Data and AI Risk Associate - 6 Month FTC

Division – Data, Technology & Innovation (DTI)

Department – Data and Data Services

Salary - National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £51,200 to £64,000 and London £56,400 to £70,000 per annum (Salary offered will be based on skills and experience)

About the FCA

The FCA regulates the conduct of 45,000 firms in the UK to ensure our financial markets are honest, fair and competitive. Follow this link to find out more About the FCA.

The Data, Technology and Innovation Division (DTI) is leveraging state-of the art data and digital capabilities to deliver innovation in regulation. We are proactive, utilising data science and intelligence gathering to proactively identify and intervene to prevent harm and protect consumers.

The Data and Data Service Teams drive the FCA’s Data Strategy by enhancing the value of data through data management, governance and analysis activities and providing central co-ordination of all data-related activities. As part of the Data, Technology & Innovation (DTI) Division, we are leading the FCA in harnessing the power of data and advanced analytics to transform financial regulation.  

In Data and Strategy, we believe in doing things differently. We believe the best approach is sometimes a new approach. We place emphasis on curiosity and experimentation. We collaborate widely with academics, innovative companies and the rest of the FCA. We believe that people need space to continue learning and the support to develop new ideas, so we commit to giving them both. 

What will you be doing?

The FCA’s goal is to identify and address harm impacting consumers and markets by ensuring access to the right data across a wide range of financial sectors. As the Data and AI Risk Associate, you will work closely with the leadership team to deliver and promote the FCA’s data strategy. Based in the newly formed Data and AI Risk Hub, the role will involve overseeing the governance process to manage and control responsible AI and Data risks. You will support the embedding of the FCA’s Data and AI Ethics Framework and contribute to shaping future policy. This position will involve working directly with colleagues at all levels, offering best practices, governance, and training to support the FCA’s data-led mission.

As the Data and Risk AI Associate, your responsibilities will include leading algorithmic reviews, developing guidance and policy documents, and driving collaborations with academia and industry on Data and AI Ethics research. You will lead the governance and controls for AI and model risk, implementing project management practices to ensure success. Building effective stakeholder relationships at all levels, facilitating decision-making, and incorporating best practices into data and AI ethics will be essential. Additionally, you will collaborate with teams across the organisation, including data, risk, legal, and product teams, to identify impacts and risks while ensuring successful project delivery.

What will you get from the role?

• The opportunity to take a leading role in driving the FCA’s Responsible Data and AI agenda, championing best practices to shape the future of data and AI across the organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with and influence key internal stakeholders at all levels

• Work alongside a dynamic leadership team focused on transforming the FCA into a more data-driven and forward-thinking organisation

• Play a critical part in ensuring the FCA has the right data to regulate effectively, empowering the organisation to make informed decisions that protect consumers and markets

Which skills are required?

We are a Disability Confident Employer; therefore, disabled people or individuals with long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. (To learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme Click Here)

Minimum

• Experience in Data and AI Ethics or Risk Management, with a strong emphasis on fostering inclusive, responsible practices

• Expertise in conducting algorithmic or technology reviews, simplifying technical details for executives and leadership teams

• Proven experience in writing clear, accessible technical content, simplifying intricate ideas and making them resonate with senior leadership

Essential

• Proven ability to plan and oversee project delivery with attention to detail and strong organisational skills

• Knowledge of risk management practices, with hands-on experience working alongside data analytics and product teams

• A track record of leading process improvements that positively impact colleagues within a department and across the broader organisation

• Skilled at building and nurturing strong, collaborative relationships with sponsors, executives, stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SMEs)

• Skilled in engaging with all levels of the organisation, managing communication and expectations effectively

• An intuitive approach to presenting knowledge in an approachable manner, ensuring visibility and understanding from diverse stakeholders across the organisation

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and balance multiple priorities while navigating conflict with grace

Our Values & Diversity

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and our ambition is to cultivate a culture for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.

Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work / life balance and support our diversity ambitions.

Did you know? 50% of our Executive Committee were the first in their family to attend university.

The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of the organisation. Given this, we particularly welcome applications from women, minority ethnic, disabled, and neurodivergent candidates for our Associate role.

Benefits of working at the FCA

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

• Hybrid working (work from home up to 60% of your time)

• Private healthcare with Bupa 

• A non-contributory Pension of at least 8%

• Life assurance

• Income protection

• We also have a competitive flexible benefits scheme which gives you the opportunity to create a personalised benefits package, tailored to suit your lifestyle.

We welcome applications from candidates who are looking for flexible arrangements.  Many of our staff work flexibly including working part-time, staggered hours, and job shares.  We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want but we can explore what might work best for both sides.

Follow this link to see what life is like at the FCA - Life at the FCA

Application Support

We are dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition requiring changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter using the details below and they will be happy to discuss this further with you.

Useful Information and Timeline

• This role is graded as Senior Associate - Regulatory

• Advert Closing Date:  23:59 on 12th December

• CV Review/Shortlist: 16th December

• Competency Based Interview: Week commencing 13th January

Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time. 

Got a question?

If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contact: 

• For internal applicants, please contact Lindsey Mackenzie at [email protected]

• For external applicants, please contact Asha Gladis at [email protected]

Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.