Vice President Model Validation

About the role

The Vice President of Model Validation will lead RAKBANK's independent model validation and governance framework across risk, finance, compliance and business decision‑making models. This senior position ensures that all models meet Central Bank of UAE standards and global best practices while managing model risk proactively.

Key responsibilities

• Lead independent validation of risk, finance, business and compliance models, covering methodology, data, assumptions, performance and documentation.
• Own the end‑to‑end model governance lifecycle, maintaining the model inventory, tiering, ownership and policy standards.
• Define and monitor model risk appetite, thresholds and exposures, escalating material issues to senior committees.
• Present validation outcomes and recommendations to Model Management and Board committees, ensuring decisions are documented and justified.
• Ensure compliance with CBUAE Model Management Standards and support audit and regulatory reviews.
• Establish validation standards for AI/ML models, assessing explainability, bias, stability and model drift.
• Partner with Risk, Finance, Compliance, IT and Business teams to provide independent challenge and advisory.
• Lead, develop and mentor a high‑performing validation and governance team.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or higher in a quantitative discipline (Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Finance, Engineering).
• 12–15 years of experience in model validation or model risk management, covering risk, finance and compliance models.
• Proven track record of leading model governance frameworks in a banking environment.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the model risk function of a leading UAE bank.
• Leadership role with direct influence on enterprise risk management.
• Competitive compensation package.