Job Summary:

Responsible for the implementation and enhancement of the risk framework within the organization. Ensures that the company is compliant with internal policies and procedures, and ethical standards. The HOR is responsible for thought leadership in all aspects of risk including the embedding of risk culture, training/awareness at all levels within the institution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Risk Governance; ensure that ASA’s approved written risk management policy and risk appetite statement is consistent with the Institution’s business strategies, capital strength and management expertise.
• Identification and Measurement of Risks; responsible for all of the following risk areas within the institution: Capital; Liquidity; Market Risk; Credit; Legal and regulation; Operational; People; Reputational; Strategic and Mission.
• Mitigation of Risks; work with the Heads of Department in the institution to identify controls to reduce the likelihood of a risk occurring. This work will form a subset of controls against which Internal Audit and Fraud and Misappropriation Prevention Unit can test compliance.
• Monitoring of Risks; responsible for keeping abreast of activities within the institution and the country that may impact the ability of the Institution to operate successfully.
• Escalation of Risks; If the risk indicators are outside of established limits, or there is a breach of control, the Head of Risk should discuss the specific issues with the Heads of the Department responsible before escalating to management, internal audit and the Board.
• Risk Assessments; perform periodic audits on company procedures and processes, analyze metrics and data such as cash flow, inventory, breakage, and employee activity that could uncover policy violations, collect and analyze documentation, statistics, reports, and market trends. Analyse internal business Systems to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures, Industry regulations and ethical standards.
• Organization Policies; Establish policies and procedures to address risks in the organization’s services and departments. Reviews and assesses risk management policies and procedures; makes recommendations and implements modifications and improvements.
• Reporting and Communication; Prepare and present to Management and the Board Risk reports useful in taking key business decisions. Drafts and presents Risk reports and proposals to improve Risk Management in the institution.
• Risk Management Solutions; Recommends and implements solutions such as insurance, safety and security policies, Business Continuity Plans, or recovery measures and ensures that they are formally approved by the Board of Directors. Report on all events on system failures and other emergency issues.
• Training: Design and conduct training programs for cross-functional teams in Risk Management and ensure that all the employees are thoroughly updated about the organization’s policies, regulations and processes.
• Supervise Risk Officers.
• Perform any other relevant duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Supervisor that falls in line with his/her area of jurisdiction.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a reputable University
• Master’s degree in a business-related field; added Advantage.
• Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in a Risk Management or Audit in evaluating business operations in risk management, preferably from the microfinance, banking or financial services industry.
• Thorough understanding of policies and best practices of Risk Management
• Relevant legal and regulatory knowledge of the Microfinance sector, Company’s Act, Financial and Accounting best practices, Taxation and Employment laws.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; with skills related to the preparation and submission of regulatory, statutory and Risk reports.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to prepare reports and policies.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinker: See the big picture and anticipate future risk trends; not just reactive, but proactive.
• Calm Under Pressure: Keep composure during crises and leads with clarity and confidence.
• Collaborative Leader: Adept at cross-functional influence without control; works closely with Finance, Legal and Operations.
• Strong Communicator: Able to translate complex risk concepts into actionable, board-level insights.
• Ethical Compass: Maintain integrity, transparency, and objectivity even in ambiguous situations.
• Change Agent: Embrace transformation, promote a risk-aware culture, and mentor others to elevate risk thinking across the business

• Risk Governance; ensure that ASA’s approved written risk management policy and risk appetite statement is consistent with the Institution’s business strategies, capital strength and management expertise.
• Identification and Measurement of Risks; responsible for all of the following risk areas within the institution: Capital; Liquidity; Market Risk; Credit; Legal and regulation; Operational; People; Reputational; Strategic and Mission.
• Mitigation of Risks; work with the Heads of Department in the institution to identify controls to reduce the likelihood of a risk occurring. This work will form a subset of controls against which Internal Audit and Fraud and Misappropriation Prevention Unit can test compliance.
• Monitoring of Risks; responsible for keeping abreast of activities within the institution and the country that may impact the ability of the Institution to operate successfully.
• Escalation of Risks; If the risk indicators are outside of established limits, or there is a breach of control, the Head of Risk should discuss the specific issues with the Heads of the Department responsible before escalating to management, internal audit and the Board.
• Risk Assessments; perform periodic audits on company procedures and processes, analyze metrics and data such as cash flow, inventory, breakage, and employee activity that could uncover policy violations, collect and analyze documentation, statistics, reports, and market trends. Analyse internal business Systems to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures, Industry regulations and ethical standards.
• Organization Policies; Establish policies and procedures to address risks in the organization’s services and departments. Reviews and assesses risk management policies and procedures; makes recommendations and implements modifications and improvements.
• Reporting and Communication; Prepare and present to Management and the Board Risk reports useful in taking key business decisions. Drafts and presents Risk reports and proposals to improve Risk Management in the institution.
• Risk Management Solutions; Recommends and implements solutions such as insurance, safety and security policies, Business Continuity Plans, or recovery measures and ensures that they are formally approved by the Board of Directors. Report on all events on system failures and other emergency issues.
• Training: Design and conduct training programs for cross-functional teams in Risk Management and ensure that all the employees are thoroughly updated about the organization’s policies, regulations and processes.
• Supervise Risk Officers.
• Perform any other relevant duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Supervisor that falls in line with his/her area of jurisdiction.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; with skills related to the preparation and submission of regulatory, statutory and Risk reports.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to prepare reports and policies.
• Strategic Thinker: See the big picture and anticipate future risk trends; not just reactive, but proactive.
• Calm Under Pressure: Keep composure during crises and leads with clarity and confidence.
• Collaborative Leader: Adept at cross-functional influence without control; works closely with Finance, Legal and Operations.
• Strong Communicator: Able to translate complex risk concepts into actionable, board-level insights.
• Ethical Compass: Maintain integrity, transparency, and objectivity even in ambiguous situations.
• Change Agent: Embrace transformation, promote a risk-aware culture, and mentor others to elevate risk thinking across the business

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a reputable University
• Master’s degree in a business-related field; added Advantage.
• Thorough understanding of policies and best practices of Risk Management
• Relevant legal and regulatory knowledge of the Microfinance sector, Company’s Act, Financial and Accounting best practices, Taxation and Employment laws.