This role will support the Head of Policy, Advocacy and Regulatory Relations, to manage and oversee regulatory advocacy; stakeholder engagement and regulatory developments aligned to the Absa Group strategy. The applicant will be required to collaborate and engage with both internal and external stakeholders such that relationships are strengthened and improve the functions’ ability to identify, monitor and provide an analysis of the regulatory advocacy portfolio, covering both South Africa and Absa Regional Operations (ARO) efficiently and effectively. The applicant should have a sound understanding of the macroeconomic, regulatory and political environment globally, regionally and locally to influence top of mind Agendas.
Proactively identify, maintain and manage regulatory advocacy landscape across the Group, with oversight and governance. Act as an SME and provide guidance to senior stakeholders. Support business initiatives and act in an advisory capacity, set and drive policy and framework where required.

• To closely work with the Head of Policy, Advocacy and Group Regulatory Relations to develop and implement regulatory strategies and advocacy plans.
• Support the teams within the portfolio and oversee delivery of key objectives. Including data recon, analysis of data, data reporting on regulatory posture metrics for Exco and Board reporting and oversee management of Regulatory Commitments
• Be knowledgeable of s52, s54 and s55 of the Banks Act licensing conditions and management of this process prior to submissions to the Regulator. Provide advise internally to ensure applications and notifications requirements are all adhered to.
• Support the internal teams on delivery of regulatory advocacy plans or objectives. Influence agendas.
• Responsible for monitoring the implementation of regulatory advocacy strategy and plans, updating these as appropriate.
• Use knowledge and insight into the economic, political, regulatory environment both globally, regionally, and locally to inform the organization’s advocacy actions.
• Report on the progress of advocacy plans; provide guidance and recommendations to enhance these reporting processes.
• Provide guidance and direction in terms of key reporting processes, stakeholder management and engagement.
• Stakeholder Management both internal and external.
• Management and guidance on the implementation of changes that have been identified that must be affected.
• Support and engage with the Absa Regional Operations
• Participate at industry body or Regulator workshops and meetings and engage with Regulators
• Create awareness of regulatory developments to business and maintain key regulatory developments across the industry or changes to regulatory reporting requirements (impact of regulations on financial institutions) which may impact the advocacy strategy and plans.
• Identify, monitor and escalate to the Head Policy, Advocacy and Regulatory Relations on any or potential material risk to business with a regulatory impact.
• Provide input and support into the New Regulatory Requirements process and Regulatory Relations team and participate at Forums

• Reporting, Policies and Procedures

• Check and challenge information/input from internal stakeholders
• Ensure that information is accurate and consistent with various other governance reports
• Provide support and compile reports to various internal committees and Ad hoc requests (e.g. participate in the collation of the integrated reporting)
• Support the Supervisory team within Regulatory relations when required

• Develop and utilize advocacy channels internally and externally (Regulators, Industry bodies etc.)for the organisation to achieve relevant regulatory advocacy objectives
• Influence Agendas based on research and feedback from internal and external stakeholders
• Build strategic alliances/ partnerships and beyond to achieve advocacy strategy objectives.
• Manage relationships and communication with all stakeholders
• Develop policy positions and other useful resources in relation to the advocacy objectives.
• Training and awareness of Regulatory advocacy plans / strategy when required.

• Ideally experience of minimum of 10 years in financial services, banking regulatory experience
• Proven knowledge and experience of development and delivery of regulatory advocacy strategies and plans.
• Preferably worked closely with Banks, Regulators and Industry Bodies
• Sound understanding of macroeconomic, regulatory and political environment globally, regionally and locally to drive top of mind Agendas.

• Very effective interpersonal skills. Excellent communicator, written and oral – clear and calm, gravitas.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders to their point of view and maintain credibility with a senior audience
• Willingness to embrace changes and work towards a common team objective; work outside of 'comfort zone'.

• Bachelor’s degree or Masters equivalent or Advanced Diploma / Advanced Management Studies (Legal, Risk, Business, Commerce, Compliance)

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to think both creatively and strategically

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently, ability to take initiative and be innovative
• Strong engagement model and network with internal and external stakeholders
• Very strong interpersonal skills, especially communication skills
• Well organised and efficient
• Excellent writing skills
• Power Point, Excel and Word skills
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills
• Integrity and reliability
• Excellent attention to detail Senior Legal Counsel Africa Legal, Regulatory

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)