Vacancies at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

• Data is one of our greatest assets and how we harness it to understand the world, our business and our customers’ needs is crucial. In the Chief Data Office (CDO), we promote the intelligent use of data and make sure it is used in the right way to power our business decisions.
• Data science allows us to apply statistics, computer science and problem solving skills together with strong research methods to test, learn and optimize business processes.
• The role holder will be responsible for the use of statistics and machine learning models to solve complex business problems across various domains. This will involve working across various projects collaborating with the wider CDO team and an ability to provide clear updates to stakeholders and project managers.
• You will have a chance to get exposure to data science and how we deliver value to our customers while working as part of a team who will be guiding you throughout.

Job Description

Key accountabilities:

• Perform statistical analysis - through developing and deploying models on large data sets.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis and an ability to perform simple queries, aggregations, joins and transformations using SQL.
• Demonstrate an understanding of agile delivery.
• Evaluates user request for new/modified solutions to determine feasibility, time required, compatibility with current system and computer capabilities.
• Transform large complex datasets into pragmatic actionable insights that influence tangible business gain.
• Advice on data collection procedures to include information that is relevant for building analytic systems.
• Processing, cleansing, and verifying the integrity and quality of data used for advanced analysis.
• Doing ad-hoc data analysis and presenting results in reports, dashboards and charts.
• Challenge ideas and methods while working together with talented, highly skilled team members.
• Gather and process raw, unstructured data at scale into a form suitable for analysis.
• Improve data foundational procedures, guidelines and standards and develop best practices for data management, maintenance, reporting and security.
• Develop and maintain documentation/manuals on models developed, reports generated and statistical solutions devised.
• Carry out user training as required to enable users interpret Data Science solutions.
• Ability to take personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
• Assist in developing and implementing a program of continuous improvement of Data processes through a cycle of analysis of existing systems, processes, and tools, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing high-impact changes, and getting feedback from stakeholders.
• Understand Key Performance Measures and Indicators that drive company performance measurement, reporting, and analytics across functions and understand how these metrics and measures align and track against overall business strategies, goals and objectives.
• Work with business customers to understand business requirements and implement solutions and with business owners to develop key business questions and to build datasets that answer those questions.

Education and experience required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/statistics, data sciences, computer science, economics or related quantitative fields is preferred (or equivalent on-the-job experience).
•  NQF level no.
• A minimum of 1-2 years technical experience.

Knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrable interest in data science/analytics.
• Proven ability to collaborate with other team members and contribute productively to the team’s work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
• Programming skills/concepts and the ability to pick up new technology with ease. Prior experience in R, Python, and/or other statistical tools and languages is a plus.
• Prior experience, in an academic or work setting, in one or some of – machine learning, data mining, unstructured data analytics, natural language processing, statistical or mathematical modelling.
• Familiarity with relational databases and an understanding of SQL are a plus.
• Understanding of a wide range of statistical techniques.
• Ability to understand and present finding to a wide range of audience.
• Prior experience in data visualization and an ability to derive insights is a bonus.

Competencies:

• An interest and understanding of machine learning techniques and algorithms, such as regression, k-NN, Naive Bayes, SVM and Decision Forests.
• Experience with or training in common data science toolkits, such as R, Python, Matlab, Julia etc.
• Demonstrable interest in using query languages such as SQL etc.
• Good applied statistics skills, such as distributions, statistical testing, Bayesian statistics etc.
• A demonstrable interest in cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure and GCP. Demonstrable experience is a plus.

Closing: 18 June 2022

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Job Purpose:

The role holder is responsible for carrying out Operations, reconciliations and reporting for the Absa Asset Management business and ensuring all fund transactions are accurately captured, correctly priced and reconciled as per the investment policies and guidelines.

