Assistant Manager, Real Estate and Administration (Business Continuity Management) at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

Job Title: Assistant Manager, Real Estate and Administration (Business Continuity Management)

About Job

• The Assistant Manager, Real Estate and Administration (Business Continuity Management) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework to ensure operational resilience across the Bank’s headquarters, regional offices, and subsidiaries.
• The role requires coordinating with multiple departments to identify risks, conduct Business Impact Analyses (BIA), and facilitate training, awareness, and testing exercises.
• The primary objective is to enhance the Bank’s capability to effectively respond to disruptions, ensuring the continuity of critical operations, safeguarding Bank assets, and maintaining compliance with international best practices and regulatory requirements.

Business Continuity Planning & Implementation:

• Assist the Resilience & BCM Manager in implementing the Business Continuity and Contingency Plan (BCCP), ensuring governance structures are in place for crisis response and recovery efforts.
• Identify, develop, and implement risk controls for business continuity, crisis management, personnel safety, and technology-related risks.
• Assist in budget planning and management for BCCP-related initiatives, ensuring all business continuity measures align with the approved financial plan.

Testing, Readiness & Risk Assessment:

• Conduct frequent Business Impact Assessments (BIA), ensuring all identified risks are mitigated and remedial actions are effectively implemented.
• Assist in preparing comprehensive reports following business continuity exercises and testing activities, documenting key findings and recommended improvements.
• Coordinate and supervise periodic readiness testing, including work-from-home drills, emergency notification system tests (e.g., FCT24), and crisis simulation exercises.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Assist in preparing annual BCCP capability reports for submission to the President, outlining the Bank’s overall resilience status and recommendations for improvement.
• Support the production and distribution of BCM-related documentation, including policies, manuals, awareness materials, and training content.
• Act as the secretary to the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) and Crisis Management Team (CMT), preparing agendas, tracking action items, recording minutes, and maintaining communication with key stakeholders.
• Provide periodic reports to Risk Management and Internal Audit (RIMA), detailing key risk indicators, control measures, and proposed mitigation actions.

Support & Coordination:

• Provide hands-on support to Bank staff and their families during business disruptions or security emergencies.
• Maintain and regularly update the staff emergency contact list to ensure accurate and timely communication during crises.
• Collaborate with external security service providers (e.g., ISOS) to ensure the Bank receives real-time security and medical travel advisories.
• Evaluate security and medical contingency triggers, making recommendations to management to mitigate risks and prevent operational shutdowns.
• Assist regional offices and department heads in integrating BCM into their operations, ensuring adequate resources, training, and funding are allocated for business continuity requirements.

Collaboration with Other Departments:

• Support the Head of IT in developing and maintaining a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and conducting disaster recovery simulations to ensure the Bank’s technology infrastructure remains operational during disruptions.
• Work with the Head of Human Resources to develop and implement the HR elements of BCM, including internal communications, staff training, and role awareness programs.
• Assist the Facilities Manager in ensuring that Bank properties, infrastructure, and essential services remain operational and resilient in the event of a crisis.

Crisis Management & Recovery:

• Support the evaluation of crisis situations and contingency triggers, providing recommendations to management on whether to activate the BCCP.
• Assist in coordinating departmental recovery efforts, ensuring all critical functions and operations continue seamlessly during a disruption.
• Ensure that regional and department heads maintain updated emergency contact details for staff, allowing for swift communication during disruptions.

General Support & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide advice and strategic recommendations on Business Continuity Management to senior management.
• Assist in defining, implementing, and enhancing the annual BCM program, integrating crisis management, operational continuity, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the Resilience & BCM Manager in preparing reports for the EMC/CMT, offering insights and recommendations for strengthening the Bank’s resilience framework.
• Guide regional offices, department heads, and BCM Champions in understanding, implementing, and reporting on BCM activities.
• Monitor and manage budgeted BCM-related expenses, consolidating financial reports and ensuring alignment with approved project budgets.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as required by management or as necessitated by the evolving needs of the role.

Education & Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Business Continuity such as:
  • Certified Business Continuity Institute (CBCI) – Essential
  • ISO 22301 Lead Implementer – Essential
  • ISO 22301 Lead Auditor – Essential
  • IT Disaster Recovery (DR) Implementer – Preferred
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Preferred
  • ISO 27001 Lead Implementer – Preferred
  • ISO 27001 Lead Auditor – Preferred
  • ISO 31000 Risk Manager – Preferred

Experience:

• 6-10 years of experience in Business Continuity Management (BCM), Risk Management, or Operational Resilience.
• At least 4-6 years in a supervisory or managerial role within BCM, Risk, or Disaster Recovery Planning.
• Experience in conducting Business Impact Analyses (BIA), risk assessments, and crisis simulations.
• Proven track record in developing and maintaining Business Continuity & Contingency Plans (BCCP).
• Strong understanding of IT disaster recovery processes, cybersecurity risk mitigation, and compliance standards.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• Additional language proficiency (e.g., French) is an advantage.

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is no 6th March, 2025. Qualified and interested candidates should send their updated Resume to:  [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Only qualified candidates will be contacted. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Official Job Website https://www.afreximbank.com/

Note: Please ensure to include the job title in the email subject line for proper consideration.