Cape Town: Operational Risk Analyst posted by Rory Mackie & Associates

Overview:

Our client, an independent global asset manager with R3.08 trillion in assets under management, is seeking an Operational Risk Analyst to join their team. The Operational Risk team is a global function responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of the companys operational risk management framework, including policies, methodologies, tools, and systems. The team has a mandate to support the business in identifying, assessing, mitigating, monitoring, and reporting the operational risks to which the business may be exposed through its daily activities (both current and emerging).

The team delivers essential oversight of operational risk events, develops and sustains comprehensive operational risk reporting for governance committees, and supports the integration of robust key control frameworks. It maintains independence from day-to-day operations and revenue-generating functions in order to provide impartial challenge and objective assessments of operational risk management, and to actively challenge decisions that may result in significant operational risk, ensuring alignment with the Groups risk appetite.

The role demands intelligence, quick thinking, proactive risk management, problem-solving skills, and strong communication and influencing abilities.

Responsibilities:

Risk Events:

• Support the capture, analysis, and quality assurance of operational risk events, including near misses and loss data
• Assist with root cause analysis, impact assessment, and classification of risk events
• Track remediation findings and actions arising from risk events, and escalate overdue or material findings as required
• Contribute to trend analysis and thematic insights derived from risk event data

Risk Identification and Assessment:

• Facilitate and support Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and other risk identification exercises
• Assist business functions in identifying inherent risks, assessing control effectiveness, and determining residual risk
• Support the maintenance of risk registers and key risk documentation

Control & Mitigation:

• Support the identification, design, and documentation of key controls to mitigate operational risks
• Assist in assessing control design and operating effectiveness as part of RCSAs and ongoing monitoring
• Support the development, tracking, and validation of risk mitigation plans and management findings and actions

Reporting & Monitoring:

• Produce regular operational risk reports and dashboards for management, committees, and senior stakeholders
• Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs), thresholds, and emerging risk signals
• Support escalation processes for risk events, control failures, or adverse trends
• Ensure reporting is accurate, timely, and aligned with governance requirements

Framework & Policy:

• Support the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the operational risk management framework
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and updating operational risk policies, standards, and procedures
• Help ensure alignment with regulatory expectations, internal governance standards, and best practice

Training and Culture:

• Support the design and delivery of operational risk training and awareness initiatives
• Assist in embedding risk management practices and culture across the organisation
• Provide guidance to business stakeholders on operational risk processes and tools

Systems Support:

• Support the administration and ongoing enhancement of operational risk systems and tools
• Assist users with system queries, data quality issues, and process guidance
• Contribute to system testing, upgrades, and process improvements

Requirements:

• Up to 3 years experience in risk management, or related control functions (including compliance, internal audit, or an equivalent first-line control role), or a CA qualification
• Experience in financial services or another regulated environment
• A strong understanding of operational risk concepts (e.g. risk events, RCSAs, KRIs, controls).
• Familiarity with operational risk systems or GRC tools
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks and governance expectations

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong analytical skills with close attention to detail
• The ability to communicate risk information clearly to non-risk stakeholders
• A proactive and organised approach, with a strong sense of ownership
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across functions
• A curious mindset with an interest in continuous improvement
• An openness to exploring new technology and its potential to foster innovation
• A strong belief in doing the right thing