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Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Senior Compliance Officer

  • Midrand
  • Gauteng
  • Permanent
  • Legal and Justice
Closing date
Thursday, 12 November 2026 3 days left
Reference
DBS261021-2
Source
DBSA · 8 Nov 2026

About the role

Provide advanced compliance support across the institution, with a focus on embedding a robust compliance culture, monitoring regulatory adherence, and supporting ethical conduct. The role identifies, analyses, and responds to regulatory risks and compliance gaps across business processes, products, and transactions. As a senior specialist, the role contributes to policy interpretation, compliance advisory, and the design of controls to manage regulatory obligations.

This role contributes to protecting DBSA’s integrity, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting responsible conduct across the organisation.

Requirements

a) Solution Focus

Identifies complex problems based on a broad range of factors, many of which are ambiguous or difficult to define.

While remaining guided by organisational values, identifies optimal solutions, thinking first in terms of possible approaches and flexibilities in the system vs. blind adherence to rules or procedures.

Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions after they have been implemented and identifies needed changes.

b) Compliance Risk Management

Establishing and embedding a compliance culture in the DBSA and its Business Units.

Identify and assess regulatory universes and draft compliance risk management plans for high-risk legislation.

Interact with internal and external bodies such as Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal Services, Regulators and Industry Bodies to identify and manage compliance risk.

Assist in developing appropriate compliance policies and frameworks.

Guide DBSA Management to execute compliance strategies and manage their portfolios effectively.

Oversee the implementation of compliance management practices for allocated portfolios.

Establishes, communicates and facilitates the consistent use of appropriate compliance methodologies, tools, templates and techniques.

Works with Business Divisions and Units to establish, maintain and continuously improve compliance management capabilities.

Facilitates compliance assessments and monitors priority compliance matters across the Organisation.

Ensure that there are sufficient compliance execution capabilities within the Organisation.

Provide input and support to group and divisional compliance initiatives.

Coordinate and ensure maintenance of the compliance universe.

Effectively contribute to reducing the compliance risk exposure of the Bank.

Ensure that Compliance activities are undertaken for all areas and projects of the Bank.

Partner with relevant Stakeholders within the Divisions to effectively manage risk.

Re-engineer business processes to be fully compliant with legislation.

c) Compliance Risk Monitoring

Compiles Business Unit-specific plan that ensures that the Business Units comply with the applicable legislative requirements and regulations.

Compiles submissions to relevant Regulators.

Reviews and monitors compliance processes and compliance with regulations and legislation.

Establishes processes to identify instances of noncompliance and reports on non-compliance and any process deviations to senior management.

Reports as necessary to ensure that compliance risks are considered and dealt with effectively and promptly. All risk reporting must be of the highest quality.

Works with other risk officers to share information and ensure uniformity in compliance risk management approaches and mitigations.

Monitors the external environment to determine emerging and unknown compliance risks, determine the impact to the Bank and facilitate communication to various Stakeholders.

Reports on the status of compliance to the Head of Compliance in accordance with the compliance universe.

d) Compliance Risk Advisory

Advises on regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Provides compliance opinions and training to individuals and groups.

Provides compliance advisory services in terms of key Compliance Practices, Solutions and Tools to the DBSA.

Act as a trusted advisor to management on key existing and new projects.

Co-ordinates effort with Stakeholders across the Group.

Provides input into high-level organisational reports in respect of compliance risk matters for Group Risk, Exco, Credit Committee, Board, etc.

Provides input into high-level compliance and audit reports in respect of audit issues/matters for the Audit Committee.

e) Detail Orientation

Quickly identifies relevant and irrelevant information to support accurate decision making.

Maps out all the logistics and details of a situation to ensure smooth and flawless implementation.

Consistently identifies all relevant details that are not obvious in complex situations.

Requires the highest standards for accuracy and quality for their work.

Establishes processes to ensure accuracy and quality of services delivered by the team.

*The KPA’s, competencies and relationships listed in this document are not exhaustive, and the incumbent will be expected to undertake additional duties within their capacity to meet the needs of business and/or the business unit.*

Duties

1. Assessment and Management of Compliance Risk

Interpret applicable laws, regulations, and codes of practice to advise internal stakeholders on compliance obligations.

Guide business units in the implementation of compliance requirements across operational, investment, and support functions.

