ERM Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Specialist to join our team at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) campus in Dhahran. This pivotal role will support the implementation and execution of our Enterprise Risk Management framework, ensuring that senior executives and the Audit & Risk Committee are equipped with timely, accurate, and actionable risk intelligence to drive informed decision-making. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Audit Executive, the ERM Specialist will collaborate across all levels of the organization to enhance risk awareness, strengthen governance, and foster a culture of proactive risk management.

Key Responsibilities

The ERM Specialist will be instrumental in advancing our enterprise risk management initiatives by performing the following duties:

• ERM Framework Execution: Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the enterprise risk management framework and strategy across the organization to align with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• First and Second Line of Defense Collaboration: Work closely with the First Line of Defense (operational management) and Second Line of Defense (risk and compliance functions) to identify gaps, enhance risk controls, and mature the organization’s risk management programs.
• Risk Monitoring and Reporting: Enhance the monitoring and reporting capabilities of the ERM program by collecting, analyzing, and presenting risk data. Assist in the development of dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other metrics to provide clear visibility into risk exposure and trends.
• Risk Analysis and Trend Identification: Analyze risk deficiencies, risk events, and test results to identify emerging trends. Conduct root cause and lessons-learned analyses to inform corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
• Industry Best Practices and Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of current industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes. Recommend and implement enhancements to the ERM program to ensure it remains robust, adaptive, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization, including senior leadership. Engage in constructive dialogue, ask probing questions, and provide effective challenge to decision-makers to drive risk-aware outcomes.
• Conflict Resolution and Influence: Demonstrate exceptional conflict resolution skills and the ability to influence business outcomes at all levels of management. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and committees on risk-related matters.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following educational and professional requirements:

• Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are highly desirable.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in risk management, with a strong understanding of enterprise risk management principles, frameworks, and methodologies. Direct experience in implementing or enhancing ERM programs is preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools or other risk management software platforms. Experience in risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting is essential.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex risk data, identify trends, and derive actionable insights. Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Communication and Influence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate risk concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Proven capability to influence senior management and drive organizational change.
• Certifications: Certification such as Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) or Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a plus.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in both English and Arabic is required to effectively engage with stakeholders across the organization.

Work Environment and Culture

The ERM Specialist will operate in a dynamic and collaborative work environment at KFUPM, a leading institution in education, research, and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the strategic objectives of the university while working alongside a diverse and talented team. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, a strategic thinker, and a collaborative team player with a passion for risk management and governance excellence.