Assistant Manager Operational Risk at Equity Bank

Equity Bank Kenya is the largest subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc. Incorporated in Kenya under the Companies Act (Cap 486) and licensed under the Banking Act (Chapter 488), the Bank provides comprehensive retail banking, microfinance, and related financial services. Our nationwide footprint includes 212 branches, supported by over 42,600 agents, 27,300 merchants, more than 1 million Pay with Equity (PWE) merchants, and 345 ATMs. Equity Bank Kenya’s shares are listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and market leadership.

Our diversified business spans banking, insurance, technology and social enterprise, enabling us to deliver integrated solutions that drive inclusive growth at scale. Our business model is anchored on a distinctive Tri-Engine framework— Social, Economic and Sustainability, which systematically strengthens value-chains, empowers communities and delivers long-term social and economic impact. s

Our purpose, “Transforming lives, giving dignity, and expanding opportunities for wealth creation,” guides every our strategic decision. We are driven by a bold vision “to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa,” and this ambition is embedded in our culture through our core values of professionalism, integrity, creativity and innovation, teamwork, unity of purpose, respect and effective corporate governance (PICTURE).

Our growth and impact agenda is clearly defined and operationalized through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which serves as the strategic blueprint for sustainable expansion and long-term value creation across the continent.

Job Purpose:

The Assistant Manager, Operational Risk, is responsible for overseeing and strengthening the bank’s operational risk management framework. The role involves identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks arising from internal processes, people, systems, and external events. The incumbent will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices to safeguard the bank from financial and reputational losses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and enhance the operational risk management framework, policies, and procedures in line with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices.

• Monitor and report key operational risk exposures and trends to senior management and risk committees.

• Conduct operational risk assessments, including Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) across business units.

• Identify key risk indicators (KRIs) and ensure continuous monitoring of operational risk exposures.

• Analyze risk events, root causes, and propose mitigation strategies to reduce operational risk incidents.

• Establish and maintain an operational risk event reporting and loss database.

• Investigate operational risk incidents and near misses, identifying lessons learned and recommending control enhancements.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including CBK and Basel II/III operational risk guidelines

• Support the implementation of business continuity plans (BCP) and disaster recovery strategies.

• Assist in crisis management planning, ensuring business resilience in the face of operational disruptions.

• Conduct training and awareness programs on operational risk management for bank employees.

• Promote a risk-aware culture through workshops, campaigns, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

• Prepare and present operational risk reports to senior management, risk committees, and regulators.

• Track and follow up on the implementation of corrective actions arising from risk assessments and incidents.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CRISC, FRR,FRM, PRM, or ORM are an added advantage.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in operational risk management, internal audit, or compliance.
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks such as Basel II/III, COSO, and ISO 31000.
• Experience with risk control self-assessment (RCSA), incident management, and business continuity planning.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to interpret regulatory guidelines and implement risk controls.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.