Credit Risk Specialist – Assessment & Validation DFCU Bank

Reporting to the Head- Credit Risk Management, the role holder will drive the standardization and operationalization of the Bank’s model risk governance framework through validation of models and model-based decisions/ guidelines; and to enhance the accuracy of credit analytics & predictive models to mitigate losses arising out of errors as well as minimize shocks arising from changes in the macro-economic environment and sector trends on the Bank’s performance.

LOCATION: Kampala

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Be responsible for the collation, analysis and publication of the Key Credit Risk and Performance Indicators including monthly trend analysis.
• Proactive assessment of Industry/ Sector performance and risks to guide prioritization of business efforts.
Conduct Macro economic analysis and forecasting and advise the Bank on possible impact to performance.
• Participate in conducting of periodic credit/ integrated stress tests and scenario analysis, assessing the impact on the Bank’s credit portfolio, and making appropriate recommendations to senior management for action.
• Design relevant risk reporting tools & templates and prepare timely, comprehensive, and reliable credit risk reports.
• Assess the quality of the overall loan portfolio through trends and other analytical risk indicators, to improve credit collections and recoveries.
• Benchmarking quantitative and qualitative risk appetite and tolerances, as well as limit structures, relative to sound industry standards and regulatory expectations, while considering the Bank’s business strategies.
• Analyze performance qualitatively and/or quantitatively, detecting problems and/or deviations, and recommend actions to mitigate losses and improve performance and profitability.
• Perform regular portfolio surveillance including earnings review and credit market spreads.
• Review the Bank’s credit analytics to enhance its accuracy and support in the review, understanding and management of model risk to mitigate losses arising from errors.
• Assessment of model development and model review activities within various risk management domains.
• Validation of assumptions, formulae and methodologies in the guidelines and processes for developing models and provision of recommendations in the regular improvement of the models (upgrade towards predictive models) to avoid and mitigate losses to the Bank; Including but not limited to rating parameters (EL, PDs, LGDs, EAD etc.), pricing and capital allocation models, RAROC framework, Credit Var estimation and regulatory Capital estimation (Standardized approach and Internal Rating Based approach).
• Validation (for improvement) of the statistics used in portfolio analytics such as credit limit setting, loss forecasting, allowance for portfolio losses, loan stress testing, capital allocation etc.
• Periodic review and enhancement of model governance policies, standards, processes, and procedures.
• Validation of compliance with regulatory and statutory loan loss provisioning and other model development standards.
• Advise Senior management on model risk management following independent model validation activities.
• Periodic review and assessment of the bank’s country risk exposure.
• Any other tasks as assigned on a day-to-day basis.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
• A Bachelor’s Degree with sufficient background in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science or Quantitative Economics.
• CFA, ACCA, or CAA qualification will be an added advantage.
• 7 years’ working experience in a credit and/ or risk management related role of which 3 should be in a numerate and analytical role.
• Knowledge of data analysis and validation tools.
• Knowledge of data modelling, data cleansing, and data enrichment techniques.
• In possession of formal research training.
• Experience of Statistical methodologies, modelling, interpretation, and translation.
• Risk management (Credit and Market Risk) and commercial grounding.
• Capacity to develop and document procedures and workflows.
• Experience in carrying out assurance reviews will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge on macro-economic and sector performance tools.
• Ability to carry out data quality control, validation, and linkage.
• An understanding of data protection issues.
• An awareness and knowledge of industry-specific databases and data sets.
• Ability to produce clear graphical representations and data visualizations.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate well, effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to translate analytics and provide insight and analysis through clear visual, written, and verbal communication.
• Unafraid to take responsibility, partner with the business whilst retaining independence to provide challenge to the business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as ability to be proactive and lead cross-functional teams to achieve credit risk management objectives.
• Team player with high level of integrity standards.
• Understanding of current (regulatory) trends affecting financial institution credit risk management programs.
• Self-drive and creative initiative.
• Highly curious and inquisitive.