Key Accountabilities

Business Operations Processes

• Capturing of all client onboarding data and KYC items in the investment management system.
• Capturing of all front office investment transaction in the investment management system.
• Liaise with custodians, banks, stockbrokers, and security issuers in processing of instructions relating to purchase or sale of investments, inflow of new client funds from new contributions, interest income, dividends and outflow of funds to various stakeholders.
• Conducting client account reconciliations with custodians and the finance function.
• Production of accurate timely and complete reports for consumption by the investment team, clients, regulators and management.
• Ensure safe custody of client KYC documents in accordance with the bank’s information guidelines and regulations.
• Provide updates on the performance of client investment portfolios whenever required.
• Provide the necessary liaison and point of contact between the providers of the investment management system, the IT department and management.
• Any other duties allocated by the unit head from time to time.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with both global and local internal and external stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate developments within areas of activity to all relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure impeccable and timeous service levels.

Rigour Compliance

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards. Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.
• Ensure compliance/adherence to CMA regulations on investments management.
• Drive and own requirements for individual certification with relevant authorities.
• Ensure compliance with operations risk and rigor requirements e.g. KYC and anti-money laundering measures.

Other Duties

• Data steward
• Internal coordination champion 

Skills and experience required:

• A first degree in relevant subject which may include finance, commerce etc.
• A minimum three (3) years’ experience in Investment Operations or other relevant area.
• CISI and/or other relevant professional qualifications in fund management operations will be an added advantage
• Knowledge of the Kenya financial services industry, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) & Regulatory Benefits Authority (RBA) Guidelines.

Knowledge, Expertise & Experience

• Experience in use of Investment Management Systems.
• Knowledge of good practice in operations and related activities including risk and governance frameworks.
• Adaptability to change, proactive and responsive to challenges in a changing environment.
• Enthusiastic, pragmatic, and energetic hands-on individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence, motivate and encourage consensus amongst peers, managers, and partners at all levels and of different cultures and capacities,

Closing: 17 June 2022

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Job Purpose:

The role holder key responsibility is execution of investment strategies and activities for assigned portfolios in line with client Investment Policy Statement documents (IPS) and as guided by regulatory requirements and Group’s policies.

Support the delivery of the firm’s revenues & profitability.

Key Accountabilities

Investment Duties

• Key member of the AAML Investment Committee responsible for generating content as guided by the Chief Investment Officer.
• Responsible for developing portfolios and delivering investment returns exceeding pre-set benchmarks.
• Ensure timely and coordinated implementation of Investment Committee decisions.
• Monitor portfolios under management and execute rebalancing strategies to bring them in line with agreed investment committee strategies, Investment Policy Statements, Regulatory provisions and ABSA internal control frame works.
• Report client performance in accordance with CFA Performance Reporting Standards.
• Uphold and follow the CFA Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Conduct and relevant ABSA governance provisions.
• Ensure investment decisions are backed by high quality and appropriate research and analysis, both internal and external.

Business Development

• Keep abreast of latest developments in international and regional markets and assist the Investment/Business Development Team to develop appropriate products for launch. 
• Manage existing client relationships in order to retain and grow business from company’s clients.
• Support the Business Development team in presentations to potential clients.
• Leverage existing business relationships of the Group to grow company client base. 

Reporting and Relationship Management

• Responsible for the scheduled/ad hoc reporting to clients incorporating economic and market overview, portfolio valuation and performance and strategy for the respective funds. 
• Coordinate with relevant functions to ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulators (CMA/ RBA) as appropriate. 
• Making presentations to Client’s Investment Committees/ Trustees/ Fund secretaries.
• Assisting in preparation of strategy papers, investment recommendations and reports to the Board, AAML Governance Committees and other relevant stakeholders.
• Actively manage relationships with brokers, analysts, issuers and other market participants.

Administration

• Ensure all documentation regarding investment management are complete and up to date.
• Liaise with Operations to ensure that management fees are paid promptly. 

Skills and experience required:

• A first degree in relevant subject which may include Finance, Commerce, Actuarial Science etc.
• Have attained the CFA Charter/CIFA.
• Compliant with the CISI and ICIFA certification requirements.
• A minimum of ten (10) years in the financial sector; with at least five (5) year work experience gained in an investment house/environment
• Knowledge of the Kenya financial services industry and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of various investments concepts such as risk management and compliance, products, asset classes, alternative investments etc.
• Familiarity with investment management systems such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv etc

