Risk Management Officer Job Vacancy in Maseru, Lesotho – Banking & Finance

Job Description

Position:Risk Management Officer

Company:Standard Bank Lesotho

Location:Maseru, Lesotho

Experience:5+ years in risk management within the banking sector

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics or related field; Master’s preferred

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Banking & Finance

Department:Risk Management

Salary:SSP 300,000 – 500,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Standard Bank Lesotho, a subsidiary of the pan‑African Standard Bank Group, has been a cornerstone of the Lesotho financial landscape for over three decades. With a commitment to inclusive growth, the bank offers a comprehensive suite of retail, corporate, and investment banking services across the Kingdom. As part of its strategic expansion, Standard Bank Lesotho continuously invests in talent that can drive robust risk frameworks, ensuring sustainable profitability while safeguarding stakeholder interests. The bank’s culture emphasizes integrity, innovation, and community impact, aligning with national development goals and the broader vision of financial stability in Lesotho. For more information about the organization, visit the main website https://lesothojobsearch.com. The bank’s presence in Maseru makes it a pivotal employer for professionals seeking dynamic career opportunities in Lesotho.

Job Overview

The Risk Management Officer will play a critical role in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and operational risks across Standard Bank Lesotho’s portfolio. Reporting to the Head of Risk, the incumbent will develop risk policies, conduct quantitative analyses, and collaborate with business units to embed risk‑aware decision‑making throughout the organization. This position is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting credit approval processes, and enhancing the bank’s risk culture. The role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of risk types, including credit, market, liquidity, and operational risk, making it an ideal platform for professionals aspiring to senior risk leadership positions. The successful candidate will contribute directly to the bank’s strategic objectives, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted financial institution in Lesotho and the wider Southern African region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the bank’s risk management framework in line with Basel III and local regulatory requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive credit risk assessments for corporate and retail loan proposals, including stress testing and scenario analysis.
• Monitor market risk exposures, including interest rate, foreign exchange, and commodity price fluctuations, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Identify operational risk events, perform root‑cause analysis, and design control measures to prevent recurrence.
• Prepare regular risk reports for senior management and the Board of Directors, highlighting key risk indicators and emerging threats.
• Collaborate with compliance, audit, and legal teams to ensure integrated risk governance.
• Lead risk training sessions for business units to promote a risk‑aware culture.
• Support the development of risk‑adjusted pricing models for banking products.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of regulatory changes and industry best practices.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual risk appetite statement and capital adequacy assessments.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities with proficiency in risk modeling tools (e.g., SAS, R, Python).
• In‑depth understanding of Basel III, IFRS 9, and local banking regulations.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex risk concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience in credit risk assessment and portfolio monitoring.
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross‑functional teams.
• High ethical standards and attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with risk management software.

Education

The candidate must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in Risk Management, Financial Engineering, or an MBA is highly desirable. Professional certifications such as FRM (Financial Risk Manager) or PRM (Professional Risk Manager) will be considered an advantage.

Experience

Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in risk management within a commercial bank or a financial services institution is required. Experience in a supervisory or advisory capacity, as well as exposure to both retail and corporate banking risk portfolios, will be viewed favorably.

Salary

The remuneration package is competitive within the Lesotho market, ranging from SSP 300,000 to SSP 500,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, pension contributions, and other statutory benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual performance bonus linked to risk management outcomes.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and training.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options where applicable.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Onboarding program covering Standard Bank’s risk policies, systems, and compliance framework.
• Continuous learning opportunities through internal risk workshops and external seminars.
• Support for obtaining FRM/PRM certifications.
• Mentorship from senior risk leaders within the Standard Bank Group.

Working Environment

Standard Bank Lesotho offers a collaborative, inclusive, and technology‑driven workplace located in the heart of Maseru’s financial district. Employees benefit from modern office facilities, secure IT infrastructure, and a culture that encourages innovation and professional growth. The bank’s commitment to diversity and gender equality ensures a supportive environment for all staff.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role through the online portal on the bank’s career page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview. For additional career resources, visit the partner site https://www.nigeriajobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Standard Bank Lesotho is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.