To lead, embed and continuously strengthen the Operational Risk Management Framework across Letshego Financial Services Botswana, safeguarding the organisation against operational losses, regulatory breaches and reputational risks. The role ensures enterprise-wide risk visibility, control effectiveness and proactive risk mitigation, while enabling sustainable growth through informed decision-making, aligned to Group ERM standards and Botswana regulatory requirements.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Risk Management
- Closing Date: 2026-07-10
Key Responsibilities
- Drive implementation and continuous enhancement of the Operational Risk Management Framework, aligned to Group ERM and regulatory expectations.
- Maintain risk methodologies, standards and tools ensuring consistency and scalability.
- Monitor adherence to approved operational risk appetite, tolerance levels and early warning indicators.
- Provide independent challenge to business risk assessments and control effectiveness.
- Oversee end-to-end operational risk incident management, including root cause analysis and remediation.
- Analyse trends to identify systemic control weaknesses and emerging risks.
- Identify, assess and document operational risks across business and support functions.
- Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of key controls and recommend enhancements or additional controls where required.
- Facilitate Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and related workshops with business and support functions.
- Oversee the capture, analysis and reporting of operational risk incidents and losses, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ensure alignment of country operational risk practices with Group Enterprise Risk Management frameworks and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Provide operational risk advisory support to business units on new products, process changes, digital initiatives, policy review and outsourcing.
- Balance risk discipline with commercial enablement, supporting strategic initiatives.
- Drive risk awareness programmes, embedding accountability across all levels.
- Promote fraud prevention, conduct risk awareness and control ownership.
- Promote a strong risk culture and risk awareness across the organisation, including fraud prevention and conduct risk considerations.
- Prepare and present operational risk reports to Senior Management, Management Risk Committees and Board committees.
- Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed risk mitigation and remediation actions.
- Act as a central point of expertise on operational and enterprise risk matters for management and support functions.
- Strengthen full compliance of all operational risk activities with regulatory requirements (NBFIRA, AML/CTF, Data Protection) and internal governance frameworks, maintaining audit readiness.
- Role-models Letshego values and ethical leadership that is consistent with Group culture
Requirements
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or a related discipline.
- A postgraduate qualification such as an MBA or Master’s in Risk Management will be an added advantage.
- Certifications
- Relevant professional risk management certification (e.g. CIRM, ICM, ERM, ORM) is strongly preferred.
- Experience
- At least 7 years experience in a risk management, Compliance, Internal Controls or Audit environment within the financial services industry
- At least 3 years’ experience in a supervisory or managerial role with demonstrated leadership of operational risk oversight functions
- Demonstrated experience in enterprise-level risk frameworks and governance
- Exposure to regulated financial environments
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: letshego.seamlesshiring.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What typical qualifications, certifications, or education are needed for an Operational Risk Manager role in Botswana?
Generally, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Professional certifications like PRM, FRM, or a relevant qualification in risk management or internal audit are highly valued in Botswana's financial sector. Experience with local regulatory frameworks is also crucial.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an Operational Risk Manager at a financial institution in Botswana?
Daily tasks involve identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating operational risks across various departments. This includes developing and implementing risk management frameworks, conducting risk assessments, and reporting on risk exposures to management and local regulators. You would also be involved in incident management and business continuity planning.
What is the typical work culture and professional expectation for an Operational Risk Manager in Botswana's financial services industry?
The work culture often emphasizes professionalism, adherence to compliance, and collaborative problem-solving within a structured environment. Expect a strong focus on ethical conduct, attention to detail, and continuous learning to adapt to evolving local and international financial regulations. Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external regulators is key.
What are the realistic career progression or growth paths for an Operational Risk Manager in Botswana?
An Operational Risk Manager can progress to senior risk management roles, such as Head of Risk, Chief Risk Officer, or move into broader compliance or internal audit leadership positions. Opportunities may also exist to specialize further in specific risk domains or move into regional management roles within larger financial groups operating across Africa. Continuous professional development and networking are vital for advancement.
What typical benefits can one expect for an Operational Risk Manager role in Botswana?
Standard benefits packages in Botswana's financial sector typically include medical aid, a pension fund, and annual leave allowances. Some employers may also offer professional development support, group life assurance, and performance-based bonuses. Specific benefits can vary significantly between companies.
How should one apply for this role in Botswana, and what do employers typically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted online through the company's career portal or via reputable local recruitment agencies. Employers in Botswana look for a strong understanding of local financial regulations, proven experience in risk identification and mitigation, and excellent analytical and communication skills. Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.