate and manage the credit exposure to the Bank by adhering to the Business Support Policy and Procedures and the Bank’s Credit policy.
• Maintain thorough, accurate and up to date client credit files (soft copies), which include a set of financials, evaluations and credit decisions.
• Obtain input from Product Industry Specialist/s, where appropriate, for assistance in analysing the risk for specific High Value clients.
• Ensure that the monthly Watch List is accurate and completed in line with the relevant policies and procedures.

People Management & Support

• Assist the Business Support Team Leaders to coach and support other members of the team by assisting their training and development.
• Provide subject matter expert advisory to the Business Support team on all agriculture related exposures.
• Ensure adherence to Absa’ values.

Change Management

• Assist with the development and execution of strategic projects (as required) from time to time.

Stakeholder Management

• Raise local profile in the team as well as the broader Group Risk team and business partners

Governance

• Ensure that you only take decisions within delegated mandate
• Ensure that you maintain standards in line with Absa policies and standad
• Ensure that you follow and abide by processes and procedures.
• Comply with the Bank’s credit policies and philosophy at all times, and check that any policy breaches have been suitably addressed and mitigated against and reported to the appropriate authority e.g. Forensics.
• Provide bank codes and reports on clients, to other financial institutions as and when requested.
• Adhere to the Relationship Banking Credit Policy and other relevant legislation e.g. NCA, Companies Act, Insolvency Act and other relevant legislation.
• Responsibility for adherence to governance, compliance and lending portfolio controls and MI as required from time to time.

Education and Experience Required

• Preference would be given to incumbents with extensive experience in managing Turnarounds, Restructures and Workouts of financially distressed clients.
• BCom degree (with Accounting III as Major) and /or other postgraduate qualifications in Business/Finance or related legal fields would be an advantage.
• Agricultural studies would be beneficial.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years banking experience
• 5 to 10 years senior Agricultural Credit Evaluation experience
• Preferably, proven success in a customer facing and/or similar Business Support role dealing with financially distressed clients
• Member of SARIPA and/or TMA-SA

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Job Description

Operational Risk Policies and Standards Development

• Formulate and manage a selection of operational and resilience risk management policies and standards taking into consideration relevant research and trends.
• Improve the efficiency and compliance levels of policies and standards to new / amended market, business or regulatory requirements.

Implementation management

• Assess, within own mandate, requests for dispensations and waivers and provide Head: ORRM with a recommendation for those above own mandate.
• Monitor and report on policy & standard implementation status, concerns and challenges. escalating material issues identified indicating the level of severity and associated risks.
• Drive policy and standard governance committees and forums and provide challenge, thought-leadership and direction. 
• Contribute to combined assurance planning across the 3LOD in relation to own policy & standard conformance.
• Undertake assessments of BA conformance to policy & standard requirements once implemented. and embedded in line with combined assurance plans.

Training and awareness

• Prepare training material, for those policies & standards under remit, and provide for consumption into the digitized training platform.
• Act as advisor, for the policies & standards under remit, to business units providing information on matters related to interpretation or implementation.
• Establish and maintain a coherent operating rhythm across the value chain (i.e. intra-risk, across Absa Group Limited and 3rd parties) in support of the functional objectives.

Reporting and analysis

• Request, review, consolidate and analyse Business Area reporting relating to outputs from framework element implementation and assist the Head: ORRM to provide concise executive level reporting.
• Compile the portfolio reports, and execute related processes, in conformance to the applicable principles of Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting. Challenge BU reports with the observed material data quality issues.

Operational Risk Management System

• From a methodology perspective, participate in the development of system requirements.
• Support the adoption and embedment of the system.

Enterprise Functions OR oversight Enablement

• Provide clear direction to the functions on the Operational Risk role, strategic plan and key focus areas.
• Provide relevant coaching, guidance and training to the function on the implementation and embedment of the Operational and Resilience Risk Management Framework component requirements and toolsets.

