Third Party Management Senior Specialist

Rhodes University; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in South Africa seeks a Senior Specialist to enhance third-party risk management practices. You will provide strategic support and oversight, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in risk management, strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, and outstanding communication skills. This role offers a chance to impact risk culture across the organization while collaborating with various units.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in risk management, focus on third-party risk.
• Strong understanding of third-party risk management principles, frameworks, and tools.
• Experience with third-party risk management tools and data analytics advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of the CoE in strategic initiatives regarding third-party risk.
• Lead complex risk assessments and provide analysis of third-party risk exposures.
• Enhance third-party risk management policies and collaborate with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Builds Rapport

Change Management

Data Analysis

Database Reporting

Data Compilation

High Risk Typologies Methodologies

Information Retrieval

Issue Management

Numerics

Project Risk and Issue Management

Risk Management

Stakeholder Expectation Management

Threat Assessment

Good verbal Communications

Education

NQF Level 7 - Degree, Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

This role provides advanced operational and strategic support to the Third-Party Risk Management Centre of Excellence (CoE) within the Contracts & Sourcing function.

The Senior Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the maturity, effectiveness, and integration of third-party risk management practices, supporting the Head of the CoE in driving group-wide oversight, governance, and continuous improvement.

The Third-Party Management Senior Specialist contributes to the expert lead leadership and enhances the organisation's third-party risk management (TPRM) framework by conducting complex risk assessments, advising on risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards. The role plays a critical part in safeguarding the organization from risks associated with outsourcing, vendor relationships, and third-party engagements. Lead and execute comprehensive risk assessments for high-risk third parties, including due diligence, onboarding, and periodic reviews. Develop and enhance third-party risk management policies, procedures, and tools. Collaborate with procurement, legal, compliance, IT security, and business units to ensure integrated risk management practices. Monitor and report on third-party performance, risk indicators, and compliance with contractual obligations. Provide expert guidance on risk mitigation strategies and remediation plans. Lead or support audits, regulatory reviews, and internal investigations related to third-party risk. Mentor and support junior team members, sharing expertise and best practices. Stay abreast of regulatory developments (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, FSCA requirements) and industry trends impacting third-party risk.

Strategic Support & Oversight

• Support the Head of the CoE in the execution of strategic initiatives, including the integration of third-party risk management into broader governance structures.
• Provide objective oversight and contribute to the development and refinement of third-party risk frameworks, methodologies, and minimum standards.
• Facilitate and coordinate cross-functional engagements to identify, assess, and monitor material third-party risks.

Risk Identification & Reporting

• Lead complex risk assessments and provide expert analysis of third-party risk exposures, including 4th/Nth party risks and concentration risks.
• Monitor and report on third-party risk trends, incidents, and control effectiveness to senior stakeholders, including Exco, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committees.
• Support the escalation and resolution of material risks and non-compliance issues.

Framework & Process Enhancement

• Champion the continuous improvement of third-party risk management processes, tools, and data quality across the CoE.
• Drive alignment and consistency in third-party tiering, segmentation, and risk rating practices.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance

Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement

• Provide expert guidance and coaching to CoE team members, control owners, risk coordinators, and other internal stakeholders.
• Act as a change agent in promoting a strong third-party risk culture and embedding risk management practices across the organisation.
• Represent the CoE in strategic and operational forums, providing insights and recommendations on third-party risk matters.

Operational Excellence

• Support the Head of the CoE in tracking performance against executive targets and risk maturity objectives.
• Facilitate the execution of requests from senior governance bodies and ensure appropriate follow-through and corrective actions.
• Contribute to the optimisation of CoE operations, including cost efficiency, data integrity, and process

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in risk management, with a strong focus on third-party risk.
• Strong understanding of third-party risk management principles, frameworks, and tools.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and governance practices related to third-party risk.

• Third-party risk management certification and/or qualification (advantageous).
• Experience with third-party risk management tools and data analytics (advantageous).

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and facilitation skills.

Skills

• Builds Rapport
• Change Management
• Data Analysis
• Database Reporting
• Data Compilation
• High Risk Typologies Methodologies
• Information Retrieval
• Issue Management
• Numerics
• Project Risk and Issue Management
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Expectation Management
• Threat Assessment
• Good verbal Communications

Competencies

• Balances Stakeholders
• Business Insight
• Communicates Effectively
• Ensures Accountability
• Financial Acumen
• Instills Trust
• Manages Complexity
• Optimizes Work Processes

Education

• NQF Level 7 - Degree, Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent (Required)