Risk and Compliance Manager / MLRO WAEMU

As Risk and Compliance Manager/MLRO, you will be responsible for ensuring the Risk and Compliance frameworks for the Company including but not limited to maintaining our regulatory cover in the Senegal, Ivory Coast and Mali markets. The ideal candidate should be based in either of these markets. In addition to licensing maintenance through regulatory reporting and engagements, you will act as the designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).

The ideal candidate will therefore have demonstrable experience in stakeholder management, managing an array of projects, plus a preferable experience of working with Central Bank or other regulators in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region.

Your main duties will include:

Compliance/MLRO

• Monitor and ensure overall compliance with all obligations in the laws under which the company is licensed
• Monitor and regularly assess that the Company complies with applicable external legislation (including AML/CTF legislation) and other regulations and guidelines issued by competent authorities, as well as the Company’s Policies and Framework
• Control and regularly assess whether the AML/CTF Framework to prevent the Company being used for money laundering or terrorism financing (“ML/TF”) is appropriate and adequately implemented within the Company
• Provide advice and support to employees, contractors and other persons involved in activities in a similar capacity on regulatory requirements concerning regulatory matters, conduct, financial crime, data protection, enterprise risk and consumer protection
• Act as the Money Laundering Reporting Officer and ensure that the obligation of reporting SARs/STRs is fulfilled
• Periodically respond to law enforcement on enquiries and requests for information
• Ensure the provision of information to Regulators or Partners in relation to Regulatory matters
• Oversee engagements between the Company and regulators on general compliance and AML/CTF matters
• Report to the Company Boards at least quarterly on the operation and effectiveness of the Company’s AML/CTF systems and controls

Risk Management

• Ensure the implementation of the Company’s risk management framework by maintaining the country risk registers, conducting periodic risk assessments.
• Conduct the Annual AML risk assessment in line with the local regulatory requirements.
• Carry out quarterly Company Risk Control Self Assessments (RCSA).
• Conduct product risk assessments in support of product approvals requests or new product strategies the Company is involved in.
• Coordinate the carrying out of the required thematic risk assessments in the local jurisdictions including but not limited to Consumer Protection Risk Assessment, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA), Jurisdictional Regulatory Risk Assessments.
• Review and update of the local risk policies, procedures and checklists with guidance from the Governance function

Other Responsibilities

• Prepare the reports to be presented to local Boards and Committees
• Ensure all Company reporting (regulatory and statutory) is filed on time
• Act the local/region regulatory liaison on all regulatory matters including coordinating regulatory inspections and audits
• Be a proud brand ambassador for pawaPay.

What is required of the ideal candidate?

• At least 5 years’ proven experience in a risk and compliance role within regulatory affairs, compliance, risk management or similar role.
• Experience of regulatory engagements including seeking licenses, regulatory reporting, inspections in payments/fintech.
• Excellent knowledge of legal/regulatory requirements and procedures.
• Confident communicator with keen attention to detail.
• Highly-analytical with strong attention to detail.
• Exceptionally diligent and proud of your output in all aspects of work.
• Experience working within the mobile money/payments industry is a major advantage.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Capable of translating big picture thinking into processes and workflows within the organisation.
• Technology savvy and happy with a remote working environment.
• Happy to work in an environment that promotes autonomy and responsibility amongst its team.
• Demonstrates passion, energy, drive, and a willingness to collaborate with an ambitious team internationally.
• Willing to travel as required.