Support the development of a culture of compliance through practical, solution-oriented advice.

Identify and assess the regulatory universe and draft compliance risk management plans for high-risk legislation.

Monitor compliance and contribute to reducing the compliance risk exposure of the Bank.

2. Monitor Regulatory and Internal Compliance

Conduct reviews of business processes, documentation, and records to assess levels of regulatory compliance.

Identify potential breaches, emerging risks, and control weaknesses, and recommend corrective actions.

Track and monitor implementation of regulatory changes and internal policies.

Interact with internal and external bodies such as Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal Services, Regulators and Industry Bodies to identify and manage compliance risk.

Monitor compliance functions are undertaken for all areas and projects of the Bank.

Provide input into high-level compliance and audit reports in respect of audit issues/matters for the Audit & Risk Committee and other governance structures.

Conduct complex compliance investigations and developing strategic compliance initiatives to mitigate risks.

3. Develop and Implement Compliance Policies & Frameworks

Contribute to the design and updating of compliance policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Participate in compliance risk assessments and control testing to enhance risk mitigation.

Guide business units in maintaining compliance registers and reporting systems.

Advise business units of compliance best practices and new developments.

4. Compliance Awareness and Reporting Capacity

Support the delivery of training and awareness initiatives on compliance and ethical conduct.

Prepares compliance reports and inputs for governance committees, regulators, and internal stakeholders.

Collaborates with legal, ethics, financial crime, and business units to promote integrated compliance outcomes.

Provide reports to ensure that compliance risks are considered and dealt with effectively and promptly.

5. Technical Expertise and Knowledge

Leverage advanced technical knowledge and skills to provide expert insights and solutions within their area of specialisation.

Keep abreast of the latest industry developments, technologies, and best practices to maintain a high level of competency and innovation.

Apply their expertise to analyse complex problems, design effective solutions, and support the implementation of projects or initiatives.

Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to gather input and ensure alignment in implementing solutions and compliance initiatives.

6. Innovation and Process Improvement

Champion innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their area of expertise.

Identify opportunities to enhance processes, products, or services, leveraging their technical knowledge, creativity, and industry insights.

Explore and implement new technologies or methodologies to drive efficiency, quality, and value for the organisation.

Encourage and facilitate idea generation among team members, promoting a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can flourish.

Seek ways to improve and innovate, the specialist contributes to maintaining the organisation’s competitive edge and adapting to evolving market demands.

7. Reporting and Data Analytics

Generate detailed and insightful reports and analyses that support strategic decision-making and drive organisational improvement.

Collect, process and interpret complex data using advanced analytical techniques and tools.

Develop reports and dashboards tailored to the specific needs of stakeholders, presenting data in a clear, concise, and actionable manner using visualisations and other aids as necessary.

Identify trends, areas of improvement and key insights that influence strategic planning and operational adjustments.

Provide comprehensive analytics and high-quality reporting, the specialist enables informed decision-making and contributes to the organisation's ability to achieve its objectives and adapt to changing conditions.

8. Stakeholder Management

Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders at a senior regulatory to align expectations, gather insights, and ensure successful outcomes.

Build relationships, communicating clearly and consistently, and addressing stakeholder needs and concerns with responsiveness and professionalism.

Facilitate cooperation and support for initiatives within their area of expertise, contributing to overall project and organisational success.

Key Measurements of Outputs

1. Number and quality of compliance reviews, assessments, and advisory interventions

2. Timeliness and accuracy of compliance risk reporting

3. Level of regulatory breaches identified and resolved

4. Contribution to policy interpretation and compliance training

5. Clean Audit

General note

The Development Bank of Southern Africa will endeavor to make appointments in line with its Employment Equity Policy and Plan. Applications from suitably qualified designated groups, especially people with disabilities, are encouraged.

The DBSA corporate culture fit requires clear, logical and analytical thinking grounded in good interpersonal skills, a sense of urgency and results orientated execution of duties. The ability to work collaboratively and finding practical yet innovative solutions is critical to success in a work environment that demands emotional resilience, accountability and responsible risk taking and management.

The DBSA reserves the right to amend or remove vacancies in line with organisational requirements.

All vacancies can be viewed on the DBSA website (www.dbsa.org) under Careers.

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