Junior Model Validator

Do you want to work as a (junior) Risk Specialist at the Model Validation department? Do you enjoy assessing the functioning of models? Then this position is for you! In this role you can immerse yourself in the intriguing world of models. You maintain close contact with various teams within the bank and with the supervisor. Will you join our department?

About the job
As a Junior Model Validator you have a unique view of the activities of de Volksbank. You have very diverse contacts, both within and outside the organization, including the Model Development, Risk Management and Audit departments, and also the supervisor. In this position you will assess the development and performance of the financial models of de Volksbank. Based on this, you advise Senior Management and developers on possible improvements and model use.

Your responsibilities

• You perform quantitative statistical analyses and assess the use of a broad spectrum of financial models;
• You convert your insights into clear and concise validation reports of high quality in which you present the model risk to senior management;
• You facilitate further improvement in model risk management;
• You contribute to drawing up and implementing model risk policy;
• You stay up-to-date on relevant regulations (including Basel, IFRS9) and translate these into state-of-the-art validations standards.

About Model Validation
Model Validation is part of the 2nd line of defense Risk Management function and provides an independent assessment of the quality, suitability and use of the models. Models are widely used to, for example, calculate capital requirements, value financial instruments or manage the balance sheet. The model validation team consists of a diverse and versatile team of highly skilled specialists. What makes working as a model validator at de Volksbank stand out compared to other banks, is that de Volksbank uses a wide range of models which are validated by a single team, ensuring you have exposure to a wide range of models.

De Volksbank has a warm and inclusive culture, and colleagues are approachable and helpful. You are encouraged to take on responsibilities, allowing you to make an impact to the organization. Currently de Volksbank is undergoing an Agile transformation so over the coming period Model Validation will incorporate Agile and lean techniques in its way of working to further increase its efficiency and effectiveness.

Your qualities and personal traits
You are able to understand complex matters in a short amount of time and are able to distinguish main and side issues. You have good planning and organization skills. Moreover, you are solution-oriented, proactive, diligent and accurate. You have a critical eye, and can handle delicate discussions in a persuasive and professional manner. Your deliverables are timely, professional and well written.

Moreover, you have

• obtained at least a MSc Degree in a study with a financial and/or quantitative background (having a PhD is considered an advantage);
• some working experience in a relevant field such as quantitative financial modelling, model development, and/or model validation;
• programming skills and experience in analyzing large data sets (experience with Matlab is particularly valuable);
• a strong drive to gain more expertise in model risk management and banking regulations;
• an advanced command of English, both written and spoken, as that will be the language of your professional output;
• at least a basic understanding of Dutch (or the willingness to get it) to participate more easily in the organization as a whole.

Interested?
Upload your motivation and CV through the application button. We will then contact you as soon as possible. Questions about the position? Please contact Jorn Zenhorst, head of Model Validation, via jorn.zenhorst@volksbank.nl. For more information about the application procedure, please contact Marielle Jenneskens, recruiter, marielle.jenneskens@devolksbank.nl.