Namibian Risk and Compliance Officer

Overview

An opportunity has arisen for the employment of a Risk and Compliance specialist with a focus on the Namibian market within a leading Southern African investment management group.  The position reports to the Managing Director of M&G Namibia.

The successful candidate will operate autonomously while working alongside a driven, successful, extremely competent team of compliance and risk professionals and within established compliance and risk frameworks. This position would suit someone with a good academic record, who is adaptable, can work to high standards across multiple disciplines, and thrives in a challenging environment, with exposure at all levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate must have an in-depth understanding of the risk and compliance aspects related to Investment Managers and Unit Trust Managers. This would include being familiar with investment limits applicable to Unit Trusts, Retirement funds and Insurance Companies, and a working knowledge of Namibian financial services legislation, including inter alia the FIC and FIM Acts.

The successful candidate will be required to manage the Risk and Compliance for the M&G Namibian entities, including fulfilling the following:

1.) Risk and Compliance:

• Ensure the implementation of, and/or adherence to, the M&G SA Risk and Compliance frameworks, including relevant local policies.
• Develop appropriate Risk and Compliance Annual Plans, including the Compliance Monitoring Plans, and ensure deliverables are executed in accordance with the approved Plans. This includes monitoring compliance with legislation, company and group compliance policies and procedures, and investigating/escalating breaches as necessary.
• Provide Risk and Compliance reports to Senior management, Namibian governance committees, Boards and M&G SA Risk and Compliance.
• Provide assistance and guidance to the business on all Risk and Compliance related matters.
• Collaborate with the M&G SA Risk and Compliance teams.

2.) Risk management:

• Analysis, monitoring and reporting of Key Risk Indicators (KRI’s) against approved risk appetite.
• Assist in the process of capturing, assessing, monitoring, reporting, and escalating (where necessary) operational risk events across M&G Namibia.

3.) Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to Namibian financial services legislation, including FIC and FIM Acts, and implement/maintain appropriate policies and processes.
• Assist with the investment compliance monitoring process.
• Remain abreast of, and provide commentary on, legislative changes and ensure that business is aware of pending impacts/requirements.
• Represent M&G in Namibian industry bodies.
• Ensure adequate training on Compliance policies and applicable legislation.
• Identify areas of potential regulatory (including financial crime) vulnerability/risk and aid in developing or implementing corrective action plans for resolution.
• Manage and co-ordinate regulatory engagements, inspections, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• A Compliance related qualification (preferably a degree in Commerce or Law)
• Meets the requirements to be able to be registered with the relevant regulators as a Compliance Officer.
• A minimum of five years working in asset management (legal or compliance roles would be advantageous).
• Working knowledge of the FIC & FIM acts and Enterprise Risk Management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• Understanding of financial products, markets and instruments.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Take initiative and work independently;
• Be assertive and self-motivated;
• Pro-actively facilitate and influence key stakeholders;
• Build effective relationships externally and internally;
• Work well under pressure;
• Manage stress effectively;
• Work to process;
• Be adaptable; and
• Work accurately.

Confidentiality is an absolute requirement, and any breach of confidentiality or honesty will not be tolerated. Integrity must be unquestionable.