Position Summary
The Group Chief Risk Officer (GYRO) spearheads the strategic direction and provides independent oversight of AGF’s enterprise-wide credit and portfolio risk management framework, encompassing all guarantee, counter-guarantee, and treasury operations.
This position is responsible for advancing AGF’s portfolio growth targets in alignment with disciplined risk management, simultaneously preserving the organization’s capital adequacy, financial stability, developmental mission, and credit rating integrity.
The GYRO is responsible for identifying, evaluating, assessing, mitigating, and reporting risks associated with AGF’s guarantee operations and treasury-related exposures, ensuring adherence to the Board-approved risk appetite, regulatory standards, IFRS 9 compliance, and industry best practices in development finance.
This position functions as a strategic advisor to both the Executive Committee and the Board, offering guidance on portfolio quality, anticipated credit losses, stress scenarios, concentration risks, utilization trends, and emerging market developments throughout AGF’s Pan-African operations.
Oversee the execution of primary duties and fulfill key responsibilities with a focus on delivering measurable results. Serve as a central figure in managing critical tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while maintaining high standards of performance and accountability. Lead initiatives that drive efficiency, foster innovation, and enhance productivity across all assigned functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, resolve challenges, and optimize outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Uphold rigorous compliance with policies, procedures, and industry regulations to mitigate risks and sustain operational integrity. Actively contribute to strategic planning, performance evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts to support long-term growth and success.
Develops and implements robust risk management strategies and governance frameworks to ensure organizational resilience and compliance. Oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks while establishing clear policies and procedures to govern risk-related activities. Collaborates with senior leadership to integrate risk considerations into strategic decision-making processes and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Formulate and uphold the Group Risk strategy in strict accordance with AGF’s designated mandate and established risk appetite framework.
Spearhead the development and ongoing evaluation of credit risk policies, frameworks, and standards specifically tailored for guarantees.
Act in the capacity of primary advisor to the Executive Committee and the Board regarding credit risk trends, exposures, concentrations, and emerging risks.
Strive to harmonize risk strategy with capital adequacy and portfolio growth objectives.
Foster a culture characterized by rigorous analysis, unwavering accountability, and proactive, independent scrutiny across the Risk function.
Portfolio Risk Management and Monitoring entails the ongoing assessment and oversight of investment portfolios to mitigate potential risks and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. This role involves analyzing market trends, evaluating asset performance, and implementing risk mitigation strategies to safeguard capital while optimizing returns. Key responsibilities include conducting regular risk assessments, monitoring compliance with investment guidelines, and providing actionable insights to stakeholders. The position requires a strong understanding of financial markets, quantitative analysis, and regulatory frameworks, along with proficiency in risk management tools and software. Ideal candidates will possess experience in portfolio management, risk modeling, and a track record of delivering data-driven recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Maintain rigorous analytical standards, uniformity, and quality assurance in transaction underwriting, portfolio analytics, and risk reporting, ensuring consistency across all regions and products.
Oversee the performance of the portfolio, focusing on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) assessments while spearheading stress testing and scenario analysis initiatives. These efforts will provide critical support for capital planning and strategic decision-making processes.
Oversee the implementation of early warning systems and initiate corrective measures to address worsening exposure.
The role encompasses the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of risks, alongside the implementation of corrective measures and recovery strategies. Key responsibilities include continuous risk assessment to detect potential threats, developing and executing remedial actions to address identified issues, and ensuring effective recovery processes are in place to minimize impact. Proficiency in risk analysis tools and methodologies is essential, as is the ability to maintain clear documentation and reporting standards. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are required to assess vulnerabilities and prioritize corrective actions, with a focus on proactive risk management.
Develop comprehensive frameworks to enhance data quality and optimize processes for claims management, restructurings, and recoveries.
Collaborate with Legal and Business Development teams to develop and implement remedial strategies for addressing impaired guarantees.
Compile and analyze default-related insights to enhance future underwriting decisions and refine existing policies accordingly.
The position requires ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, managing accounting functions, and maintaining compliance protocols. Responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, implementing internal controls, and verifying adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the role demands proficiency in interpreting complex regulatory requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing guidance to ensure organizational compliance. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders are essential.
Ensure adherence to prudential standards, IFRS 9, and other regulatory requirements while maintaining robustness, transparency, and compliance throughout all processes and operations.
Developed frameworks aligned with Basel standards and donor specifications.
Oversee interactions with external auditors, rating agencies, regulators, development partners, and due diligence missions regarding all risk-related issues.
Ensure documentation, transparency, and the defensibility of credit decisions consistently meet the highest standards.
Seeking a dynamic professional to drive team performance and project execution as a key leadership role. The ideal candidate will guide cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and ensure strategic objectives are met with efficiency. Responsibilities include developing high-performing teams, mentoring employees, and aligning individual goals with organizational priorities. Strong communication and decision-making skills are essential, along with the ability to inspire and motivate others. A proven track record in leadership, project management, and conflict resolution is required.
Led by you, the Group Risk function will evolve into a strategically engaged, analytically robust, and high-performing team, with mentorship at its core, ensuring excellence across all global regions.
Enhance the capabilities of systems, tools, and data analytics to optimize the credit decision-making process.
Serve as an autonomous, dependable, and proactive counterpart to business origination, offering balanced, credible, and outcome-focused insights.
Qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experiences that are highly valued include…
Proficiency in both English and French at a professional level is an essential requirement.
A master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional risk certifications, such as the Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Professional Risk Manager (PRM), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), are highly desirable qualifications.
Seasoned professionals should demonstrate deep proficiency in IFRS 9, Expected Credit Loss modelling techniques, portfolio analytics, and capital adequacy frameworks, ensuring comprehensive understanding and application of these critical financial standards and methodologies.
A minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in credit risk, including demonstrated senior leadership accountability, is required.
Requires demonstrated expertise in guarantee funds, development finance institutions, banks, or multilateral financial institutions.
Seasoned expertise in credit risk management, particularly in SMEs, infrastructure, and development-focused lending, is essential.
The role demands active involvement with the Board and frequent interactions with regulatory bodies.
Detail-oriented, highly analytical, and intellectually rigorous, with a strong commitment to accuracy and a capacity to constructively challenge assumptions.
Political and cultural awareness, coupled with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse backgrounds, is essential for this role. Candidates must demonstrate experience in navigating complex social and political landscapes while fostering constructive engagement with varied stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and adaptability are required to work harmoniously in multicultural environments and address sensitive issues with professionalism and tact.
African and international organizations operate across diverse geographical regions, engaging in culturally varied environments.
Demonstrates flexibility and readiness to undertake travel as necessary to advance organizational goals and foster stakeholder relationships.
Driven professional with a strong dedication and innate talent for assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in achieving success.
Please submit your application, including a resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant professional experience, along with the names and contact details of three referees familiar with your qualifications and work history, via email to recruitment@africanguaranteefund.com. Ensure the subject line of your email is clearly marked as “AGF – Application for Group Chief Risk Officer.” Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
15 years
