Digital and Innovation Support at Absa May, 2023

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With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

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Job Summary

With the rapidly changing business scenario and cut-throat competition, innovation has become the only way to survive and make our presence felt in the marketplace. For ABT, this could mean constantly experimenting with new ideas, creating dynamic products, and offering exceptional services hence why we decided to launch our own internal innovation lab. Innovation lab principle is speed of execution i.e., being capable of transforming ideas to prototypes more quickly, in cost-efficient manner while leveraging in our own internal capabilities.

Digital and Innovation support will be valuable resources in transforming these ideas to practical solutions in the manner which we have designed, testing, and maintaining software solutions that meet the needs of the bank. They will work closely with other developers and stakeholders to ensure that the software solutions are delivered on time, meet the required quality standards, and are aligned with the overall business objectives of the bank.

Job Description

Main responsibilities

Analyze user/business requirements to understand the needs and objectives of the bank’s software solutions.
Research, design and write new software programs to meet user/business requirements.
Integrate existing software products and get incompatible platforms to work together to ensure seamless functionality.
Maintain systems by monitoring and correcting software defects, ensuring that the bank’s software solutions are running efficiently and effectively.
Investigate new technologies to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and development methodologies.
Enhance applications by identifying opportunities for improvement, making recommendations, and designing and implementing systems to optimize performance.
Work with different departments and stakeholders to design and develop software solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements.
Liaise with colleagues to implement technical designs, collaborating with other members of the Innovation Department and other departments across the bank to ensure seamless integration of the bank’s software solutions.
Document and demonstrate solutions by developing documentation, flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, charts, code comments, and clear code, ensuring that the bank’s software solutions are properly documented and understood by relevant stakeholders.
Support digital with business as usual and different projects

Risk and Control Objective

In the event of major issues in the business unit, act as crisis coordinator and allocate tasks to the crisis teams.

Review the risk and compliance profiles of the business unit on a regular basis and provide consultative support to the Managing Director on changes that are required to rebalance risk and reward where required.
Understanding of own role in the end to end processes in which you play a part, including applicable risks and controls.
Adhere to Absa’s policies and procedures applicable to own role, demonstrating sound judgment and responsible risk management.
Keep up to date on all regulatory changes and can articulate the impact to the Business, be well informed on the industry thinking.
All mandatory training completed to deadline.

Technical skills / Competencies

Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
At least 2 years of experience in software development
Strong experience in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, or PHP
Experience in developing web applications using modern front-end frameworks such as React or Angular
Strong knowledge of SQL and experience with relational databases such as Oracle or MySQL
Experience in developing RESTful APIs
Strong understanding of software development principles, including software design, coding standards, and code reviews
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Experience in the banking industry is a plus

Knowledge, Expertise and Experience

Skills required undertaking the role

Essential

Strong analytical and reasoning skills with an ability to visualize processes and outcomes
Proficiency in troubleshooting software issues and debugging a large codebase
Outstanding all-round communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
Proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.
Strong understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum.
Knowledge of database systems, such as MySQL, Oracle, or MongoDB.
Familiarity with front-end development tools, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Experience with software design patterns and principles.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with other stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Attention to detail and a strong focus on delivering high-quality software solutions.
Ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to changing business requirements.
Experience with version control systems, such as Git or SVN.
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Knowledge of software testing frameworks and practices.
Experience with DevOps tools and practices, such as continuous integration and deployment.
Familiarity with machine learning and data analytics frameworks would be a plus

Knowledge of the Bank’s products, services and policies and/or other specialist knowledge required to undertake the role:

Essential

A comprehensive knowledge of Absa Africa products and systems that support them, and a good understanding of Absa Group products.
A detailed understanding of product offerings in the wider financial services industry.
A detailed knowledge of Absa Africa strategy and policies
Detailed knowledge of consumer buying behaviour, marketing techniques and evolving trends
Proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.
Strong understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum.
Knowledge of database systems, such as MySQL, Oracle, or MongoDB.
Familiarity with front-end development tools, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Experience with software design patterns and principles.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with other stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Attention to detail and a strong focus on delivering high-quality software solutions.
Ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to changing business requirements.
Experience with version control systems, such as Git or SVN.
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Knowledge of software testing frameworks and practices.
Experience with DevOps tools and practices, such as continuous integration and deployment.
Familiarity with machine learning and data analytics frameworks would be a plus

Preferred

Detailed knowledge and application of project/programmes management and systems development techniques
Knowledge of the Bank’s policies, standards, procedures covering premises, equipment, security procedures/controls and snap checks.

Other requirements specific to the role:

Able to deal professionally, confidently, and effectively with staff at all levels, internally and externally
Ability to work autonomously
Ability to keep abreast of industry changes in both the business and marketing environments

Additional details of exceptional aspects of the demands of the role:

Able to work under pressure and adhere to strict and tight deadlines on a wide range of tasks
Able to keep abreast of developments in the business and financial services environment
Appreciate changes in technology and delivery channels and their impact on the financial services environment
Occasional Business travel locally and regionally.
Deciding and initiating action
Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
Persuading and influencing
Creating and innovating

Communication and Interaction required:

Staff in own area (manager, subordinates, colleagues)

Internal customers (other than staff in own area)

Regulators/Government Agencies

Absa Values

Absa’s Values and Behaviours represent the set of standards which governs the actions of all of us who work for the bank and against which the performance of every one of us in Absa are being assessed and rewarded: