VP, Operational Risk and Control

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in Abu Dhabi seeks a strategic VP to lead Operational Internal Control & Governance, ensuring robust risk assessment and internal controls while driving efficiency across Group Operations and Credit Administration.

The role requires extensive operational risk expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to influence at the executive level. You will design risk metrics, foster a risk-aware culture, and oversee controls aligned with regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in operational risk management and control.
• Strong regulatory knowledge and industry best practices.
• Proven leadership and ability to influence at executive level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage operational risk strategies to protect assets and reputation.
• Lead design and execution of control frameworks ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set risk appetite and tolerance levels.
• Provide strategic direction for risk metrics and KPIs.
• Promote risk-aware culture through education and training.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and control evaluations to identify emerging risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes to optimize efficiency and reduce risk.
• Report to Head of OICG & APM on department status and activities.
• Assist in recruitment and interview processes for OICG-Operational Internal Control & Governance.
• Provide constructive performance evaluations of staff.
• Oversee risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across units.
• Lead and coach a team of managers and supervisors.

Skills

Operational risk

Risk governance

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or related advanced degree

Job description

Job Summary / Introduction

The VP of Operational Internal Control & Governance will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee Operational Risk Framework in the Group Operation and Credit administration by improving the quality of Risk Assessments and Internal Controls. Consistently work independently towards enhancing operational efficiency as well as support in managing operational risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive operational risk management strategies to safeguard the bank’s assets and reputation.
• Lead the design and execution of effective control frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish risk appetite and tolerance levels, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Provide strategic direction for the development and enhancement of risk metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Foster a risk-aware culture by promoting awareness, education, and training initiatives in Group Operations and Credit Administration.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and control evaluations to identify emerging risks and implement proactive measures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in operational processes to optimize efficiency and minimize risk exposure.
• Report to the Head of OICG & APM on a regular basis regarding the state of affairs of the department, Group Operation and Credit Administration.
• Assist Head of OICG & APM in recruitments and interview process for OICG- Operational Internal Control & Governance department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations of OICG staff.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks across various business units and processes.
• Lead and manage a team of managers and supervisors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to drive performance and employee development.
• Manage and govern effective implementation of OICG functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned department activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements, fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Always demonstrate compliance to organisation’s values and ethics to support the establishment of a value drive culture within the bank.
• Implement robust tools / processes for identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Assist in ensuring Anti money laundering, Central Bank Guidelines and other internal policies / procedures are strictly followed and any deviations are reported to levels prescribed.
• Functions within the framework and boundaries of Group policies as well as overall organizational and governance frameworks.

Authorized to take decisions as per the approved authorization matrix.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field;
• Extensive experience (+ years) in operational risk management and control within the financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to operational risk.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at the executive level.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate complex concepts to diverse audience.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Preferred / Beneficial

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) preferred or related discipline.
• Professional certifications in the field of Operational risk management or equivalent are highly desirable.