Specialist: Governance

Absa Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Gauteng is seeking a Governance Risk Specialist to develop and execute strategic governance frameworks. You will ensure operational risk management and engage with stakeholders to promote risk-aware planning. The ideal candidate holds a degree related to risk management and possesses strong knowledge in operational risk principles and governance systems. This role offers a dynamic work environment and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Operational Risk and RDARR principles.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and governance reporting.
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a governance strategy aligned with Group objectives.
• Engage regularly with business units to promote risk-aware planning.
• Conduct annual reviews of control logs, thresholds, and mandates.

Skills

Operational Risk understanding

Governance systems proficiency

Advanced MS Excel skills

Stakeholder engagement

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Business Administration, LLB or related field

Tools

ORMS

Voltron

Ataccama

iServer

Orbus Infinity

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 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 develop and execute a strategic governance and control framework that aligns with the Group’s overall business strategy. This role ensures operational risk is effectively managed across business units through the implementation of risk frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and system oversight.

Job Description

Strategy Development

• Develop and implement a governance strategy aligned with Group objectives.
• Facilitate strategic planning with business units, integrating risk awareness.
• Monitor execution against governance calendar and strategic milestones.

Governance and Control

• Embed Operational Risk Frameworks including RCSA, Risk Events, KRIs, and KRS.
• Conduct annual reviews of control logs, thresholds, and mandates.
• Ensure compliance with RDARR principles and maintain related documentation.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage regularly with business units to promote risk-aware planning.
• Support governance-related interactions and forums (e.g., PQRs).
• Act as point of contact for assurance providers and auditors.

Systems Oversight

• Maintain and update governance systems: ORMS, Voltron (transitioning to Ataccama), iServer (migrating to Orbus Infinity).
• Ensure accurate documentation and process mapping in prescribed tools.
• Provide system training and support to business users.

Execution and Reporting

• Deliver governance requirements per calendar (DEA, OET, policy alignment).
• Update monthly audit trackers and issue closure packs.
• Maintain dashboards and governance reporting tools.

Compliance and Control Reviews

• Conduct Design and Operating Effectiveness Assessments via ORMS.
• Perform annual reviews of EUDA, Data Privacy, BRIAR.
• Execute gap analyses on policies and standards.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of Operational Risk and RDARR principles.
• Proficiency in governance systems: ORMS, Voltron, Ataccama, iServer, Orbus Infinity.
• Advanced MS Excel and Word skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and governance reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Business Administration, LLB or related field.
• Certification in Risk, Governance, or Compliance (e.g., CRMA, CGEIT) will be an added advantage
• Experience in financial services or a regulated industry.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required), Bachelor's Degree: Law

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised