Head of RIsk - SmartCash PSB at Airtel

Enterprise Risk Management Framework

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework.
• Establish risk policies, standards, methodologies, and procedures.
• Ensure risk management practices are aligned with Board-approved risk appetite and strategic objectives.
• Promote a risk-aware culture across the Bank.

Risk Identification and Assessment

• Identify, assess, and monitor strategic, operational, financial, liquidity, technology, cyber, regulatory, conduct, and reputational risks.
• Maintain enterprise-wide risk registers and risk assessments.
• Conduct periodic reviews of risk exposures and emerging risks.

Risk Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare periodic risk reports for the Board, Board Audit & Risk Management Committee, Management Committees, and regulators.
• Monitor compliance with approved risk appetite limits and thresholds.
• Escalate material risk breaches and recommend corrective actions.

Governance and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable CBN regulations, PSB Supervisory Framework requirements, and other regulatory directives.
• Support risk governance processes and Board oversight activities.
• Provide risk input into regulatory examinations and audits.

Technology, Cybersecurity and Information Risk

• Oversee technology and cyber risk management practices.
• Assess technology transformation initiatives, digital products, agent banking, and payment ecosystem risks.
• Collaborate with Information Security teams to ensure robust cyber risk controls.

Operational Risk Management

• Establish operational risk policies and loss event management processes.
• Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs).
• Conduct root cause analysis of significant incidents and monitor remediation plans.

Business Continuity and Resilience

• Oversee Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Operational Resilience frameworks.
• Coordinate business continuity testing and crisis management exercises.
• Ensure adequate contingency and disaster recovery preparedness.

Product and Change Risk Review

• Review and challenge new products, services, processes, systems, and strategic initiatives from a risk perspective.
• Provide independent risk sign-off where required.

Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)

• Collaborate with Finance to prepare the Bank’s ICAAP document annually.
• Coordinate stress testing of pillar II risks and ensure all material risks are mitigated to acceptable levels, minimizing impact on capital requirements for the Bank. 

Board and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary risk advisor to the Board Audit & Risk Management Committee.
• Present risk insights and recommendations to senior management and Board Committees.
• Engage external stakeholders, regulators, and auditors on risk-related matters.

Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Build and develop a high-performing risk management function.
• Drive succession planning, capability building, and professional development within the Risk team.
• Foster a culture of accountability and effective risk ownership across the organization.

Educational Qualifications

• First degree or equivalent in any discipline.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification will be an advantage.
• Professional certifications in Risk Management, Banking, Compliance, Finance, Information Security, or Governance (e.g., FRM, PRM, CRISC, CISA, ACCA, ACA, CFA, CIBN) are desirable.

Relevant Experience  & Functional / Technical Skills

• Minimum of 15 years post-qualification experience in Risk Management or related functions within Financial Services, Banking, FinTech, Telecommunications Financial Services, or Information Technology environments.
• At least 10 years must have been within the Banking/Financial Services sector and minimum 5 years at Senior Management level
• Demonstrated experience engaging Boards, Regulators, and Executive Management.
• Strong knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management Frameworks, Risk Governance, Internal Controls, Cybersecurity Risk, Business Continuity Management, and Regulatory Risk.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability.
• Enterprise Risk Management and Governance expertise.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Regulatory and supervisory engagement experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent presentation, report writing, and Board engagement skills.
• Influencing and decision-making capability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to operate independently while maintaining constructive challenge and oversight.