Review, challenge and monitor

• Review, challenge and monitor management’s Operational Risk and Specialist Risk Type assessments including emerging risks.
• Act in an advisory capacity to support the scoping and definition of related Operational Risk deliverables and plans, ensuring that these are aligned to the central Operational Risk calendar.
• Assess the relevance and performance of the Operational Risk indicators and thresholds.
• Partner with the first line of defence to provide guidance on issue/action documentation, tracking, escalation and remediation.
• Perform conformance reviews on agreed aspects of the framework.
• Oversee deep dive and lessons learnt exercises for material risks, including the review, challenge and tracking/escalation of findings. Review major remediation plans for adequacy, completeness and progress.
• Oversee monthly loss event reconciliations and related attestations to ensure that all (above threshold) risk events and losses have been captured on the Operational Risk system. 
• Leverage internal central engagement channels/resources, as appropriate.
• Risk Reporting
• Validate data and information in relevant reports provided by the Business Areas, as appropriate.
• Provide independent challenge on, and insight, interpretation and analytics from relevant reports to senior management.
• Prepare appropriate current and forecast Operational Risk profile reporting for the business unit/product under review, as agreed.

Stakeholder Communication and Liaison

• Establish and maintain a coherent operating rhythm across the value chain (i.e. intra-risk, across AGL and 3rd parties) in support of the functional objectives.
• Enable delivery of the update to the Risk Leadership with operational performance metrics, project implementation statuses and key matters arising; escalating material issues identified indicating the level of severity and associated risks.
• Where applicable engage vendors to address current and future needs in addition to delivery/performance metrics.
• Participate in key risk management committees, in conjunction with the Principal Risk Officers across the Group representing the portfolio.

People and Organisation

Direct resources in the most effective and efficient manner to execute the Function’s Plan, including:

• Enabling delivery of a supporting Risk Culture to deliver  performance consistent  with the Group’s Purpose and Values.
• Direct  involvement  in  all  appointments  and  setting competencies for the roles.
• Defining personal scorecard objectives and measures for employees that align to the Function’s Plan and Absa Scorecard. 
• Input to enable the design of remuneration structures that are appropriately aligned with Group’s Purpose, Culture and Policies.
• Directing performance objectives and remuneration structures for senior management designed to achieve a balance between risk, individual reward and the long term objectives of the Group.
• Input to, coordination and support of the performance management process of employees.
• Participation in the talent development and succession plans. 
• Management of an Operational Budget that supports delivery of the appropriate capabilities in pursuit of the Function’s Plan.
• Assistance with the coordination and management of change programs geared towards Operational Risk or, on behalf of the Group Risk Exco towards the Group efforts of their staff members.

Education

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

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Key Accountabilities:

• To support the ARO Audit Executive in various ad-hoc activities including:
• Management ARO MI and submissions to COO, business, etc
• Coordination of Annual Audit Planning 
• Lead ARO CSI initiatives
• Monitoring of regulatory On-sites commitments and assisting with preparation of on-site packs.
• Review of CM files 
• Oversight of scheduler and productivity
• Assisting with access monitoring and re-certifications
• Updating of staff list, training requirements and recruitment 
• Oversight over the ARO finance and budgeting
• Reporting

Audit Planning

• Participate in the 6+6 audit planning cycle; provide input by taking into account the risk and control profile, business strategy and material risks affecting the business.

Assurance

• Plan the delivery of assigned audits to a high quality and in line with Key Performance Indicators as per the methodology. This will include adequate resourcing scheduling, meeting key deliverables in terms of audit timelines and review of audit work to confirm that the minimum requirements as per methodology are met.
• Manage the execution of Design Effectiveness Testing (DEA) and Operational Effectiveness Testing (OET) of the audit team in line with methodology requirements and as per the requirements of the QA scorecard.
• Ensure audits and issues assurance within Key Performance timelines and resource budget

Leadership and Management

• Mentor and coach less experienced team members by providing guidance around the methodology and audit process, and manage the teams that assigned to the audit effectively by delegating audit work to empower each individual team member
• Develop a high performing team by embedding formal performance development and informal coaching. Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members

Teamwork

• Support IA management team to identify, attract, develop and retain talent on an ongoing basis.
• Engage proactively with Internal Audit colleagues during assignments and request technical assistance where required and based on knowledge of business areas, provide guidance to other auditors and peers by sharing best practice so that their work meets and sometimes exceeds quality standards.

