Senior It Risk Officer

Absa Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking group is seeking a Risk Officer for Technology Infrastructure. This pivotal role focuses on identifying and managing risks associated with technology operations, ensuring compliance and resilience across systems. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in risk management within IT settings, driving strategic initiatives to enhance the organization's risk posture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in risk management within a technology environment.
• Proven expertise managing risks in large-scale IT environments.
• Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a risk management framework for technology infrastructure.
• Identify and mitigate operational, cybersecurity, and compliance risks.
• Oversee incident response and disaster recovery efforts.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Technical acumen in IT Infrastructure

Crisis and incident management

Innovative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree or certifications (CISSP, CRISC, CISM, ITIL)

Job description

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

To provide specialist advice and support in the area of specialization, enabling the effective implementation of risk frameworks.

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The Risk Officer for Technology Infrastructure is responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring risks associated with technology infrastructure systems, services, and products.

This role is pivotal in ensuring the resilience, security, and compliance of the organization's technology platforms, aligning risk management practices with organizational and regulatory standards while enabling innovative and scalable operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Governance
2. Define and implement a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to infrastructure and cloud environments.
3. Align risk strategies with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements.
4. Review and evaluate compliance, technology policies and procedures, technology, and tools to provide insight on how to reduce technology risk.
5. Collaborate with infrastructure and architecture teams (Networks, Compute, Cloud, DBaaS, Mainframe, and End User) to manage the specific infrastructure risk posture.
6. Ensure governance processes adhere to the required standards (e.g., ISO, GDPR), enhancing compliance and quality assurance.
7. Risk Management and Mitigation
8. Ensure that risk is effectively managed and monitored.
9. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across technology platforms, including operational, cybersecurity, and compliance risks.
10. Oversee incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity efforts, ensuring resilience and rapid resolution.
11. Monitor vulnerabilities such as system downtime, data breaches, and third-party dependencies, implementing controls to minimize impact.
12. Coach users in risk identification and assessment.
13. Provide appropriate and accurate risk reporting to stakeholders.
14. Review technology and security risks, internal and external, to help inform the 2nd line of defense.
15. Change and Execution Leadership
16. Lead multidisciplinary teams to execute strategic Risk and Audit initiatives effectively.
17. Manage change processes across infrastructure services to ensure seamless implementation.
18. Drive continuous improvement using iterative approaches to deliver measurable value and minimize execution risk.
19. Collaboration and Communication
20. Partner with IT, cybersecurity, and architecture teams to integrate risk management into planning and execution.
21. Provide clear and appropriate communication to relevant stakeholders within the organization.
22. Structure communication to accommodate both technical and non-technical audiences.
23. Serve as the primary liaison for risk discussions with vendors and external partners.
24. Create and maintain datasets via strategic platforms, adhering to data governance policies, and guiding business intelligence teams to ensure data quality and trust.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in risk management or risk consulting, preferably within a technology environment.
• Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure preferred.
• Proven expertise in managing and mitigating risks in large-scale IT environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Risk Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, CISM, or ITIL are highly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership
• Technical and risk acumen in IT Infrastructure
• Stakeholder management and collaboration
• Crisis and incident management expertise
• Regulatory and compliance knowledge
• Innovative problem-solving
• Planning and organizing skills

Education

Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in Business, Commerce, and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Additional Notes

In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of , preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups to promote demographic diversity. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to fill the position as advertised.