Manager, Non-Financial Risk

Standard Bank Kenya is seeking a seasoned and strategic Manager, Non-Financial Risk (NFR) to serve as the senior NFR leader within the second line of defense. This is a high-impact role responsible for providing independent oversight and strategic leadership in the development, localization, implementation, and continuous enhancement of Non-Financial Risk frameworks across the country. The successful candidate will ensure full alignment with Group Risk standards, globally recognized frameworks such as COSO ERM and ISO 31000, and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Prudential Risk Management Guidelines.

Operating at the intersection of governance, strategy, and risk culture, this role empowers the business to operate within approved risk appetite by proactively identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating non-financial risks — spanning operational, technology, conduct, third-party, financial crime, and compliance risk domains. The Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while maintaining the independence and objectivity expected of second-line assurance.

• Lead the design, localization, and embedding of NFR frameworks in alignment with Group standards, COSO ERM, ISO 31000, and CBK guidelines.
• Provide independent oversight and challenge across all non-financial risk types including operational, technology, conduct, third-party, financial crime, and compliance risks.
• Drive a strong risk culture and control environment across all business units to ensure risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated proactively.
• Prepare and present comprehensive risk reports to senior governance forums including EXCO, Risk and Compliance Committee (RCC), and Board Risk Committee (BRC).
• Escalate material risks and influence executive-level decision-making in a timely and effective manner.
• Lead end-to-end incident management processes — from identification and escalation through root cause analysis (RCA) to sustainable remediation.
• Conduct risk assurance reviews and control effectiveness assessments across business functions, driving gap closure and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate combined assurance activities across Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit to eliminate duplication and strengthen assurance coverage.
• Identify systemic risk issues and champion durable, organization-wide solutions rather than superficial fixes.
• Act as a credible advisor and constructive challenger to Business Heads and Senior Management while preserving second-line independence.

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive risk management experience within second or third line of defense functions in a regulated financial institution.
• Demonstrated ability to own and manage the full NFR lifecycle: identification, assessment, monitoring, reporting, and response.
• Proven hands-on experience implementing enterprise risk frameworks including COSO ERM and/or ISO 31000 in a banking or financial services context.
• Ability to cover and provide credible oversight across multiple risk domains simultaneously, including operational, technology, and financial crime risk.
• Track record of preparing board-level and executive-level risk reports and presenting to senior governance committees.
• Ability to escalate material risks, challenge senior stakeholders constructively, and influence high-stakes decisions while maintaining credibility.
• Experience coordinating combined assurance across Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions.
• Strong analytical skills to identify root causes, recognize systemic patterns, and drive sustainable remediation strategies.
• First degree in Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline; professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, CFA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, CRISC, or CIA are strongly preferred.
• Advanced competency in risk identification, assessment, measurement, and reporting tools and methodologies.

Standard Bank offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and seniority. The salary for this role is open and will be discussed during the recruitment process. Estimated monthly compensation for a role of this level in the Kenyan banking sector ranges from KES 350,000 to KES 600,000, inclusive of benefits. Standard Bank Group typically provides a comprehensive benefits package aligned with its position as a leading pan-African financial institution.

Ideal candidates are senior risk professionals with deep expertise in non-financial risk management within banking or financial services, who thrive in complex, matrixed environments and are confident engaging at board and executive levels. You are someone who combines technical rigor with strong interpersonal skills — able to challenge without alienating, and advise without compromising independence. You bring a strategic mindset, a passion for building risk culture, and a proven track record of making risk frameworks work in practice, not just on paper.

Do not apply if you have fewer than 8 years of relevant risk management experience, have not worked within a second or third line of defense function, or are uncomfortable operating with significant independence in a senior advisory capacity. This role is not suited to generalist finance or compliance professionals without dedicated risk framework experience.

• Visit the Standard Bank Group careers portal or the job platform where this listing is published.
• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your NFR framework experience, governance reporting responsibilities, and relevant certifications.
• Submit your application online, ensuring your cover letter articulates your experience with COSO/ISO 31000 frameworks and your role in second-line risk functions.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a structured interview process that may include technical assessments and panel interviews with senior risk leadership.