Job Title:  Chief Risk Officer  

Organisation: ASA Microfinance Uganda Ltd (ASA Uganda)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About Organisation:

ASA Microfinance Uganda Ltd (ASA Uganda) is a for-profit, non-deposit taking Microfinance Institution, operating as a microfinance company and regulated by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA). ASA Microfinance Uganda Ltd is also a member of the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU). ASA Uganda commenced operations in 2013. ASA Uganda is a subsidiary of ASA International, one of the world’s largest international microfinance institutions globally and operates in 13 countries in Africa and Asia. The company was listed in the premium segment on the London Stock Exchange in July ’2018.

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 CRO is responsible for thought leadership in all aspects of risk including the embedding of risk culture, training/awareness at all levels within the institution.

Key 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 controls, the Head 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, analyzes 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 the 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 the line with his/her area of jurisdiction.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a reputable University
• Master 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.

Applicants who meet the above requirements can send their applications, Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications, contact details for three (03) professional referees and a day-time telephone number, to the address below:

The Head Human Resource & Administration,

ASA Microfinance (U) Ltd,

Plot 5195 Buye- Kigowa, Ntinda,

P.O. Box 245, Ntinda

Kampala, Uganda

Email to: recruitment@asauganda.com

NB: ASA Microfinance (U) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and aims to attract and select a diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunity to everyone, irrespective of race, age, gender, class, ethnicity, disability, location, and religion.