Specialist: Ethics & Conduct Risk

Upholding Integrity: A Role in Ethics and Conduct Risk

Liberty is seeking a dedicated Specialist to join their team in Johannesburg, focusing on the crucial areas of ethics and conduct risk. This role is instrumental in embedding a robust culture of integrity and accountability throughout the organisation, ensuring adherence to both internal ethical guidelines and external legal regulations. The successful candidate will play a pivotal part in shaping and implementing policies, procedures, and programmes that foster an environment where ethical behaviour is paramount.

The core of this position involves championing ethical standards across Standard Bank Group (SBG). This means not only understanding the complexities of ethical conduct in the financial services sector but also possessing the ability to translate these principles into practical, actionable strategies. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of an ethics and conduct "toolbox" – a comprehensive suite of resources encompassing strategy, policy, processes, and training materials. This toolkit is designed to ensure a consistent approach to ethics management, aligning with regulatory requirements and the group's strategic objectives and values.

Driving Ethical Practices and Compliance

Your responsibilities will extend to establishing and overseeing governance frameworks that effectively manage ethics and conduct risk in line with the group's risk appetite. This involves fostering strong, credible relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior management, internal audit teams, and potentially industry peers, both locally and internationally. A significant aspect of the role will involve providing guidance and delivering training on ethics and conduct matters, equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to navigate ethical dilemmas and uphold the organisation's commitment to responsible business practices.

Furthermore, the role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating ethical risks. You will be involved in monitoring the effectiveness of established controls and processes, and potentially advising on or leading investigations into ethical breaches where necessary, always handling confidential information with the utmost discretion. A deep understanding of the group's business operations and strategic goals will be essential to effectively integrate ethical considerations into daily decision-making and long-term planning.

Essential Skills and Experience

To excel in this role, a foundational academic background in Law, Risk Management, or Social Sciences is required, ideally supplemented by postgraduate studies in Risk Management or Social Sciences. In terms of experience, candidates should possess between 5 to 7 years of proven expertise in ethics, risk management, or a closely related field. Familiarity with industry-specific codes of conduct and the regulatory landscape governing financial services in South Africa is critical.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in developing, managing, and implementing comprehensive ethics programmes. Experience in conducting investigations and managing sensitive, confidential information is also a key requirement. A solid understanding of business processes and operational frameworks, coupled with practical knowledge of risk and control frameworks within the financial services sector, will be highly valued.

Furthermore, 3 to 4 years of experience in designing and delivering training programmes is essential, showcasing your ability to educate and influence others. The ability to work autonomously while also collaborating effectively within a team environment is crucial. Specialist subject matter expertise in ethics and conduct, corporate responsibility, impact assessments, and the development of relevant metrics and indicators will set candidates apart. A deep understanding of the full spectrum of ethics and conduct regulations pertinent to the financial sector, and how these intersect with the group's business strategy, is paramount. A proven track record of navigating complex organisational structures and influencing senior executives and stakeholders is also a significant advantage.

In South Africa, roles in ethics and conduct risk are becoming increasingly vital across all sectors, particularly within the heavily regulated financial services industry. While specific remuneration varies greatly, a specialist role of this nature often commands a competitive salary package, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining corporate reputation and regulatory compliance. Typical employers include major banks, insurance companies, and large listed corporations. Career progression in this field can lead to senior leadership positions within compliance, risk management, or governance functions, offering a rewarding path for those dedicated to fostering ethical business environments.

• First Degree in either Legal, Risk Management or Social Sciences
• Post Graduate Degree in either Risk Management or Social Sciences

Experience Required
Ethics and Conduct

• 5-7 years Proven experience working in ethics, risk management or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific codes of conduct and regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of ethics program development, management and implementation. Experience in conducting investigations and handling confidential information. Strong understanding of business processes and operations. Practical knowledge of risk and control frameworks and application in financial services industry. Experience in developing and delivering
• 3-4 years' Experience in developing and delivering training programmes. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Specialist and subject matter expertise in ethics and conduct, corporate responsibility, development of ethics programs impact assessments, risk metrics and indicators. Expert knowledge of the full dimensions of ethics and conduct regulation as it pertains to the financial sector.
• Excellent and deep understanding of ethics and conduct issues as these relate to the business and strategy of the Group. A proven track record of working across complex organisations, influencing executives and stakeholders.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulating Information
• Challenging Ideas
• Convincing People
• Developing Expertise
• Directing People
• Examining Information
• Exploring Possibilities
• Interpreting Data
• Making Decisions
• Providing Insights
• Resolving Conflict
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Compliance
• Data Management (Administration)
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness
• Evaluation of Internal Controls
• Financial Acumen
• Legal Compliance
• Project Management (Project Mgmt)
• Promote Good Governance, Risk & Control
• Quality Orientation
• Risk Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Risk Measurement
• Risk Reporting
• Risk Response Strategy
• Risk/ Reward Thinking
• Written Communication