Risk Governance Specialist

Risk Governance Specialist

Location: Montreal Hybrid

Duration:5 month(s) plus extensions

Description/Comment: The Model Risk Governance Specialist is part of the RISK Independent Review & Control team (RISK IRC) and is the central point for ensuring that the bank's models meet all regulatory and internal model‐risk requirements, particularly those outlined in Client's SR 11‐7 guidance.

The role's primary deliverables include maintaining an up‐to‐date model inventory and a recommendations inventory, and driving the timely resolution of issues by coordinating closely with model validators and implementation managers. The specialist also helps to prepare regular status reports on model risk, issues, and mitigation actions to senior management. The contractor will also oversee the annual model attestation and effective‐challenge exercises with business lines to verify the completeness and accuracy of the inventory.

The position at a glance

RISK Independent Review & Control (RISK IRC) is a special unit within the RISK organization and reports directly to the Group Chief Risk Officer. The independent review arm of the department provides second line of defense for the use of various types of models and, accordingly, is in charge of model risk management. RISK IRC is composed of several model validation groups and a model governance team. The model governance team maintains the model inventory and helps ensure the application of the model risk management standards under the umbrella of Client Board letter SR11-7.

In detail

The Model Risk Governance Specialist is responsible for the following activities:

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal standards related to model risk management under the guidance of the Head of RISK IRC Americas.

Prepare and present regular reports on model risk status, issues, and mitigation efforts to senior management.

Coordinate and engage the model validators to ensure that model risk management practices are integrated into the model development and validation processes.

Provide training and guidance to stakeholders on model risk management principles and best practices.

Maintain an updated model inventory in accordance with model risk management (MRM) decisions.

Manage the recommendations inventory and engage with the validators and implementation managers to ensure their adequate and timely resolution.

Coordinate the annual model attestation with Business Lines and the effective challenge exercise to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the model inventory.

Maintain and update when necessary, model risk policies, standards, and procedures to ensure consistent and effective model risk management.

The strengths and skills that will help you succeed

List of required competencies

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in model risk management, preferably within the financial services industry.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deadlines at once.

Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Ability to engage various stakeholders and deliver clear reports.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Good synthesis skills and critical thinking capabilities.

Highly efficient with Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

Knowledge of English is required.

Preferred qualifications

In addition to the minimum requirements, it is desirable for the candidate to be able to demonstrate:

Programming skills (Python).

Knowledge of AI models governance or validation.

Knowledge of regulatory guidance on model risk management and banking regulation.

Knowledge of databases and systems for model inventory management.

Experience in interacting with model validators or internal auditors.

Experience in writing policies and procedures.