Compliance Officer

Job Description

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Finance, Economics, or a related field; a degree from a Senegalese or WAEMU-region institution is an advantage.
• Professional certifications are a must: CAMS, ACAMS, ICA, or an equivalent qualification recognised in Francophone Africa.
• 4–6 years of experience in a compliance role within the banking, fintech, or financial services sector, ideally with exposure to the WAEMU/ECOWAS region.
• Proven experience in compliance related to payments, remittances, and mobile financial services (mobile money, Wave, Orange Money, etc.).
• Hands-on experience in building or implementing compliance-related automations (e.g., workflows, alerts, reporting systems).
• Experience engaging with Senegalese regulators (BCEAO, CENTIF, ARTP) and maintaining positive working relationships is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of KYC processes, transaction monitoring, and AML/CFT regulations in Senegal and the WAEMU zone.
• Familiarity with the regulatory frameworks applicable to payment services in Senegal, including BCEAO regulations on electronic money institutions.
• Understanding of the specific dynamics of international remittance corridors into West Africa.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, international environment.
• Fluency in French is required; proficiency in English is a significant advantage; knowledge of Wolof or another local language is appreciated.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with global teams in a remote-first environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Know Your Customer (KYC) onboarding process for new customers and update existing ones across Senegal.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory requirements related to customer identification and verification, including BCEAO and CENTIF directives.
• Implement and enhance transaction monitoring systems to detect and report suspicious activities within the Senegalese context.
• Conduct periodic reviews and assessments to ensure the effectiveness of transaction monitoring processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for AML/CFT matters in Senegal.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) regulations in Senegal, including WAEMU directives, BCEAO instructions, and FATF recommendations.
• Develop and enforce AML/CFT policies and procedures tailored to the Senegalese regulatory environment.
• Stay abreast of the regulatory landscape governing the payments and financial services industry in Senegal and the wider WAEMU/ECOWAS zone.
• Interpret and communicate regulatory changes, especially those related to AML/CFT requirements, to relevant stakeholders within the organisation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Senegalese regulators, including the BCEAO, Ministry of Finance, CENTIF, and ARTP (for mobile money services).
• Develop and implement compliance procedures specific to domestic and cross-border remittances in Senegal, including key corridors such as West Africa–Europe and intra-ECOWAS transfers.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements governing remittance services in the Senegalese market, with particular attention to diaspora and family remittance flows.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential compliance risks within the Senegalese and WAEMU context.
• Collaborate with other departments to implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Report findings and compliance matters related to AML/CFT to different stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders as required by Senegalese regulations, including suspicious activity reports to CENTIF and BCEAO regulatory filings.
• Provide training to staff on compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with a specific focus on AML/CFT in the Senegalese market.
• Foster a culture of compliance awareness within the organisation.