Position Summary
The Group Chief Risk Officer (GYRO) provides strategic leadership and independent oversight of AGF’s enterprise-wide credit and portfolio risk management framework, ensuring comprehensive governance across all guarantee, counter-guarantee, and treasury operations.
The position is responsible for advancing AGF’s portfolio growth objectives while maintaining strict adherence to prudent risk parameters, ensuring the institution’s capital adequacy, financial sustainability, development mandate, and credit rating profile remain secure.
The GYRO is responsible for identifying, evaluating, monitoring, mitigating, and reporting risks associated with AGF’s guarantee operations and treasury-related exposures, ensuring adherence to the Board-approved risk appetite, regulatory standards, IFRS9 guidelines, and leading development finance practices.
The position provides strategic counsel to the Executive Committee and Board regarding portfolio quality, expected credit losses, stress scenarios, concentration risks, utilization dynamics, and emerging market trends across AGF’s Pan-African operations.
Overseeing a broad spectrum of critical functions, the role encompasses a wide array of key duties and obligations. This position demands the execution of essential tasks, including but not limited to strategic planning, operational oversight, and team coordination. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in [specific skills or qualifications], along with a proven track record in [relevant experience]. Responsibilities include managing departmental objectives, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and driving performance improvements. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership capabilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Additionally, the position requires meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and a commitment to achieving measurable results.
Fosters the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management frameworks and governance structures to ensure robust oversight and compliance within the organization.
Formulate and uphold the Group Risk strategy to ensure alignment with AGF’s mandate and risk appetite.
Spearhead the development and ongoing evaluation of credit risk policies, frameworks, and standards specifically for guarantees.
Act as the primary advisor to the Executive Committee and the Board, providing insights on credit risk trends, exposure levels, concentrations, and emerging risks.
To guarantee coherence between risk strategy, capital adequacy, and portfolio growth objectives.
Instill a robust culture characterized by analytical precision, responsibility, and proactive scrutiny throughout the Risk function.
Portfolio Risk Management and Surveillance
Oversee the continuous evaluation and control of portfolio risks to ensure alignment with established risk tolerance levels and investment objectives. Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to detect and address potential threats promptly, thereby safeguarding asset integrity and optimizing performance outcomes.
Maintain stringent analytical standards, uniformity, and quality assurance in transaction underwriting, portfolio analytics, and risk reporting across all regions and product lines.
Manage portfolio performance by monitoring Expected Credit Loss (ECL) and spearheading portfolio stress testing and scenario analysis initiatives, thereby facilitating capital planning and enhancing strategic decision-making processes.
Develop and oversee early warning systems while implementing corrective measures to address worsening exposures.
Risk monitoring, corrective action identification, and recovery process execution are integral components of this role, ensuring proactive oversight of potential issues, timely intervention when necessary, and restoration of optimal operational conditions.
Develop comprehensive and resilient frameworks designed to enhance data quality within claims management, restructuring, and recovery processes.
Collaborate with Legal and Business Development teams to develop and implement remedial strategies for impaired guarantees.
Compile and analyze default-related insights to enhance underwriting criteria and refine policy terms accordingly.
We are seeking a professional with expertise in regulatory frameworks, financial reporting, and compliance oversight to ensure organizational adherence to legal and industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in accounting principles, regulatory guidelines, and risk management, with the ability to interpret complex compliance requirements and implement effective control measures. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, conducting audits, and providing strategic guidance to senior management on regulatory and accounting matters. Proficiency in relevant software tools, exceptional analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
Ensure adherence to prudential standards, IFRS 9, and other applicable regulations while maintaining a robust and transparent framework.
Frameworks and donor requirements are aligned with Basel standards.
Facilitate interactions with external auditors, rating agencies, regulators, development partners, and due diligence missions regarding all risk-related issues.
Uphold rigorous documentation standards, ensuring transparency and defensibility in all credit decision-making processes.
Capable of guiding and motivating teams to achieve organizational objectives while fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment. Responsible for setting clear goals, delegating tasks effectively, and monitoring progress to ensure timely project completion. Requires strong communication skills to articulate vision, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts constructively. Demonstrated ability to inspire confidence, drive innovation, and maintain accountability across all levels of the organization.
Transform the Group Risk function into a high-performing, analytically rigorous, and strategically engaged team across all regions by leading, mentoring, and driving its evolution.
Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of systems, tools, and data analytics to support and improve credit decision-making processes.
Serve as an objective, dependable, and solution-focused counterpart to business development initiatives, providing balanced insights and actionable recommendations.
Highly valued qualifications, essential skills, relevant knowledge, and pertinent professional experiences represent key attributes for prospective candidates.
Full proficiency in both English and French is an essential requirement for this position.
A master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a closely related discipline is required.
Preferred candidates will hold professional risk certifications such as FRM, PRM, or CFA.
Proficiency in IFRS9 standards, Expected Credit Loss modelling techniques, portfolio analytics, and capital adequacy frameworks is essential.
A minimum of 15 years of experience in credit risk management, including senior leadership roles, is required.
Requires a demonstrated track record in guarantee funds, development finance institutions, banking, or multilateral financial institutions.
Proficient knowledge of SMEs, infrastructure, and development-focused credit risk assessments is essential.
Experienced with significant interaction at the board level and a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes.
Detail-oriented, highly analytical, and intellectually rigorous, with a strong commitment to accuracy and the ability to constructively challenge assumptions.
Political and cultural awareness is essential, along with a proven ability to engage productively with diverse stakeholders.
African and international organizations operate across diverse geographical regions in culturally varied environments.
Capable of traveling as necessary to advance organizational goals and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
Self-motivated professional with a strong dedication and innate ability to support the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Applications must be submitted electronically via email with your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant professional background. Include the names and contact details of three referees well-acquainted with your qualifications and experience, addressed to recruitment@africanguaranteefund.com. Ensure the subject line clearly states, “AGF – Application for Group Chief Risk Officer.” Applications will be reviewed until June 30, 2026, or until the role is successfully filled.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
15 years