Knowledge, Expertise & Experience

• Understanding and appreciation of fiduciary responsibility, personal integrity and professionalism.
• Business focus: commercially astute, attuned to regulatory and statutory obligations; understand the local and regional business environment. In tune with business and client priorities.
• Ethical behaviour and business practices: ensures own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with ethical standards and acceptable business practices. Aligned to the values of the business.
• Adaptability to change: ability to support process improvement and the development of technology to achieve business goals. Decisively responds to challenges in a changing environment and has the ability to influence change within others and cause positive outcomes.
• Problem solver/ takes decisions: Capacity for sound judgment and the ability to think strategically. Enthusiastic, pragmatic and energetic hands-on individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly
• Interpersonal skills and fosters teamwork: Has a strong presence and can interact effectively with the relevant governance and team structures in place in the business. Able to build relationships, influence, motivate and encourage consensus amongst peers, clients and stakeholders at all levels and of different cultures and capacities, to produce high quality results
• Effective communicator: communicates in a clear and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Organiser/ planner: ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment. Sets priorities and goals, and monitors progress. Implements action plans and evaluates process and results.

Closing: 17 June 2022

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Job Summary

To provide advice and support in the development and implementation of business development management planning and associated service delivery processes, methods and techniques; enabling the provision of sound business development expertise.

Job Purpose:

The role is reporting into the Business Development Manager within the Absa Asset Management Limited team which is a subsidiary of Absa Bank PLC. The Business Development Officer is responsible for selling and distribution of AAML products and services to achieve set STP while ensuring continues compliance with company policies, procedures, and acceptable business practices. Business development officer job duties may include performing market research to improve products and services, identifying methods to increase productivity and company operations, and communicating to potential clients on new products or services.

Key Accountabilities

Business Development/ Management

• Develop a knowledge of the client’s entire financial situation and be able to structure a goals-based investment and financial plan.
• Develop and deliver investment education presentations and sessions to clients and prospects.
• Develop relationships with management teams of institutions, as well as cultivating relationships with key industry players.
• Collaborates with the Investment Management team regarding investment strategy and client portfolio structure.
• Provide market feedback to facilitate the development of new and enhancement of existing products that meet client needs. Provide product recommendations
• Participate in training IFAs, Bank teams and Branch network on the Absa products
• Assist in the development of a competitive commission structure and provide feedback on market
• Drive business results and acquire new assets under management through selling financial products to the existing client base and new client acquisition.
• Develop a knowledge of client’s financial needs and be able to communicate a goals-based investment plan to meet their needs
• Provide market feedback to facilitate the development of new products and enhancement of existing products
• Continuously update and provide feedback on client FAQs
• Respond to queries and complaints from clients as regards the company’s products; this should be done in a timely fashion
• Maintain a deal pipeline and continuously update on progress
• Develop business proposals for existing and new customers
• Determine cross-selling opportunities among different ABK bank segments

Administrative Activities

• Preparation of daily, weekly, monthly sales reports and any other reports that might be required by the Management.
• Generate and update customer sales log via customer relationship management system

Skills and experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related business degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in asset management business.
• Professional qualification: CISI level II or an ICIFA member.
• Experience of working in an investment related field or company would be of great benefit.
• 5 years’ experience in sales with a proven track record
• Marketing skills: able to pitch to clients on company’s products and services
• Analytical thinking - ability to analyze new and prospective business opportunities
• Project skills: Ability to man projects effectively with developed goals and procedures for implementation
• Planning and Organizational skills: ability to plan for a project and follow it up to its completion
• Good negotiation skills: able to dialogue with clients and arrive at a mutually beneficial outcome.
• Problem solving skills
• Networking skills: able to build and maintain relationships and contacts in and outside the company
• Relationship building and management: ability to effectively build lasting relationships with colleagues and clients

Knowledge, Expertise & Experience

• Must be flexible and able multitask on the job
• Ability to work under pressure and still meet up with given deadlines
• Possess effective communication skills to interact with diverse groups of people both in writing and speaking
• Ability to constantly generate new ideas for the company’s advancement and success
• Attention to details
• Proven ability to collaborate with other team members across boundaries and contribute productively to the team’s work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view. Able to use strong interpersonal and teamwork skills to cultivate effective, productive client relationships and partnerships across organizational boundaries.

Closing: 17 June 2022