Governance & Risk Specialist

The Opportunity

Liberty is seeking a dedicated Governance and Risk Specialist to join their team in Johannesburg. This pivotal role is designed to provide comprehensive support to the Real Estate Services (RES) division, ensuring the accurate and timely fulfilment of all risk and governance obligations across various risk types. You will act as a crucial liaison, bridging the gap between central risk functions and the day-to-day operations within RES. By facilitating risk mitigation strategies and aligning practices with the first-line business risk and governance execution team, you will play a key part in strengthening Liberty's risk management framework.

As the Governance and Risk Specialist, your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of risk management activities. You will be instrumental in supporting the RES Executive Committee and Business Heads, including those in Commercial Real Estate and Physical Security, to meet their governance and risk management requirements effectively.

Your core duties will include:

• Providing hands-on support for the completion of risk and governance documentation and processes.
• Facilitating the implementation of actions designed to mitigate functional risks within the RES division.
• Ensuring operational practices align with established risk management policies and the objectives of the RES Business Risk and Governance Execution team.
• Translating complex governance requirements into practical, actionable controls for business operations.
• Managing and monitoring risk assessments, governance processes, and the remediation of audit findings.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and contributing to management reporting on risk and control matters.
• Utilising Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) systems to track, monitor, and report on risk and compliance activities.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is looking for a candidate with a solid foundation in risk management, governance, and control, ideally with extensive experience within the commercial real estate sector. A first degree in Business Commerce, Legal, or Risk Management is a prerequisite.

Key experience includes:

• **Commercial Real Estate:** Between 5 and 7 years of experience in commercial real estate and real estate management.
• **Risk, Governance & Control:** 5 to 7 years of experience in a risk, governance, compliance, or control environment. Prior experience within real estate, facilities management, physical security, or corporate services is highly desirable.
• **Specialised Risk Areas:** Proven experience in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Business Resilience and Continuity Management, Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), and Data Privacy (specifically referencing POPIA in a South African context).
• **Operational Execution:** Demonstrated ability to manage risk assessments, ensure adherence to governance frameworks, address audit findings, and oversee regulatory compliance.
• **Advisory and Translation Skills:** A track record of providing effective risk advisory support to business leaders and translating high-level governance mandates into tangible operational controls.
• **GRC Systems:** Proficiency in using Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) systems and reporting tools to effectively monitor and report on risk and compliance activities.

In terms of behavioural competencies, you should excel at articulating information clearly, meticulously checking details, and developing your expertise. Strong abilities in documenting facts, following procedures, interacting effectively with colleagues, interpreting data, managing tasks efficiently, and meeting deadlines are essential. You should also be adept at providing insightful commentary and working collaboratively within a team while consistently upholding high standards. Technical skills in audit methodologies, report writing, business acumen, compliance evaluation, risk management effectiveness assessment, and an understanding of quality management, OHS, and promoting good governance are also important.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the risk management framework of a leading financial services group. In South Africa, a specialist in governance and risk within the financial services or property sectors typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the critical nature of the role and the required expertise. Career progression often involves moving into more senior risk management positions, leading larger teams, or specialising further in areas like regulatory compliance or strategic risk.

• First Degree: Business Commerce, Legal, Risk Management

Experience Required:

Commercial Real Estate

• 5–7 years' experience within Commercial Real Estate and Real Estate Management.

Risk, Governance and Control

• 5–7 years' experience in a Risk, Governance, Compliance, or Control environment, preferably within Real Estate, Facilities Management, Physical Security, or Corporate Services.
• Proven experience in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Business Resilience and Continuity Management, Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), and Data Privacy (POPIA).
• Experience managing risk assessments, governance processes, audit findings, regulatory compliance activities, and management reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide risk advisory support to business leaders and translate governance requirements into practical operational controls.
• Experience using Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) systems and reporting tools to monitor, track, and report on risk and compliance activities.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulating Information
• Checking Things
• Developing Expertise
• Documenting Facts
• Following Procedures
• Interacting with People
• Interpreting Data
• Managing Tasks
• Meeting Timescales
• Providing Insights
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Audit Methodology
• Audit Report Writing
• Business Acumen (Audit)
• Compliance
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Promote Good Governance, Risk & Control
• Quality Management
• Query Resolution
• Real Estate Management
• Risk Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Risk Measurement
• Risk Reporting
• Risk Response Strategy
• Risk/ Reward Thinking
• Root Cause Analysis
• Verbal Communication