Risk Specialist

About the job: 

Kent is looking for a experienced and proactive Risk Specialist to support the implementation of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategy, with a key responsibility for assessing and documenting risks related to digital initiatives.

The successful candidate will collaborate across functions to embed risk thinking into strategic and operational decisions, promote an integrated risk culture, and ensure effective mitigation planning. The role demands hands-on experience with ERM frameworks, digital project risk assessments, and a deep understanding of the Energy sector—especially Oil & Gas operations in the GCC region.

KENT is a leading provider of cutting-edge digital solutions for the energy sector, specializing in oil & gas, renewables, and unconventional energy industries.

We are dedicated to advancing digital engineering, asset lifecycle management, and digital asset development to optimize performance and streamline operations and maintenance for our clients.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, our Digital and Innovation team leverages industry expertise to deliver outstanding service, fosters innovation, and champion sustainability across the energy sector.

Skills and Responsibilities:  

• Facilitate the execution of the ERM strategy to support Client’s corporate and project objectives.
• Propose updates and enhancements to ERM frameworks, including ERM Policy, Standards, Procedures, and Risk Appetite, aligned with ISO 31000, COSO ERM, and GCC best practices.
• Assist in revising the Risk Appetite Framework and preparing recommendations for submission to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Shareholders.
• Lead the risk assessment of digital initiatives, including new systems, AI/ML integrations, and data platforms.
• Identify, evaluate, and document risks associated with digital transformation projects, including cybersecurity, data privacy, change management, and interoperability.
• Maintain a comprehensive Risk Register, ensuring clear mapping of risk owners, mitigations, and follow-up actions.
• Collaborate with digital, engineering, and IT teams to embed risk controls during system design and implementation.
• Design and deliver tailored ERM training and awareness programs, especially for teams working on digital and transformation initiatives.
• Promote risk ownership, self-assessment, and proactive risk identification across teams.
• Support in building risk maturity and a resilient risk culture across project entities.
• Assess alignment between ERM practices and Client’s governance, performance, and strategy frameworks.
• Liaise with other assurance functions (e.g., Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, Controls) to promote synergy and eliminate redundancies.
• Prepare and deliver risk dashboards, heat maps, and insights reports for senior stakeholders, highlighting emerging risks, mitigation performance, and exposure trends.
• Identify and implement new tools and digital platforms to enhance risk monitoring, automation, and analytics.
• Support the integration of digital risk systems with wider project dashboards and KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement of internal risk management processes and workflows.
• Provide oversight and mentoring to junior team members or embedded risk resources.
• Assist in planning and managing ERM budgets, tracking variances and optimizing cost efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSE, sustainability, and corporate code of practice during all risk-related activities.

In addition to the responsibilities listed herein, the employee may be required to perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed or directed by the supervisor or management. These tasks will be within the reasonable scope of the employee's skills, capabilities, and role within the organization. The intent of this provision is to allow for flexibility and adaptability in meeting the dynamic needs of the organization, ensuring that operational requirements can be met efficiently. All such tasks will be assigned considering the employee's current workload and with respect to their professional development.

Your knowledge/skills, education, and experience: 

Knowledge/ Qualification/ Training/ Certification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Risk Management, Project Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree or post-graduate qualifications in Risk, Business Administration, or Digital Systems is an advantage

Communication:

• Excellent command of the English language in both oral and written communication and skills.

Behavior/ Core Competencies:

• 10+ years total experience, with a minimum of 5 years dedicated to risk management, ideally in Oil & Gas or Energy sectors.
• Proven experience conducting risk assessments for digital transformation programs or large-scale system implementations.
• Prior involvement in GCC-based projects, including ADNOC, ARAMCO, or other NOC environments, is highly preferred

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with SP3D, SPI, SPEL, SPPID, and their publish/retrieve processes.
• Working knowledge of SmartPlant Foundation (SPF) platform and its integration with SmartPlant tools.
• Understanding of SPF schema, user interface configuration, and basic customization.
• Hands-on experience with data loading, mapping, and validation.
• Exposure to Microsoft SQL Server, XML, and basic scripting is an advantage.
• Ability to generate basic SPF reports and queries.
• Familiarity with digital handover and data-centric project delivery concepts.
• In-depth knowledge of SmartPlant Foundation (SPF) administration, configuration, and customization.
• Expertise in schema customization, rule set configurations, and engineering data publishing/retrieval.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server, IIS, and basic networking.
• Experience with cloud-based deployments and digital twin frameworks.
• Knowledge of .NET, XML, and API customization is desirable.
• Understanding of Oracle/MS SQL database environments.
• ADNOC, ARAMCO, Shell etc. OOs experience is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of industry standards: ISO 15926, CFIHOS, BIM, etc
• Certifications (Preferred):
• Hexagon Certified SmartPlant Foundation (SPF) Administrator

Certifications (Preferred):

• ISO 31000 Risk Professional
• PMI-RMP, CRMA, or equivalent risk certifications
• ERM Certification from recognized global or regional bodies
• PMP or other project management credentials
• Proven training in digital governance or cyber risk frameworks is a plus

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Leadership in multi-functional, cross-cultural teams
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, complex project environment
• Strategic thinker with delivery-focused mindset

HSSEQ:

The Employee shall observe the Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment and Quality rules of the Company; it’s clients and the governing authorities of the host country.

Details about the role: 

Location:  UAE or India

Relocation required: Possibly

Travel required: Possibly

Contract type: Permanent 

Experience level: 10+ Years