Head of Risk - SmartCash PSB

About Airtel Africa

Airtel Africa embodies passion, drive, and an entrepreneurial mindset, aiming to innovate and serve communities with impactful solutions. We value diversity and challenge the ordinary, fostering a culture determined to succeed alongside our customers. Joining Airtel means embarking on a rewarding career path within various operating companies across Africa.

Role Overview

The Head of Risk for SmartCash PSB is tasked with independent leadership and oversight of the bank's Enterprise Risk Management Framework. This position involves identifying, assessing, monitoring, controlling, and reporting all significant risks facing the business, ensuring alignment with the bank's risk appetite, regulatory standards, and industry best practices. The role serves as the chief advisor on strategic, operational, regulatory, technology, cyber, liquidity, and compliance risks to the Board and Management.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework, developing policies, standards, and methodologies aligned to Board-approved risk appetite and strategic goals.
• Champion a risk-aware culture throughout the organization.
• Identify and evaluate a wide spectrum of risks, including strategic, operational, financial, liquidity, technology, cyber, regulatory, conduct, and reputational risks; maintain company-wide risk registers and periodic risk reviews.
• Compile and deliver periodic risk reports to the Board, committees, management, and regulators; monitor risk limits; escalate breaches and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure full compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria regulations, PSB supervisory frameworks, and other regulatory obligations; assist in governance and board oversight activities; support regulatory audits.
• Oversee technology and cybersecurity risk management efforts, reviewing new digital initiatives and collaborating with cyber-security teams to reinforce control measures.
• Set up operational risk policies and monitor key risk indicators; lead investigations into significant incidents and track remediation efforts.
• Manage Business Continuity Management and Operational Resilience frameworks, including crisis simulations and disaster recovery readiness.
• Evaluate risk for new products, services, systems, and strategic projects, providing independent risk approvals as necessary.
• Partner with Finance to prepare the annual Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), conduct stress testing, and ensure effective mitigation of pillar II risks.
• Serve as the principal risk advisor to the Board Audit & Risk Management Committee, engaging with external stakeholders, regulators, and auditors.
• Develop and lead a competent risk team with focus on succession, professional growth, and risk accountability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Possess a first degree or equivalent in any field; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• Hold professional certifications in Risk Management, Banking, Compliance, Finance, Information Security, or Governance such as FRM, PRM, CRISC, CISA, ACCA, ACA, CFA, or CIBN are preferred.
• At least 15 years of relevant risk management experience within financial services, banking, fintech, telecommunications, or IT sectors, including a minimum of 10 years in banking or financial services and 5 years at senior management level.
• Proven experience dealing with boards, regulators, and executive leadership.
• Expertise in enterprise risk frameworks, governance, internal controls, cybersecurity risks, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, strategic, analytical, and communication skills with ability to influence and operate independently while providing oversight.

Additional Information

Airtel Africa is committed to equal opportunity employment, fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.