Compliance Officer (Burkina Faso)
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Full Time
Experienced
Job Title: Compliance Officer (Burkina Faso)
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (On-site)
Department: Legal & Compliance
Reports to: Head of Compliance / Country Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Compliance Officer to build and oversee our compliance framework from the ground up in Burkina Faso. This is a foundational role for our early-stage operations, where you will be responsible for establishing the compliance function, securing necessary licenses, and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met as we launch and grow our business. You will serve as the key point of contact for local regulators and work closely with the global compliance team to implement group policies locally.
Key Responsibilities
1. License & Registration Management
• Lead the application and securing of all required financial and operational licenses for the entity.
• Prepare and submit all regulatory filings, notifications, and periodic reports to local authorities (including BCEAO, etc.).
2. Compliance Framework Development
• Develop, implement, and maintain local compliance policies, procedures, and controls in line with local laws and group standards.
• Conduct gap analyses and risk assessments to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
3. AML/CFT & Regulatory Compliance
• Implement and monitor the AML/CFT program, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious transactions.
• Ensure compliance with banking, data protection, consumer protection, and other relevant financial regulations.
4. Regulatory Relationship Management
• Act as the primary contact for local regulatory bodies and manage all official communications and examinations.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and advise the business on impact and required actions.
5. Training & Awareness
• Develop and deliver compliance training to local staff on key policies, AML/CFT, and regulatory obligations.
• Foster a strong culture of compliance within the local team.
6. Internal Controls & Reporting
• Monitor and test the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance measures.
• Prepare regular compliance reports for local and group management.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., ACAMS, ICA) is a strong plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance, AML/CFT, internal audit, or banking law, preferably within the financial services or fintech sector.
• Proven experience in license application and regulatory setup for a new entity in Burkina Faso or the WAEMU region is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of local regulatory requirements (BCEAO, AML/CFT laws, data protection, etc.).
• Fluent in French (written and spoken); professional English is required for group reporting and collaboration.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to shape the compliance function from scratch in a growing fintech.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Collaborative and supportive regional/global team environment
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (On-site)
Department: Legal & Compliance
Reports to: Head of Compliance / Country Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Compliance Officer to build and oversee our compliance framework from the ground up in Burkina Faso. This is a foundational role for our early-stage operations, where you will be responsible for establishing the compliance function, securing necessary licenses, and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met as we launch and grow our business. You will serve as the key point of contact for local regulators and work closely with the global compliance team to implement group policies locally.
Key Responsibilities
1. License & Registration Management
• Lead the application and securing of all required financial and operational licenses for the entity.
• Prepare and submit all regulatory filings, notifications, and periodic reports to local authorities (including BCEAO, etc.).
2. Compliance Framework Development
• Develop, implement, and maintain local compliance policies, procedures, and controls in line with local laws and group standards.
• Conduct gap analyses and risk assessments to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
3. AML/CFT & Regulatory Compliance
• Implement and monitor the AML/CFT program, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious transactions.
• Ensure compliance with banking, data protection, consumer protection, and other relevant financial regulations.
4. Regulatory Relationship Management
• Act as the primary contact for local regulatory bodies and manage all official communications and examinations.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and advise the business on impact and required actions.
5. Training & Awareness
• Develop and deliver compliance training to local staff on key policies, AML/CFT, and regulatory obligations.
• Foster a strong culture of compliance within the local team.
6. Internal Controls & Reporting
• Monitor and test the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance measures.
• Prepare regular compliance reports for local and group management.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., ACAMS, ICA) is a strong plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in compliance, AML/CFT, internal audit, or banking law, preferably within the financial services or fintech sector.
• Proven experience in license application and regulatory setup for a new entity in Burkina Faso or the WAEMU region is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of local regulatory requirements (BCEAO, AML/CFT laws, data protection, etc.).
• Fluent in French (written and spoken); professional English is required for group reporting and collaboration.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to shape the compliance function from scratch in a growing fintech.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Collaborative and supportive regional/global team environment
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