Vice President - Operational Risk and Governance
Posted date [2026-09-25]
(ID: 52523)
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As the largest bank in the UAE, FAB has taken decisive steps as a regional pacesetter in the financial industry to bind both ambition and action together to accelerate the pace of positive environmental change. As the first bank in the MENA region to have committed to a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, we're making advances across our own operations in addition to walking alongside our clients as their strategic partner to ensure they can achieve their climate goals.... |
Job Description and Requirements
Vice President - Operational Risk and GovernanceJob Snapshot
Role: Vice President - Operational Risk and Governance
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Industry: Banking
Function: Risk Management-Compliance
Experience: Extensive relevant experience
Job Type: Full Time
Position Overview
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is seeking a Vice President - Operational Risk and Governance for an on-site leadership role in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The position will oversee the Operational Risk Framework across Group Operations and Credit Administration, with responsibility for strengthening risk assessments, internal controls, governance, and operational efficiency. The role requires an experienced financial-services risk professional capable of working independently, leading teams, and collaborating with senior stakeholders on risk and control priorities.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Banking
Function: Risk Management-Compliance
Salary: Not disclosed
Gender: No Preference
Candidate Nationality: Not specified
Job Type: Full Time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Operational Risk and Control Framework
The Vice President will provide direction for
operational risk management across Group Operations and Credit Administration. The role combines risk governance, control design, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and leadership responsibilities.
* Develop, implement, and manage operational risk strategies designed to safeguard the bank\'s assets and reputation.
* Lead the design and execution of control frameworks aligned with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
* Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks across relevant business units and processes.
* Conduct regular risk assessments and control evaluations to identify emerging risks and determine appropriate proactive measures.
* Collaborate with senior leadership on risk appetite and tolerance levels in alignment with business objectives.
* Provide strategic direction for the development and enhancement of risk metrics and key performance indicators.
* Strengthen the quality and effectiveness of risk assessments and internal controls.
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
* Govern the effective implementation of OICG functional policies, procedures, and controls across assigned activities.
* Ensure relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled while maintaining effective service delivery.
* Support adherence to anti-money laundering requirements, Central Bank guidelines, and applicable internal policies and procedures.
* Ensure deviations are reported to the appropriate levels in accordance with established requirements.
* Operate within FAB Group policies and the bank\'s wider organisational and governance frameworks.
* Exercise decision-making authority in accordance with the approved authorization matrix.
* Demonstrate adherence to the organisation\'s values and ethical standards.
Leadership and Team Development
The Vice President will lead managers and supervisors within the operational control and governance function, providing guidance, coaching, and support to strengthen performance and employee development.
Responsibilities include providing constructive and timely performance evaluations for OICG staff and supporting the Head of OICG and APM with recruitment and interview activities for the Operational Internal Control and Governance department.
Risk Culture and Stakeholder Engagement
* Promote operational risk awareness across Group Operations and Credit Administration.
* Develop and support education and training initiatives that strengthen risk awareness.
* Work collaboratively with senior leadership and relevant stakeholders on operational risk and control matters.
* Report regularly to the Head of OICG and APM on departmental matters and the status of Group Operations and Credit Administration.
* Communicate complex risk and control concepts effectively to different audiences.
Continuous Improvement
The role will drive improvements in operational processes to strengthen efficiency while reducing risk exposure. This includes implementing robust tools and processes to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements in systems, controls, and operating practices.
Continuous improvement initiatives should consider relevant global standards, productivity enhancement, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
Qualifications and Professional Background
* Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field.
* Extensive experience in operational risk management and control within the financial services industry.
* Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry practices relating to operational risk.
* Proven leadership capability with the ability to influence and collaborate at executive level.
* Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
* Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree such as an MBA or MSc in a relevant discipline is preferred. Professional certifications in operational risk management or an equivalent field are also highly desirable.
* Develop, implement, and manage operational risk strategies designed to safeguard the bank\'s assets and reputation.
* Lead the design and execution of control frameworks aligned with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
* Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks across relevant business units and processes.
* Conduct regular risk assessments and control evaluations to identify emerging risks and determine appropriate proactive measures.
* Collaborate with senior leadership on risk appetite and tolerance levels in alignment with business objectives.
* Provide strategic direction for the development and enhancement of risk metrics and key performance indicators.
* Strengthen the quality and effectiveness of risk assessments and internal controls.
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
* Govern the effective implementation of OICG functional policies, procedures, and controls across assigned activities.
* Ensure relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled while maintaining effective service delivery.
* Support adherence to anti-money laundering requirements, Central Bank guidelines, and applicable internal policies and procedures.
* Ensure deviations are reported to the appropriate levels in accordance with established requirements.
* Operate within FAB Group policies and the bank\'s wider organisational and governance frameworks.
* Exercise decision-making authority in accordance with the approved authorization matrix.
* Demonstrate adherence to the organisation\'s values and ethical standards.
Leadership and Team Development
The Vice President will lead managers and supervisors within the operational control and governance function, providing guidance, coaching, and support to strengthen performance and employee development.
Responsibilities include providing constructive and timely performance evaluations for OICG staff and supporting the Head of OICG and APM with recruitment and interview activities for the Operational Internal Control and Governance department.
Risk Culture and Stakeholder Engagement
* Promote operational risk awareness across Group Operations and Credit Administration.
* Develop and support education and training initiatives that strengthen risk awareness.
* Work collaboratively with senior leadership and relevant stakeholders on operational risk and control matters.
* Report regularly to the Head of OICG and APM on departmental matters and the status of Group Operations and Credit Administration.
* Communicate complex risk and control concepts effectively to different audiences.
Continuous Improvement
The role will drive improvements in operational processes to strengthen efficiency while reducing risk exposure. This includes implementing robust tools and processes to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements in systems, controls, and operating practices.
Continuous improvement initiatives should consider relevant global standards, productivity enhancement, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
Qualifications and Professional Background
* Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field.
* Extensive experience in operational risk management and control within the financial services industry.
* Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry practices relating to operational risk.
* Proven leadership capability with the ability to influence and collaborate at executive level.
* Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
* Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree such as an MBA or MSc in a relevant discipline is preferred. Professional certifications in operational risk management or an equivalent field are also highly desirable.
