About the Role

This varied role will lead a talented team to support the Risk & Compliance Director in the delivery of an effective risk based anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) program. This includes supporting the implementation of all proactive and reactive activities required to ensure that the business has a robust and fit for purpose anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing compliance program which demonstrates effective and transparent management of the risk within local markets and compliance with all relevant legislation and international standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert on technical AML / CFT issues providing strategic guidance to technical in-market teams;
• Ensure that M-Pesa markets have fit for purpose Financial Crime Systems. This role oversees the requirements development and implementation of Anti-Financial Crime Systems across the M-Pesa markets;
• Develop, implement and maintain M-Pesa Africa support in in-market AML/CFT policies, procedures and controls in line with local, in-market and international requirements;
• Develop and oversee methodologies for detecting and reporting suspicious activities related to AML/CFT;
• Develop and deploy AML controls best practices and foster in-market collaboration to identify and address new AML typologies, including the development, testing, and implementation of new alert typologies;
• Conduct AML /CFT risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to mitigate them;
• Evaluate the AML risks associated with the products and services offered by M-Pesa Africa to the markets and develop appropriate controls to mitigate those risks;
• Conduct due diligence on International Money Transfer (IMT) partners and relevant M-Pesa Global Framework agreements (GFA) to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices;
• Create networks with IMT partners’ compliance teams to ensure timely resolution of AML issues that may arise;
• Creation and implementation of M-Pesa Africa AML program;
• Prepare and present relevant AML / CFT reports to the M-Pesa Africa Board Audit Committee as well as EXCO;
• Operational oversight and management of 1st level KYC screening for all M-Pesa markets;
• Lead and mentor AML/CFT professionals both in MPA as well as in-market technical AML teams;
• Partner with internal Legal, Risk and Compliance teams to align on Financial Crime Compliance goals and alignment to the relevant legislation as well as regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in Financial Services;
• Technical experience in the implementation of financial crime technology platforms including definition and design of business, functional and technical requirements;
• Strong analytical skills and hands on knowledge in performing advanced analysis. For example, use of Python, SQL, machine learning models etc. 
• Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills as well as experience leading a diverse team across multiple locations;
• Ability to deal with diverse cultures;
• International experience and multicultural sensitivity.

Education & Experience:

• BSc in Finance, law, Technology or related field;
• Professional certification in ACAMS Certified, ICA diploma qualification or similar relevant AML qualification preferred;
• A strong understanding of regulation, risk management, governance and control systems; 
• Experience and knowledge of financial services preferred;
• Relevant 2nd line compliance activity experience in AML or similar experience.