DIRECTOR: RISK MANAGEMENT/CHIEF RISK OFFICER – Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (Zimche)

The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) was established by an Act of Parliament, [Chapter 25:27], in 2006, to promote and coordinate education provided by higher and tertiary institutions, superintend over standards, act as a regulator in the determination and maintenance of examinations, academic qualifications, and research.

 

DUTIES

The Director of Risk Management/Chief Risk Officer is responsible for creating ZIMCHE’s risk strategy and providing oversight and leadership in risk matters. The incumbent influences and informs the governing body and decision makers on risk management strategies. He or she influences the direction and profile of risk management and the profession (Source: Institute of Risk Management Professional Standards in Risk Management)

Purpose of the Job

The Director of Risk Management/Chief Risk Officer champions the execution of the risk management framework and processes essential for ZIMCHE in achieving its business objectives. Ideally, the DRM/CRO is accountable for enabling the efficient and effective governance of all significant risks, and related opportunities, for the ZIMCHE.
As a key member of the senior management team, the DRM/CRO is a peer and adviser to the rest of senior management who can translate risk management into the terms that matter to the key stakeholders. The Director Risk Management/Chief Risk Officer’s role encompasses the leadership and oversight of the Risk and Compliance Management Unit, including the following corporate functions: enterprise risk management, internal controls, information security, risk mitigation, and risk transfer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To prepare and develop the ERM (Enterprise Resources Management) framework as overall risk governance and internal controls for approval by the Risk Management Committee and the Council. This includes considering the state of maturity of ZIMCHE’s risk management and tailored to the specific circumstances of the Institution;
To discuss with the CEO (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER) and Management on the institution’s major risk exposures and review the steps or actions taken to monitor and control such exposures, including ZIMCHE’s risk assessment and respective internal Standards Operating Procedures (“SOP”);

Keep the ZIMCHE Council and Management informed of the latest development in international standards and practices on Risk Management in general and specific to ZIMCHE.

To ensure the ZIMCHE’s compliance to statutory requirements, internal policies, guidelines, procedures, laws, and regulations which could have a significant impact on operations and to suggest policies and procedures where required;
To provide internal consulting and advisory services as part of the risk management scope and in response to a management request. These engagements can be both formal and/or informal if it does not impair the independence and objectivity of risk management functions and its officers;
To ensure that the risk management processes are adequate and effective and comply with internationally accepted risk management standards;
To ensure standardized and integrated reporting on all risk management activities and risk exposure to the Risk Management Committee and the ZIMCHE Council.
Provide technical advice and support to the ZIMCHE Council and Management in improving and advancing the Risk Management system of the University as the legal and regulatory environment, standards and/or the business focus of the University change.

REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent should possess the following qualifications:

A master’s degree qualification as a minimum (Risk Management)
A degree in Risk Management or equivalent
10 years’ experience of which 7 years must be at Senior Managerial level.
In addition, membership of a professional body (Institute of Risk Management or any other relevant body in risk management) is required.

KEY COMPETENCIES
The incumbent is expected to have the following Competencies:

Achievement Orientation
Analytic Thinking
Organizational Commitment
Paying Attention to Detail
Self-motivation
Team Leadership
Planning and Organizing
Interpersonal Understanding
ICT (Information Communication Technology) (Information and Communication Technology) Literacy