Operations Risk Specialist at Mukuru

Operational Risk Specialist

As the Operational Risk Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping and executing our proactive approach to operational risk management as we scale our fintech operations. Operating at the intersection of compliance, safety, sustainability, and resilience, your role will support cross-functional teams to identify, manage, and mitigate risks, ensuring alignment with both regulatory requirements and our strategic goals. Your ability to drive a structured, effective risk management framework will be critical to maintaining the integrity and resilience of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Risk Register Management:

   • Maintain an up-to-date and detailed Operational Risk Register.

   • Ensure that all risks are properly assessed, categorized, and tracked throughout their lifecycle.

2. Business Continuity Planning (BCP):

   • Lead the development, testing, and regular review of Business Continuity Plans.

   • Ensure the organization is well-prepared to respond effectively to operational disruptions.

3. Environmental & ESG Risk Monitoring:

   • Track and report on environmental risks and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics.

   • Recommend and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with both regulatory and internal sustainability goals.

4. Health & Safety Compliance:

   • Ensure ongoing compliance with Health & Safety regulations in each territory where Mukuru operates.

   • Conduct regular audits and awareness sessions to maintain a safe operational environment.

5. Risk Reporting & Communication:

   • Prepare accurate, timely dashboards and reports for senior leadership and regulatory submissions.

   • Ensure all incidents are properly documented and reported.

   • Effectively communicate key risk insights to stakeholders and leadership teams to inform strategic decision-making.

6. Cross-Functional Risk Collaboration:

   • Work closely with teams across the business to embed risk awareness and preventive controls.

   • Train internal representatives on Business Continuity Plans (BCP), Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), and Environmental Impact (EI) policies and plans.

   • Serve as a trusted advisor on operational risk matters.

7. Incident Management & Follow-up:

   • Convene Emergency Management Groups when high-impact incidents occur, managing and coordinating the response.

   • Support incident response processes, ensuring root cause analysis is conducted and mitigation plans are implemented.

   • Track lessons learned and adjust risk strategies accordingly to strengthen risk management practices.

8. Risk Frameworks & Policy Adherence:

   • Apply relevant operational risk frameworks (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000) to strengthen risk governance.

   • Ensure all policies are properly implemented, regularly reviewed, and adhered to across the organization.

9. Professional Development:

   • Engage in relevant training and certifications (e.g., IRMSA, ISO 22301) to enhance personal and professional growth.

   • Stay up to date with regulatory updates, industry best practices, and emerging risk management methodologies.

   • Participate in performance reviews and proactively seek feedback for continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Environmental Science, Safety Management, or a related field.

• Professional certifications (Beneficial): IRMSA Certification, ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), NEBOSH or SAMTRAC (for Health & Safety), ESG/Sustainability certifications.

Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of proven experience in Sales Operations, Risk Management, or similar roles, ideally within a fintech, SaaS, or high-growth startup environment.

Job-Related Knowledge and Skills:

• Operational Risk Frameworks: Advanced knowledge of risk frameworks such as COSO, ISO 31000.

• Business Continuity Planning: Advanced knowledge of BCP methodologies and ISO 22301.

• Environmental & ESG Risk Assessment: Intermediate understanding of environmental risk assessment and ESG principles.

• Health & Safety Regulations: Advanced knowledge of Health & Safety regulations (e.g., OHS Act, ISO 45001).

• Risk Register Management: Advanced experience in maintaining and updating risk registers.

• Risk Reporting & Analysis: Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to prepare risk reports and dashboards for senior leadership.

• Incident Response & Root Cause Analysis: Intermediate experience in incident response coordination and root cause analysis.

• Regulatory Compliance & Fintech Knowledge: Intermediate understanding of fintech operational environments and regulatory expectations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Advanced communication and collaboration skills to engage stakeholders effectively.

• Attention to Detail & Reporting Accuracy: Intermediate attention to detail for accurate risk reporting.

Core Competencies:

• Operational Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver accurate and consistent risk reports aligned with business needs.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical thinking to diagnose issues quickly and propose effective, scalable solutions.

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in handling data and ensuring data integrity in risk management processes.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively across departments (Sales, Operations, Finance) to drive shared objectives.

• Communication: Skilled in translating complex risk data into actionable insights for a variety of audiences, including senior leadership.

• Time Management: Efficiently manage and prioritize multiple tasks within tight deadlines.

• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, adjusting to changing tools, business requirements, and data needs.

• Initiative: Proactively identify opportunities to improve risk management processes and stay ahead of industry trends.

If you’re a proactive, detail-oriented professional with a passion for managing operational risks in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to join Mukuru and play a pivotal role in safeguarding our operations as we scale our fintech business.

I am sure you are reading this job description and meet majority of the criteria BUT you may also still not be 100% comfortable in applying. We believe that there is a place for everyone under the Mukuru sun and we want YOU to contribute to our diverse tapestry of talent. So come on, take a leap of faith, and send your application if you meet majority of our requirements. Remember to include a snippet of how you will bring value and help us build a future of success that will help us determine where and how you may best be suited” Maybe you are just the future Mukurian we need!!

Should you be appointed in a remote/work from home role at Mukuru, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have uninterrupted internet connectivity and a ‘work-like’ environment at your home location, in order to deliver your best in terms of performance, productivity and service to our customers.

If you do not receive any response after two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

NB: ALL STAFF APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY’S DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PLANS