Permanent Senior Specialist Quantitative Analyst | Absa Vacancies
Job Description
Absa Vacancies – Senior Specialist: Quantitative Analyst (VP)
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Company: Absa
Job Type: Permanent
Job Sector: Finance
Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.
With over 100 years of rich history and a strong position as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with Absa offers the opportunity to be part of an exciting growth journey—shaping our future as a proudly African group.
Job Title: Senior Specialist: Quantitative Analyst (VP)
Job Summary
As a Senior Specialist: Quantitative Analyst (VP), you will be responsible for performing model validations and leading a team of analysts in their validation work. Your role ensures compliance with Absa’s Model Risk Policy, framework, and standards.
You will validate a diverse range of models (Regulatory Capital, Economic Capital, impairments, pricing, behavioral, application, stress-testing, valuation, derivatives, insurance risk, etc.) across Absa Group Limited (AGL). Additionally, you will guide junior analysts, negotiate findings with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement in model quality.
This role is ideal for candidates seeking a multidimensional skillset, senior visibility within the firm, leadership exposure, and opportunities for strategic thinking.
Job Description
Accountability: Model Validation/Monitoring
- Execute model validation/monitoring in line with the IVU process, ensuring all required information is received from Model Owners (MO) and Model Development (MD).
- Manage validation milestones, ensuring timely completion per the IVU schedule.
- Use approved templates and tools, adhering to internal and external requirements (Group Model Risk Policy, Basel, Prudential Authority, IFRS9, etc.).
- Deliver accurate analyses and high-quality reports with minimal corrections during review.
- Document and negotiate findings with stakeholders, ensuring actionable resolutions.
- Support annual audits, regulatory assessments, and ad hoc management requests.
- Present validation outcomes effectively to executives and stakeholders.
Accountability: Supervisory
- Guide and mentor junior analysts (AVPs) to ensure timely, high-quality validations.
- Review their analyses and reports for completeness, accuracy, and relevance.
- Conduct feedback sessions, implementing or justifying any deviations from feedback.
- Oversee project milestones and drive key objectives set by IVU management.
- Provide technical and professional development support to junior team members.
Accountability: Stakeholder Management
- Maintain professional relationships with model owners, developers, approvers, and auditors.
- Communicate findings clearly and escalate concerns proactively.
- Engage stakeholders to align on regulatory, policy, and governance requirements.
- Challenge models constructively while understanding stakeholders’ perspectives.
Accountability: Technical & Professional Development
- Continuously develop technical, regulatory, and soft skills beyond scheduled training.
- Stay updated on new banking developments and model innovations.
- Share knowledge and drive best practices across Absa Group.
- Identify and escalate emerging risks or regulatory changes.
- Support research projects and contribute to a positive, challenging work environment.
- Manage administrative responsibilities, including performance reviews and training compliance.
Behavioral Competencies
- Objective and fact-based in communication.
- Open-minded, supportive, and risk-focused.
- Stakeholder needs-oriented.
- Participate in recruitment processes for junior analysts.
Preferred Education
- B.Sc. Honours/Master’s Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or related quantitative fields.
Preferred Experience
- Minimum 6 years in risk modeling, validation, or analytics.
- Prior exposure to model risk is advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills
- Advanced MS Excel and Office Suite proficiency.
- Programming expertise (SAS, VBA, MATLAB, C++, R, Python).
- Strong quantitative technical skills.
- Leadership experience in managing teams/projects.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Commerce, or Management Studies.
Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to diversity and equitable workforce representation. Appointments are made based on suitability, and the bank reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.
APPLY NOW
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button or follow the specific instructions provided in the job description. Ensure that your CV and supporting documents are up to date and relevant to the position.
Please note: This job posting may be closed at any time by the employer, either due to internal recruitment policies, legal requirements, or once a suitable candidate has been found. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
44 total views, 2 today