VP, Operational Risk and Control | Abu Dhabi, UAE

eFinancialCareers Ltd.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is seeking a VP of Operational Internal Control & Governance to lead the Operational Risk Framework across Group Operations and Credit Administration. You will oversee risk assessments, internal controls, and governance, driving efficiency and risk reduction while guiding senior leadership on risk appetite.

Role demands strong leadership, deep regulatory knowledge, and the ability to develop KPIs and risk metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in operational risk management and control within financial services.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to diverse audiences.
• Experience building high-performing teams and guiding development.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage risk management strategies to safeguard assets and reputation.
• Lead design and execution of control frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set risk appetite and KPIs.
• Promote risk-aware culture through education and training initiatives.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement proactive risk mitigations.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes to reduce risk exposure.
• Report to Head of OICG & APM on department state and activities.
• Assist in recruitment and interviews for the OICG department.
• Provide performance evaluations of OICG staff.
• Oversee risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across units.

Skills

Operational risk management

Leadership

Regulatory awareness

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

VP, Operational Risk and Control

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.

About Us

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is the largest bank in the UAE and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions. We offer a comprehensive range of personal and private banking services, including credit cards, Islamic banking, investments, loans, and mortgages. Our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to provide top-tier financial solutions to our clients.

Life at FAB

Working at FAB means being part of a team of talented and passionate individuals with a shared vision to support the ambitions of our stakeholders to "Grow Stronger." We embrace the needs of our customers across the globe with a sense of responsibility and confidence driven by extensive expertise that can only be delivered by an ambitious world-class organization

Career Development

FAB offers unique career choices, a chance to innovate, craft solutions for the future, and express yourself in a performance-based culture that will unleash the best in you. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting your career, FAB provides a range of learning and development initiatives to support all employees through training and skill development.

Our Values

At FAB, we place our customers at the core of our activities, live our values each day in every way, celebrate achievements, and empower each other to deliver leading solutions. We have structured plans for the recruitment and career progression of Emirati talent to enable them to make a mark in the financial and banking sector both regionally and globaly that rewards your hard work and dedication.

Join our team and be part of a journey to shape the future of banking.