Executive Assistant to the CRO / COO at Sparkle Nigeria

Job Description

• The Risk Governance Officer & Executive Personal Assistant to the CRO/COO serves as a key member of the governance function and provides support to the Chief Risk Officer/Chief Operating Officer (CRO/COO). This dual role involves overseeing risk governance activities, assisting in risk management activities, and providing comprehensive administrative assistance to the CRO/COO. The Risk Governance Officer supports the efficient operation of the risk management function and assists the CRO/COO in various risk-related and strategic project management activities. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Internal Stakeholders - You will be working closely with all business functions across the company - Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, Engineering, Technology, Product and Projects, Customer Experience, People and Culture, Marketing & Communications, Product and Projects,
• External Stakeholders – Regulators, Vendors, Professional organizations, External auditors, Industry associations, communities, and peers.

Key Responsibilities

Risk & Governance

Risk Governance Framework

• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the bank's risk governance framework.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of risk governance processes and controls.

Policies and Procedures

• Contribute to the development, review, and maintenance of risk-related policies and procedures.
• Ensure policies are aligned with regulatory requirements and reflect industry standards.
• Support the dissemination and implementation of risk policies across the organization.

Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Assist in identifying, assessing, and analyzing risks across the bank's operations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of risk management strategies and frameworks.
• Support the identification of emerging risks and the evaluation of their potential impact.

Risk Mitigation

• Assist in the development and implementation of risk mitigation plans and controls.
• Monitor the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of risk monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

Regulatory Compliance

• Support the bank's compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting risk management.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory reports and responses to regulatory inquiries.

Risk Reporting

• Assist in the preparation of risk reports for senior management, board of directors, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate the collection of risk-related data from various business units and compile comprehensive reports.
• Analyze and interpret risk data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.

Board & Management Committee Support

• Coordinate and support the activities of the bank's management & board committees, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting minutes.
• Assist in the development of materials and presentations for risk committee meetings.
• Track and follow up on action items resulting from risk committee discussions.

Risk Training and Awareness

• Assist in developing risk training programs and materials for employees.
• Coordinate risk awareness campaigns and initiatives to promote a strong risk culture.
• Support the delivery of risk training sessions and workshops to relevant stakeholders.

Executive Assistant

Communication, Correspondence, and Calendar management

• Manage and prioritize the CRO's calendar, schedule appointments, and coordinate meetings and events
• Screen and prioritize incoming calls, emails, and correspondence.
• Ensure the CRO/COO is well-prepared for meetings by providing necessary documents and background information
• Screen and prioritize incoming calls, emails, and correspondence for the CRO/COO
• Draft and prepare memos, letters, reports, and presentations on behalf of the CRO/COO

Meeting & Activity Coordination

• Organize and coordinate internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas, minutes, and follow-up on actions
• Arrange meeting logistics, such as room bookings, catering, audio-visual equipment
• Spend time and become familiar with all aspects of the business to support the CRO/COO

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, board members, regulators, auditors, consultants, vendors, contractors, etc.
• Handle inquiries, provide information, and direct requests to the appropriate individuals or business functions.

Document and Data Management

• Maintain and organize confidential documents, files, and records related to risk management
• Handle inquiries, provide information, and direct requests to the appropriate individuals or departments

Travel Arrangements

• Coordinate travel arrangements for the CRO/COO, including flight bookings, hotel accommodations, visas, and transportation.

Administrative Support

• Prepare expense reports and process invoices related to the CRO/COO 's activities
• Assist in the preparation of risk-related reports, documents, and presentations
• Conduct research and gather information to support risk management initiatives as assigned
• Confidentiality and Discretion
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost professionalism and discretion
• Maintain confidentiality of discussions, decisions, and other matters related to risk management.

Strategic Operations Project Management Support

• Assist in the development and maintenance of project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate project activities, resources, and stakeholders to ensure timely and successful project execution.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepare project status reports, presentations, and updates for senior management and stakeholders.
• Compile and analyze project data to track progress, identify trends, and report on key performance indicators.
• Assist in the development of project dashboards and other project reporting tools.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders, including internal teams, external vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate project communication, including meetings, emails, and other forms of correspondence.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project team members and stakeholders.

Skills:

• You are able to hit the ground running on assignments and tasks with minimal guidance.
• You are able to think expansively, modify ideas for problem-solving, take full ownership of your responsibilities, and be willing to go the extra mile to get work done.
• You have strong organizational skills that reflect an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• You have financial analysis and project management skills
• You have very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, and external partners
• You have demonstrated the ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• You are forward-thinking and are able to see around corners, proactively anticipating blockers to daily operations and solving them.
• You have proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and be adaptable to various competing demands
• You are a strong learner

Qualifications & Knowledge Base

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in risk management, risk governance, or a related area in the banking or financial services industry.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and analyze risk data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work output.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

Work Conditions

• Hybrid
• Some travel may be required.
• Weekends may be included as required by work priorities.