We're hiring a Chief Risk Officer

•    Operational Leadership 
•    Risk Management & Frameworks
•    Key Strategic and Stakeholder Management

NAIF is a Commonwealth Government gap financier, providing loans for infrastructure projects in northern Australia and the Australian Indian Ocean Territories. Our mission is to generate transformational growth for northern Australia through being an innovative financing partner. A key focus of any financing is to drive public benefit, economic and population growth and Indigenous involvement in northern Australia.

We have a higher risk appetite than commercial lenders for risks that are specific to the north and may offer concessional financing to facilitate projects, and to crowd in private sector capital through de-risking of those projects.

We are currently seeking a Chief Risk Officer to join their Executive Team. This is a rare opportunity to contribute and support real asset projects that directly support economic growth, job creation and long-term development across northern Australia.  

Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the organisation’s overall risk and compliance frameworks. This includes strategic input through the provision of expert financial and non-financial risk management.  You will have organisational leadership of second-line risk teams responsible for enterprise risk, credit and investment risk, cybersecurity, fraud and corruption, AML/CTF compliance and business continuity. 

As CRO, you are offered the opportunity to lead a high-performing risk function and contribute to organisational strategy, advising on risk appetite, emerging threats, credit assessments and operational resilience. You will play a pivotal role in fostering strong working relationships with key stakeholders, external consultants and co-financiers to ensure transactions are completed efficiently and with appropriate oversight. The role requires strong technical capability and a strategic mindset, providing expert advice to the CEO and Executive, while ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of governance, integrity and performance.

You will be a proven leader in credit/investment risk, with over 15 years in banking or financial services, ideally with infrastructure / real asset, project finance or related area experience.  A deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and multi-stakeholder environments is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment and a collaborative approach are also critical, as the CRO will represent the organisation at the highest levels, both internally and externally. 

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the leadership team of a highly respected institution with a national mandate and a clear mission to drive sustainable economic outcomes through strategic investment. 

Applicants must have full working rights in place for Australia to be considered for this opportunity.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jon Michel Executive Search, our exclusive partner in the recruitment of this position.

Rob Hockedy rhockedy@jmes.com.au  OR Patrick Everest peverest@jmes.com.au