Non-Financial Risk Specialist (BCBS 239 Focus)

Are you passionate about data, analytics, and how high-quality information shapes strategic decisions? Join the BCBS 239 Independent Validation Unit (IVU) and contribute to strengthening the bank’s risk insights through robust data aggregation and reporting capabilities. In this role, you will focus on how risk data is sourced, structured, aggregated, and reported, and whether it truly enables effective steering and decision-making. You’ll operate in a dynamic, fast-evolving data environment, working closely with risk, data, and technology teams while maintaining an independent perspective.

At a glance

As part of the IVU, you independently assess whether the bank’s risk data and reporting capabilities are accurate, consistent, transparent, and fit for purpose. Your work provides senior management with confidence in the data that underpins key risk decisions. Although BCBS 239 provides the principles, your daily work is highly data-centric - spanning data governance, data architecture, aggregation logic, lineage, and reporting design across the organisation.

Your job

Your responsibilities include:

• Independently validating the bank’s adherence to BCBS 239 principles, including governance, data architecture, aggregation capabilities, and risk reporting.
• Designing and executing risk-based validation methodologies, including thematic reviews, deep dives, and control assessments.
• Challenging first-line activities and change initiatives on data lineage, data quality management, and aggregation logic.
• Assessing the effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of data and reporting solutions across risk types and legal entities.
• Reviewing and giving an opinion on remediation plans, target operating models, and strategic data programs.
• Producing clear, evidence-based validation opinions, reports, and executive-level briefings for senior stakeholders.
• Engaging with stakeholders across all three lines of defence on matters related to risk data and reporting.
• Contributing to the continuous evolution of independent validation standards, tooling, and best practices.
• Staying close to the bank’s data transformation by attending demos, sprint reviews, and deep-dive sessions with data and technology teams.

Working environment

You will be part of the IVU, a close-knit team of six diverse colleagues, embedded within the Enterprise Risk Management department. The IVU operates at the intersection of risk management, data, and technology. We believe strong results come from collaboration, constructive challenge, and trust. Individual expertise is valued, and colleagues are encouraged to speak up, take ownership, and continuously learn. While delivering impact, we live by the organisation’s core values: Care, Courage, and Collaboration.

Your profile

You bring a strong combination of analytical depth, attention to detail, and the ability to see how data, processes, and reporting come together to support effective decision-making. You are curious by nature, comfortable with constructive challenge, and motivated to make tangible improvements in a complex, data-driven environment.

Specifically, you have:

• At least 7 years experience in internal audit, IT, risk management, and/or data management, ideally within a financial services or highly regulated environment.
• Strong analytical and risk-based thinking skills: you critically assess processes and controls, identify root causes, and apply a structured approach to evaluations and conclusions.
• The ability to balance detail and perspective: you can deep-dive into data flows, controls, or reporting logic while keeping sight of the broader organisational and strategic context.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills: you translate complex topics into clear, well-argued reports and presentations that engage and challenge stakeholders at all levels, including senior management.
• Curiosity and learning agility: you enjoy working in a changing data and technology landscape and continuously develop your expertise.
• A proactive, ownership-driven mindset: you take initiative, follow through on commitments, and deliver high-quality outcomes with confidence.
• Organisational awareness and stakeholder sensitivity: you navigate complex environments with professionalism, building trust and constructive relationships across diverse teams.
• A collaborative attitude: you value teamwork and actively contribute to shared goals while supporting and challenging your colleagues.

Experience with IT application controls, data lineage, or change-related control frameworks is considered a plus.

We are offering

• A professional, supportive, and engaging team environment with room for autonomy and critical thinking.
• The opportunity to deepen your expertise in risk data, data governance, reporting, and analytical decision support.
• Exposure to senior management and key decision-makers, both internally and externally.
• A flexible benefit budget you can tailor to your personal preferences or receive as a monthly payout.
• 5 weeks of vacation per year, with the option to purchase an additional 4 weeks.
• A Personal Development Budget of €1,000 per year (up to €3,000 accumulated).
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home.
• An annual public transportation pass for free travel throughout the Netherlands.
• An excellent pension scheme.