Head, Internal Policy Compliance at Unified Payment Services Limited

Job Objective

• To ensure appropriate internal compliance frameworks, policies, systems and processes are implemented and aligned with laws and regulations, and continuously strengthen Unified Payments’ compliance posture to achieve its corporate objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and review compliance frameworks, policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and international best practices to support the business of Unified Payments.
• Maintain Unified Payments’ internal policy repository and ensure policy tracking.
• Ensure effective liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Co-ordinate and ensure timely submission of all business/operational regulatory returns.
• Respond to due diligence questionnaires from partners.
• Ensure products and services comply with regulatory frameworks and guidelines.
• Review Unified Payments’ advertisements and ensure compliance with relevant consumer protection laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement framework and processes to promote a strong ethical culture and prevent misconduct.
• Design and implement an employee monitoring framework and ensure there is an effective system for reporting policy violations and investigation within the organization.
• Develop training plans and execute enterprise-wide code of conduct & ethics, and ABC training to ensure staff compliance with the requirements of Unified Payment’s code of conduct and anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) policies.
• Provide guidance on ethical dilemmas and conduct concerns.
• Develop and implement compliance quality assurance process.
• Manage annual staff attestation process.
• Develop third-party (vendor) due diligence process and ensure effective implementation.
• Enforce disciplinary frameworks in collaboration with HR.
• Develop Board and Senior Management compliance reports.
• Any other task that may be assigned by Management.

Staff Attraction, Motivation & Retention:

• Fill vacant roles within the department in a timely manner and provide opportunities for growth and development.
• Provide training, mentorship, and up-skilling programs.
• Recognize and reward individual and team achievements and contribution.
• Encourage open communication and feedback.
• Give employees autonomy and ownership of their work to motivate them.
• Foster a positive work culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
• Regularly engage direct reports to understand their needs and concerns.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in compliance breaches and associated penalties.
• Adequacy and timeliness of reports to relevant authorities and partners.
• Compliance policies and procedures are developed and reviewed periodically in line with approved stipulated timeline.
• Satisfactory rating by regulatory (external) examiners/internal audits.
• Completion of annual quality assurance on all compliance processes

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in law, finance, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree).
• Certifications such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), International Compliance Association (ICA) Specialist Certificate, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Designate Compliance Professional (DCP), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), or Certified Regulatory Manager (CRCM) are highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance, legal, or regulatory roles, with a strong background in FinTech, banking, or financial services.
• Proven expertise in implementing ethics & conduct and AML/CFT compliance programs, development of governance, risk and compliance policies and procedures, designing and implementing controls within the payment ecosystem, and addressing global regulatory challenges.
• Familiarity with all existing payment platforms in our payment ecosystem, financial technologies.

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of payment system, FinTech regulatory frameworks and guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of laws such as NDPA, GDPR, BOFIA, Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations and other regional requirements.
• Knowledge in risk management principles.
• Excellent knowledge of anti-financial crime regulations and standards such as PSD2, AMLD, FATF Recommendations, CBN AML/CFT/CPF Regulations

Skill / Competencies:

• Experience with compliance monitoring tools, transaction tracking systems, and risk analytics.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance innovation and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to operationalize complex compliance initiatives.
• Proficiency in compliance management systems and analytics tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• High ethical standards and a proactive approach to problem-solving.