Overview
The MEA (Middle East and Africa) region is a dynamic and fast paced part of the global firm, marked by entrepreneurial spirit and rapid growth. To support this expansion, we are seeking a motivated MEA Compliance and Best Practice Manager. The role will be largely focused on supporting the valuation & Advisory division but may also include the following practice areas: Consulting, Commercial Transactions, Residential Transactions, Project and Development Services and Property Asset Management, encompassing over 30 distinct service lines. The ideal candidate will be reliable professional with expertise in risk management and a strong commitment to upholding legal and ethical business practices while achieving organizational objectives.
Key Objectives
- Ensuring that our operations and business processes adhere to the highest compliance standards.
- Collaborate with internal audit functions to oversee remedial plans and ensure compliance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and other regulatory bodies in the MEA region.
- Cascade best practices and compliance measures from the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region, which operates across 5 countries and employs c. 350 people, into Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) which operates across 9 countries and employs c.400 people.
- Operate and deliver incremental improvements within a matrix organization structure involving multiple stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Working with Technical and Internal Auditors
- Collaborate with Technical and Internal Auditors to review audit findings and identify the root cause of issues.
- Assist in the preparation of remedial action plans, focusing on risk identification and mitigation to ensure continuous improvement year-on-year.
- Conduct follow-up audits as required to address outstanding issues and enhance compliance.
- Attend and contribute to Board Audit Forums where required.
Best Practice Procedures
- Develop and implement Best Practice Procedures, ensuring compliance with necessary ISO standards and deploying appropriate technology to achieve productivity gains.
- Monitor regulatory changes, relevant laws, and regulations affecting the business, and prepare applicable reports for management.
Quality Audit (QA)
- Investigate lapses in the quality of outputs and provide remedial plans and guidance to teams.
- Collaborate with service line heads to improve quality audits on outputs.
- Review and address adverse client feedback, ensuring adherence to complaint handling procedures, while maintain records of complaints and action taken.
- Ensure that all the findings are documented and followed up to rectify any issues.
Compliance Training Modules and Declarations
- Ensure Compliance Training Modules are delivered and completed by all staff, tracking and recording participation.
- Develop and deliver relevant training content tailored to local market requirements.
- Ensure completion of local and global declarations.
- Conduct continuous training and assessment for team members to ensure compliance awareness.
Compliance
- Draft, review, and revise company policies, including e-signature, GDPR, conflict of interest, and whistleblowing policies.
- Review and control all disclaimers stated in RFPs and reports and manage conflict of interest processes.
- Develop and manage all compliance programs, investigate compliance violations, and review marketing materials, presentations, and websites for regulatory compliance.
- Take action to address noncompliance situations and create actionable plans to resolve them.
- Engage with regulatory bodies to demonstrate the firm's standards and stay informed of any regulatory changes.
- Collaborate with local teams to address areas of concern and foster a culture of compliance across department.
- Liaise with and share knowledge with global compliance and best practice officers.
- Perform general administrative duties, including file creation and the maintenance of ongoing administrative projects.
Professional Experience, Personal Skills, and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in law, business administration or a related field
- Professional certification (e.g. Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), ISO Certification) is a plus.
- Proven experience as a Compliance Officer or Compliance Manager, preferable within the Real Estate or Construction industry.
- Membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor (RICS) is preferred.
- Demonstrate experience in risk management, with solid understanding of risk assessment methodologies.
- knowledge of legal requirements and controls including, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and other compliance framework.
- Familiarity with industry practices and professional standards, particularly those relevant to MEA region.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex compliance concepts clearly and effectively.
