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 instances 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:
• Principles and approach to managing compliance against regulatory and internal requirements.
• Role and responsibilities within the Group with respect to ensuring compliance.
• Governance structure for management of regulatory and operational compliance; and
• 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.
• 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:
• Define the processes for managing and monitoring compliance against relevant internal policies.
• Ensure that internal policies and processes are being proactively monitored, reviewed, and assessed for existing and potential compliance violations.
• 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.