Associate, Risk

Job Title

Associate – Risk Management

Reports To

Associate Director – Risk Management

Dotted Line To

Executive Director – Risk Management

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

About j. awan & partners

At j. awan & partners, we believe in "challenging the status quo every day", delivering seamless excellence to our customers across the world. We challenge the status quo by making tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients’ business interests and delivering our solutions to their needs with effective simplicity. We understand that time is precious and as such our tailor-made solutions are simple to understand, simple to embed and simple to use.

We are a fast-growing international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultancy with our headquarters in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). We also have our own Technology company creating bespoke cutting edge RegTech solutions. Our business presence covers multiple jurisdictions with offices in the UAE, KSA, UK & Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar and now in South Africa. We provide Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment and Technology services (the "Services") to many clients including global, regional and local financial services institutions, governments and other industry partners. As part of our global expansion plan, we are now looking for an ambitious and agile professional with a strong background to join our team.

Mission / Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director – Risk Management, and working closely with the Executive Director – Risk Management, the purpose of this role is to support the delivery of outsourced Risk Officer services across a portfolio of clients. You will help prepare risk frameworks, risk registers, client risk reports, board and risk committee papers and business continuity documentation. You will also carry out control testing and analyse, collate and review documentation in support of the wider team's assurance and advisory engagements. Alongside client delivery, you will play an active part in business development, drafting proposals, maintaining our CRM system and organising client meetings and visits. As a guide, around 70% of your time will be spent on client delivery and 30% on business development support. You will need to plan ahead, manage competing priorities for senior colleagues and contribute your own ideas and constructive challenge so that our work delivers the best outcome for clients. We also value people who use AI tools responsibly to improve the quality and efficiency of their day-to-day work.

Core Competencies

·        Regulatory & Risk Governance Awareness Foundational understanding of regulatory expectations and risk governance standards, with a strong willingness to develop knowledge across multiple jurisdictions in the region.

·        Client Service & Delivery Support Ability to support outsourced Risk Officer engagements by delivering accurate, timely work and maintaining a professional, client-focused approach.

·        Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (additional languages an advantage), with the ability to draft clear documents and communicate confidently with clients and internal stakeholders.

·        Confidence & Constructive Challenge Comfortable working directly with senior stakeholders, both internally and at client level. Willing to question assumptions, raise concerns and put forward ideas openly where this will improve the outcome of our work for clients.

·        Integrity & Accountability Upholds the highest professional and ethical standards, maintains confidentiality, and demonstrates reliability and accountability in all activities.

Role-Specific Competencies

·        Risk Management Fundamentals Sound understanding of core risk management concepts across operational, credit, market and financial risk, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation and control.

·        Business Continuity Planning Awareness of business continuity principles, with the ability to support the preparation of Business Impact Analysis and Business Continuity Plans.

·        Analytical & Data Skills Ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, support the development of key risk indicators and identify trends and exceptions.

Skills and Knowledge

·        Regulatory Frameworks & Rulebook Knowledge Awareness of, or willingness to learn, regulatory rulebooks and requirements across relevant jurisdictions including but not limited to DFSA, ADGM, QFCRA, FCA, PRA and CMA.

·        Documentation & Drafting Ability to draft and update risk policies, procedures, registers and reports to a high standard, with strong attention to detail.

·        Research & Problem Solving Ability to research regulatory and risk topics, summarise findings clearly and propose practical solutions under guidance.

·        Organisational & Time Management Skills Highly organised and proactive, with excellent time management and the ability to plan ahead. Able to manage competing priorities.

·        AI Tools & Digital Proficiency Knowledge of generative AI tools and how they can support research, drafting, analysis and document review.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of risk management frameworks, covering operational, credit and market risk across the Region and other jurisdictions.

• Capture notes and draft and update risk registers and RCSAs.

• Collate data and prepare draft client risk reports, board and risk committee reports, KRI dashboards and risk event logs.

• Conduct control testing, covering both design and operating effectiveness, under the direction of the senior team. Document test steps, evidence and exceptions, and draft findings for review.

• Analyse, collate and review client documentation, including policies, procedures, registers, MI and regulatory submissions, in support of the wider team's engagements. Identify gaps, inconsistencies and points requiring follow-up.

• Draft proposals and supporting materials, carry out market and client research and prepare client onboarding documentation. Maintain and administer the CRM system so that contacts, opportunities and client activity are accurately recorded.

• Use approved AI tools to support drafting, research, analysis and document review.

Education

Minimum bachelor's degree from a leading university with concentration preferably in Risk Management, Business Studies or Finance.

Experience

1–3 years in risk management, compliance, audit or a related field, preferably within financial services or a consultancy or advisory setting.

Additional Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Experience of using a CRM system is an advantage. Knowledge of AI tools is desirable, and practical experience of applying them in a professional or academic setting is strongly preferred.

Culture & Values Alignment

•       Embody a growth mindset and proactive learning approach.

•       Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

•       Exhibit professional maturity and integrity in handling sensitive issues.

•       Build trust and credibility with both senior colleagues and team members.

•       Align with j. awan & partners' core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

Rewards & Growth

•       Competitive salary and benefits package.

•       Opportunities for career growth in a global, fast-scaling organization.

•       Continuous learning and development opportunities.