Head, Risk Management at Novella Africa

Our Client, a Financial Technology company is seeking to hire Head, Risk Management

Job Summary

• Provide risk and underwriting guidelines, credit culture awareness, credit policy support, and credit strategy support.
• Champion implementation and execution of the Recovery and Collections strategy and provide strategic direction and guidance on a broad and diverse range of complex operational activities.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development and implementation of the policies and procedures to mitigate the credit risk within the group
• Contribute to system implementation projects in the credit risk space by providing requirements and design inputs, particularly with regard to credit risk recognition and measurement.
• Manage all of the credit risk aspects, continuously reviewing, and making adjustments, when necessary, in order to ensure that business is in line with the agreed Risk Appetite for the portfolio.
• Oversee the monitoring and reporting of performance against all key metrics including forward-looking views with an early escalation of trends and variations to ensure continued adherence to agreed company Risk Appetite.
• Responsible for defining parameters for the ability to measure, monitor, and control current and anticipated performance of the portfolios at all stages of the credit life cycle.
• Define credit risk portfolio management requirements and own the associated monitoring, control, and forecasting requirements - this would encompass stress testing, portfolio behavior, impairment loss ranges, and overall credit quality
• Lead initiatives for the development of methodologies for measurement of Credit Portfolio
• Develop and enhance the Credit Reporting & Monitoring framework which meets the requirements of various external & internal stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of Credit Risk reports. Interpret the information and suggest actions for consideration by Senior Management
• Oversee the enhancement and review of the Group Credit Policies & Standards to ensure that these reflect the best practice and regulate the risk assets of the group as directed by the Board
• Contribute proactively to various risk-related projects and initiatives
• Implement new strategies and tactics to improve collections and recovery performance, training, and coaching staff to improve performance.
• Liaise with collection agencies regarding the collection and claim pay activities and further develop strong, sustainable relationships
• Manage the overall Group portfolio of clients whilst developing and maintaining new commercial opportunities.
• Liaise directly with clients, third parties, and colleagues in departments to maximize collections performance whilst also ensuring good client outcomes
• Maintain high standards of financial management and record keeping
• Undertake effective due diligence processes
• Ensure all file audits and monthly reviews are completed accurately and within agreed timescales

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience, with the bulk of it being in the Credit Risk Management domain and Recovery & Revenue Assurance.
• A minimum bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or other Quantitative-related field is required.
• A professional certificate provides added advantage
• Strong understanding of Credit analysis and policies.
• Good understanding of Risk Management principles.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills (hypothesis-driven thinking, analytical, quantitative, conceptual skills)
• Thorough understanding of the evolving practices for the management of credit risk and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of consumer credit risk management sound market and industry knowledge of the specialized sector
• Understanding the key drivers of consumer loans and the underlying consumer behaviors
• Advanced computer skills, especially proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Leadership skill