Head of Risk at Equity Bank Kenya

Description

Reporting to the Board of Equity Bank Kenya Ltd (EBKL) with matrix reporting to the Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO), the Head of Risk for Kenya will develop and lead the Enterprise Risk Function in providing an on-going risk perspective to the Board and management on strategy and operations to enable the business to achieve its strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the EBKL Enterprise Risk Management Framework and ensure its effective implementation 
• Develop the EBKL Enterprise Risk Function to ensure it is capable of supporting First Line of Defence risk taking activities through effective Second Line challenge
• Recommend appropriate risk appetite aligned with strategic objectives and ensure the Board approved Risk appetite is integrated into Country’s overall strategic agenda
• As Secretary to the Board Risk Committee support the committee to execute its risk management responsibilities by providing an on-going risk perspective on strategy and operations, in addition to coordinating the Country Risk Management Committee as chair/alternate chair
• Provide leadership and develop adequate risk infrastructure to support Country strategy and operational activities.
• Implement risk data aggregation capability to support seamless risk analysis and report
• Initiate a relevant stress test and scenario program, review the results and assess their implications for the country.
• Ensure that effective management response plans are in place to respond to extreme but plausible scenarios.
• Oversee timely and accurate risk escalation and reporting to The Board, the Equity Group and to the Regulator
• Maintain robust proactive communication protocol and process with the Regulators
• Communicate with the Company stakeholder and board members about Country ‘s Business Risk Profile
• Develop enterprise risk management for the Country, supported by policies and standards appropriate for the boundaries of risks for the Country.
• Implement control testing and assurance program for the Country over the design and effectiveness of Country risk frameworks, risk policies, and standards
• Implement risk scanning program to support assessment of Horizon and Forward-looking risks.
• Drive transformation of the Risk Function to new ways of working to deliver robust risk management rhythm and risk culture in an agile environment.
• Team leadership. The role holder will be supported by a team of Risk Subject matter experts and other Risk Officers at Group and EBKL to deliver the mandate.

Qualification and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business related field
• Postgraduate /Master’s degree qualifications are an added advantage
• Professional qualifications in Risk from a recognized professional body
• Relevant business/function experience of over ten years (Banking experience preferred)
• Experience in building/supporting risk management programs and working with boards, senior management and regulators

Competencies

• Financial services, Banking and Technology industry experience
• In-depth understanding Global risk frameworks and their application.
• Ability to work in a matrix organization, leveraging resources across the organization to complete deliverables.
• The sound judgement and courage necessary to perform a control role and maintain effective working relationships
• Strong analytical, problem solving and modelling skills
• A proactive, tenacious and results oriented leader with great initiative
• Excellent commercial orientation and business acumen
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Enthusiastic with a high level of accountability and integrity