Vice President Compliance

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this job is to:

• Establish the approach and mechanisms (collectively referred to as ‘framework’) for managing the Group’s level of regulatory and operational/ethics compliance against regulatory and internal requirements.
• Establish the mechanisms for highlighting instances of non-compliance and working with relevant functions to develop action plans to address non-compliance; Ongoing monitoring and reporting of instance of non-compliance.

This job plays a pivotal role in ultimately enhancing the state of compliance against regulatory requirements and in promoting a culture of compliance with internal policies.

Key Accountabilities:

• Design and maintain a fit-for-purpose compliance framework for GEMS Group covering all aspects that are relevant for in-scope jurisdictions and businesses. The compliance framework to at least identify:

1. Principles and approach to managing compliance against regulatory and internal requirements.
2. Role and responsibilities within the Group with respect to ensuring compliance.
3. Governance structure for management of regulatory and operational compliance; and
4. Escalation route for any breaches.

• Roll-out of the compliance program (including but not limited to framework, relevant policies and templates) to Corporate Office and Schools.
• Maintain an exhaustive list of regulatory bodies / authorities and regulations under each regulatory body that are relevant for GEMS businesses. i.e., Regulatory compendium.

1. Creation and ongoing maintenance of GEMS Education regulatory environment and legislative register.

• Work with relevant functions / teams to design mechanisms for establishing the state of compliance across the group, specifically identifying instances of partial or non-compliance.
• Maintain oversight of state of compliance within GEMS services businesses, working in collaboration with relevant teams within corporate office and the individual businesses.
• Devise and manage the mechanisms for monitoring and reporting of student and teacher registrations in-line with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all operational and regulatory non-compliance matters are adequately monitored and reported as per the approved governance structure; develop and circulate a monthly compliance report.
• Own internal compliance policies including, but not limited to, anti-bribery and corruption, conflict of interest, gift and hospitality and engaging with third parties:
  
  1. Define the processes for managing and monitoring compliance against relevant internal policies.
  2. Ensure that internal policies and processes are being proactively monitored, reviewed, and assessed for existing and potential compliance violations.
  3. Maintain associated mechanisms, such as gifts and hospitality register.
• Drive improvements in capture of relevant data for compliance reporting and monitoring purposes; drive continuous improvement and efficiency in development of relevant reports / dashboards through use of technology.
• Partner with relevant functions within GEMS to drive advocacy around regulatory matters
• Establish and maintain an appropriate compliance training program for all employees.

Expected Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant university education is required. External accreditation in the areas of legal or compliance.
• 12 years+ experience in dealing with regulatory authorities and compliance issues (such as sanctions, anti-bribery & corruption, and data privacy and protection) in a regulated industry.
• Demonstrable experience of implementing a regulatory compliance framework.
• Experience in the educational sector (directly or through consulting) is preferred.

 Personal Skills & Characteristics:

• Arabic speakers are highly preferred due to the nature of the role.
• Strong analytical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to interpret regulation and complex literature
• Effective leadership, project management and teamwork skills.
• Collaborative mindset and approach is required
• Ability to provide managerial leadership i.e. influence and lead individuals outside of reporting line.
• The successful candidate will convey good judgement and gravitas, combined with strong communication skills, to comfortably engage at the highest levels within the organization as a credible advisor and expert. The successful candidate will also be able to work with colleagues at various levels of the bank to ensure alignment and support.
• The successful candidate will also display commercial acumen and an understanding of business practices to ensure that the compliance needs and solutions are put forward in a commercially sensitive manner.