Model Methodology Analyst

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

The role is responsible for supporting the Model Risk Centre of Excellence in driving the standardisation of modelling approaches in quant teams across the bank, conducting research on best practice model development methodologies, participating in initiatives that seek to upskill the quantitative community and driving efficiency through innovation and technological capabilities. The incumbent will have wide exposure to various model types and business landscapes, including (but not limited to) regulatory capital models, IFRS9 models, pricing models, application and behavioural scorecards and machine learning and artificial intelligence models, used in both retail and wholesale portfolios.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Support model development and model risk teams as a subject matter expert by providing consultative input on the technical components of the model lifecycle.
• Consult with business stakeholders to develop an understanding of their needs within the modelling space. Propose and embed solutions that deliver tangible value by collaborating with quant teams in the bank. Ensure that solutions align with industry best practice and regulatory/accounting requirements (e.g., Basel, IFRS9) where applicable.
• Translate theoretical and/or academic knowledge into practical methodologies that can be understood by business stakeholders. Assist with the interpretation of highly technical concepts and communicate these in a manner that is clear to a wide variety of audiences.
• Assist with upskilling and knowledge share initiatives aimed at the Absa quant community.
• Develop high-quality, standardised and improved modelling approaches, model assessment metrics, templates, frameworks and/or code that result in the use of more accurate and/or more efficient methodologies. Drive the embedment of newly developed methodologies within the bank.
• Produce technical guideline documents that will become part of the quantitative community's library of approved and recommended modelling methodologies.
• Leverage technology, such as SAS Viya, to enable greater efficiency throughout the model lifecycle, improve ways of work and embed standardised approaches for model development. Demonstrate the capabilities of technology platforms by developing proof-of-concepts (POCs) and/or assisting quants with existing model developments in cutting edge model development platforms.
• Stay abreast of best practice modelling approaches in the quant community.
• Apply sound understanding of Model Risk principles and industry standards/regulations that affect models (e.g., Basel Accords, IFRS9 Standard, National Credit Act, etc.).

Requirements:

• Advanced experience in the SAS suite of products (SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS MRM, SAS Visual Analytics, SAS Enterprise Miner). Experience in SAS Viya a plus.
• Proficient in mastering new coding languages and model development platforms.
• Able to perform extensive research and translate research findings into workable solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Expert in statistical and mathematical theory.
• Knowledge of predictive modelling and descriptive statistical analysis.
• Exceptional document writing abilities – ability to produce coherent documents that communicate complex concepts in a manner that is understandable.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders efficiently.
• Familiarity with credit risk modelling (Basel, IFRS9) advantageous.

This is a full-time, permanent AVP-level role based at Absa Towers West, Johannesburg, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Work Experience:

• 3-4 years' experience in a model development, model risk or quant consultancy team. Individuals with an academic background will also be considered.
• Experience in quantitative analytics, model development, model validation or model audit advantageous.

Education:

• Master's Degree in Physics, Mathematical/Statistical Sciences, Actuarial Science or Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI).

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised

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