Relationship Management

• Present effectively at stakeholder meetings and forums (e.g.: Risk and Governance Forums etc.) by sharing knowledge and information, including methodology, standards, changes and new developments, with business stakeholders on an ongoing basis, and develop and maintain relationships with accountable stakeholder management on each audit.
• Build effective relationships with CoE counterparts and fully engage them during audit reporting

Reporting

• Use business knowledge to assess evolving risks, write high quality reports with observations which are insightful, address the root cause, have agreed actions that fully mitigate the risk, support the Issues Assurance process and require no further audit work to support them

Knowledge Management

• Continuous upskilling on both technical and other core competencies.
• Keeping up to date with industry trends, regulatory changes and professional standards
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of the methodology, by attending training sessions and using knowledge gained during audits, use this proactively in executing audit activities.
• Based on knowledge of business areas, provide guidance to other auditors and peers by sharing best practice so that their work meets and sometimes exceeds quality standards

Education and Experience:

• 5 to 8 years Internal Audit experience
• CIA or CA
• Previous experience in ARO
• Stakeholder Management
• Reporting

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Job Description

• Assist in implementing the CPF AH Strategy through enhanced value proposition as well as service delivery and client experience.
• Manage internal and external customers/stakeholder relationships and proactively establish and maintain strong relationships.
• Manage new deal applications by obtaining the required documents and assisting in the structuring of deals.
• Assist in developing new loan structures/products that meet the client’s needs and sound financial feasibility and risk principles.
• Manage/administer the implementation of all conditions precedent to implement on a transaction.
• Ensure that transactions comply in all risk and compliance respects as well as legal and regulatory requirements.
• Research, create and follow up on a target list for potential new business.
• Develop a greater awareness of cross selling opportunities to client base by.
• Act as sector expert for AH in the market and be well networked to maximize all potential opportunities.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Client relationship management
• Strong technical financial skills
• Credit analysis
• Business acumen

Competencies:

• Delivering results and meeting customer/colleague expectations
• Presenting and communicating information
• Relating and networking
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Initiating action and solutions driven
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking

Education

• Commercial degree with majors in Economics, Finance, Accountancy or Banking
• Minimum 3-5 years of Banking Experience
• Exposure to Lending, Property Finance, Credit, Product Control or Finance secures

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Job Description

Distribution and Coverage Strategy:

• Develop and lead the distribution and coverage strategy for ARO RBB for all channels across multiple markets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market specific needs and requirements.
• Collaborate with RBB leadership teams in centre and country to tailor distribution models that optimize market potential, considering regulatory environments, cultural nuances, and emerging trends.

Sales Strategy and Execution:

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive sales strategy for ARO RBB, driving revenue growth, customer acquisition, relationship management and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including product teams, enablement functions, and various channels, to ensure integrated customer acquisition plans at regional and local levels.

Operational Oversight:

• Provide strategic oversight to the operationalization of product, segment, and channel plans, ensuring seamless integration into a cohesive commercial business plan.
• Translate business planning processes into integrated plans at the country, area, and branch levels, ensuring consistency and alignment across diverse markets.

Performance Metrics and Reporting:

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) at an aggregated level and per channel related to:
• Sales targets and customer acquisition
• Customer numbers, balance sheet, revenue, costs, impairment, headline earnings
• Employee satisfaction
• Customer experience
• Sales process, growth and income contribution
• Operational efficiency and cost performance per channel

Operational risk and control environment

• Drive the development and maintenance of a robust reporting framework, providing insights to senior leadership on the performance of ARO RBB across all markets.

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with leaders across different business units in Absa, ensuring seamless communication and alignment of strategies.
• Represent ARO RBB at a global level, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive value creation.

Risk and Compliance:

• Collaborate with all business units to ensure the effective implementation of governance, risk, and compliance programs across all channels.
• Drive the design and development of customer acquisition and management strategies, ensuring alignment with relevant sales processes and regulatory requirements.

Innovation and Market Intelligence:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, conducting market intelligence research to inform decision-making.
• Drive innovative approaches to distribution and coverage, leveraging emerging technologies and market insights.

Education

• Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)