Job Title: Operational Risk Specialist

Role Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Reports To: Head of Qualitative Risk

Department: Risk

Location: AGL Head Office, Maple House, Temple Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Background:

Allianz Global Life dac (“AGL”) is a rapidly growing cross-border life insurer with products sold into the French, Italian and German markets, and, more recently Greek and Lithuanian markets. It also reinsures a portfolio of variable annuities sold in Taiwan and Japan. Its goal is to expand into other markets over the coming years, while also continuing to expand its product range. It currently writes unit linked, variable annuity and protection business.

 

Main Purpose of the Job:

The purpose of this role is to support the Head of Qualitative Risk in maintaining an effective operational risk management framework.

Responsibilities will include some or all of the following:

Contribute to the ongoing operation and enhancement of the Company’s operational risk management framework, assisting the business with root cause analysis and problem solving. Undertake key control testing; evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of critical end-to-end processes and controls, based on a defined test plan. Regular updates of AGL’s internal control reporting system, in line with Group processes and local business needs. Support the Risk and Operations functions to further strengthen the Company’s outsourcing and operational resilience frameworks. Run regular processes to support risk appetite monitoring, risk event reporting and remediation activities. Aid preparation of the annual Top Risk Assessment and monitoring of related actions. Undertake relevant project, product and reputational risk assessments.  Support the completion of the annual policy review and attestation process. Support the Company in assessing compliance with new regulations and guidance. Contribute to the preparation of risk management reports and materials for Senior Management and Board audiences. Represent the Risk function in relevant working groups (at both a Company and wider Allianz Group level), supporting the delivery of key projects.  

 

Responsibilities:

Accuracy and attention to detail: The role requires analysis and communication of data, regulations and technical concepts to various levels of stakeholders. Communications require accuracy, attention to detail, and tailoring the message to the needs of the recipient. Risk Management evolution: The risks faced by AGL continue to evolve in different market environments, with new product launches, operational processes and regulatory requirements – the role holder is expected to proactively contribute to the ongoing development of risk identification and mitigation, applying judgement to changing circumstances. Personal Development: Proactive and solution-orientated – process driven, with the ability to drive improvements and efficiencies.  Collaboration: Is fundamental to the success and credibility of the Risk function. The role holder is expected to proactively build a trusted and respected personal profile, supporting the enhancement of risk culture across the Company.

 

Key Customers:

Internal - CRO, Compliance, Internal Audit, Committees, Board, Group Risk

 

External- Central Bank of Ireland, External auditor

 

Business Competencies

Education and Qualifications:

Degree (/equivalent) or higher in business, finance, risk management or related area.

Preference for risk advisory or audit professional qualification (or working towards same).

 

Professional Competence:

Experience working in the financial services industry (life insurance advantageous). Experience performing internal / external audits or similar advisory / assurance activities. Strong skills with Microsoft packages, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.   Experience in report writing, preparing presentations and project management. Experience of delivering operational risk management / resilience frameworks (advantageous).

 

Product & Technical Knowledge:

Experience in process reviews and non-financial risk management (e.g., conduct risk, ESG risk, IT risk management etc.) Knowledge of control frameworks (e.g., SOX, COBIT, ISAE 3402 etc.) highly advantageous.

 

Management:

Self-manage multiple deliverables, with ability to prioritise and adhere to deadlines.

Commercial Awareness :

Familiarity with Solvency II and local CBI regulations / guidance is advantageous.

 

Personal Competencies

Personal Impact: Strong organisational skills; ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

 

Intellectual Effectiveness: Strong analytical skills, ability to understand new topics / processes.

 

Communication: Fluent in written and spoken English.

Excellent communication and people skills; willingness to liaise with stakeholders at all levels of the Company and external providers.

 

Stakeholder Management: Build effective relationships with all departments inside the Company and relevant Group functions / stakeholders.

 

 

Allianz Global Life DAC is an equal opportunity employer, and therefore welcomes applications regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, age, gender, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We welcome diversity of thinking as it is an important part of our company culture.