Enterprise Risk Manager

Overview

UK Export Finance faces a variety of risks from both external and internal sources and is committed to supporting a continuous improvement culture across the organisation with the aim of reducing operational, financial and reputational losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, from external events or from legal risk. It is the responsibility of the Enterprise Risk Division to continually review, enhance and develop the Department\’s Enterprise Risk Framework. This framework is designed to ensure that adequate processes, procedures, reporting and control mechanisms are in place to facilitate the identification, assessment, reporting and remediation of operational risks within the department that, if unremedied, could lead to material and potentially fatal financial consequences and/or reputational damage to the Department.

The Enterprise Risk Division operates via three teams: the Risk Governance team, the Operational Risk & Assurance team and the ERiCC Secretariat team. The role will help to support the Head of Enterprise Risk to continually promote good risk management awareness and practices across the organisation.

The Enterprise Risk Manager is responsible for working across all three teams and will lead on one of the three main disciplines (but will have good knowledge of all aspects of ERM).

Responsibilities

• Undertake Assurance Testing reviews, proactive action management and contribute to the development of the annual assurance testing plan.
• Co‑ordinate and manage pan‑UKEF Risk Appetite.
• Deliver regular reporting to multiple stakeholders and Committees.
• Co‑ordinate the presentation and analysis of the Control Environment Certificate.
• Work closely with all Divisions to facilitate the embedding of Risk Inventories, control catalogues, process maps and the reporting of operational risk.
• Manage the Enterprise Risk & Credit Committee (ERiCC) Secretariat.
• Manage UKEF\’s Policy Library to set defined standards and ensure they are met.
• Assist with the management of the RMG Academy.
• Benchmark UKEF\’s risk and assurance approach against the Orange Book (public sector standard).
• Discuss key findings and risk themes at ERiCC to improve the Department\’s risk and assurance performance.
• Ensure the Enterprise Risk Division\’s policies, processes and controls are reviewed and updated at least annually.
• Matrix‑manage and motivate a small team of SEO’s / HEOs.
• Provide strong thought leadership, focus on priorities and demonstrate an evidence‑based approach.
• Advocate for Enterprise Risk through collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders, and develop and present training and reference resources.
• Liaise with multiple internal and external stakeholders, developing effective working relationships.
• Act as a senior adviser to Directors, Group Heads and colleagues on risk management, supporting the development and embedding of a compliance and assurance culture.
• Deputise for the Senior Manager, Enterprise Risk Management when appropriate.
• Possess a good knowledge of operational and enterprise risk and the ability to advise and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Assist the Senior Manager in driving continuous improvement across the Department, including integration of Operational Risk Management.
• Define, develop and agree with key stakeholders on the key components, metrics and reporting of UKEF Risk Appetite; promote awareness of Risk Appetite across UKEF.
• Assist with the delivery of the Assurance Testing plan and ensure assigned actions are managed and remediated by the business.
• Assist the Senior Manager in managing and reporting UKEF\’s Risk Appetite.
• Facilitate the half‑year and year‑end Control Environment Certificate process.
• Manage and direct the UKEF Policy Management Framework requirements, promote governance and ensure the central Policy Library is maintained and updated.
• Proactively lead and contribute to the framework for ongoing monitoring and management of RMG policies, processes, procedures and controls.
• Lead periodic benchmarking of pan‑UKEF risk management practice against the Orange Book, identify best practice and support continuous improvement.
• Generate cross‑government specialist points of contact, collaborate to identify best/good practice and recommend improvements within UKEF.
• Proactively report the outcomes of all ERD assurance activity to senior stakeholders, supporting the Head of Enterprise Risk and the Chief Risk Officer.
• Attend ERiCC and Risk Committee as required, preparing and presenting papers to Committee Members.
• Contribute to Risk Management Group policies and projects.

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development in the discipline of enterprise risk management / risk assurance.
• Good knowledge of operational risk, assurance testing, incident management, regulatory requirements in the external environment and industry best practice approach to enterprise risk.
• Understanding of the risks managed in an export credit agency, including origination, underwriting, deal execution and post‑issue matters.
• Knowledge of Control Frameworks, Assurance testing, Risk Appetite setting and best practices on ERM and Assurance.
• Good understanding of the three lines of defence model.
• Competent analytical ability – interpreting trends from data – to understand, interpret and read‑across a range of risk issues.
• Good problem‑solving skills and the ability to think creatively and strategically when difficult or unusual incidents arise.
• Sound judgement and decision‑making skills, coupled with the ability to prioritise.
• Communication, persuasion and influencing skills (oral and written).
• Ability to communicate authoritatively and credibly with a wide range of senior stakeholders, even with difficult messages.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision, exercising autonomy sensibly and definitively.
• Experience of Risk Governance (Policy management, risk appetite).
• Experience of managing Committee Secretariat functions.
• Experience of collaborating across multiple teams.
• Demonstrated capability to see the big picture and make effective decisions.

Application Process

The application must be completed by 23.55 on the day of the closing date for it to be accepted. All applications will be sifted against our essential criteria outlined in the personal specification. Potential candidates will be invited to give a statement of suitability (750 words) explaining how they meet the essential criteria and may be asked to attend a formal panel interview assessing behaviours, technical expertise and line management standards.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however all examples and statements provided must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism or misuse of AI may result in withdrawal of the application or disciplinary action.

Security Requirements

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment, including a security check and baseline personnel security standard. Further information can be found in the Civil Service vetting charter.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Equal Opportunities

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, and we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Benefits

• Annual salary of £61,250, plus £17,744 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97 % employer contribution).
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• Access to a comprehensive Civil Service pension.