Compliance, Data Protection, and ESG Officer

Overview

The Compliance, Data Protection, and ESG Officer is responsible for ensuring WATU Sierra Leone Limited adherence to legal, regulatory, environmental, social, and data protection standards. This role involves developing and implementing robust compliance programs, managing regulatory relationships, safeguarding sensitive data, and fostering a culture aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The officer is to lead initiatives on data security, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and CSR projects, supporting WATU sustainable growth while maintaining operational integrity and data privacy compliance.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance:

• Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs aligned with local and international standards
• Oversee customer onboarding processes including KYC, AML, sanctions checks, and client identification
• Ensure timely statutory reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual) and effective record-keeping
• Write, review, and update all WATU agreements and NDAs to ensure legal compliance
• Establish and monitor internal controls to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards
• Maintain ongoing communication with regulators, such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, and coordinate with external auditors (When Needed).

Data Protection & Confidentiality:

• Develop and enforce policies to ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR or local regulations)
• Implement secure data handling, storage, and disposal practices
• Educate employees on data privacy and security best practices
• Monitor data processing activities to prevent breaches or unauthorized access
• Respond to data protection incidents or breaches with predefined protocols

Special Cases & Asset

Risk Management:

• Collaborate with the asset risk team to enforce compliance policies and procedures
• Work with police and legal authorities on debt collection and asset recovery matters
• Communicate with clients regarding asset loss, including legal notices and asset recovery agreements
• Coordinate with external lawyers for clients who default after agreements are made

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG):

• Support KPI data collection and populate live dashboards in partnership with ESG teams
• Conduct regional ESG risk assessments, identify top risks, and recommend mitigation strategies
• Facilitate stakeholder mapping and engagement with key internal and external parties
• Assist in designing and implementing CSR programs and share success stories for internal communication
• Organize ESG awareness training sessions for staff
• Conduct inventory of office air conditioning units, promote and oversee the replacement of harmful refrigerants with eco-friendly alternatives
• Provide relevant ESG policy documents specific to the regional context

Internal Communication & Employee Training:

• Develop channels for effective communication of compliance and ESG matters
• Provide ongoing education to employees regarding legal, regulatory, ESG, and data protection practices
• Address employee inquiries and concerns related to compliance or data privacy

General & Miscellaneous:

• Uphold the company's policies, processes, and code of conduct
• Support management in compliance, ESG, and data protection initiatives
• Ensure all tasks are completed within designated deadlines and to quality standards

• Accuracy and timeliness of KPI dashboards
• Effectiveness of regional ESG risk assessments and mitigation plans
• Success in stakeholder mapping and CSR program delivery
• Level of compliance with data protection policies
• Number and severity of data breaches or incidents
• Quality and promptness of regulatory reporting

• Be a part of an international, dynamic and driven team that has set their aspirations high and work hard to achieve those
• Opportunities to learn and grow together with us
• Competitive compensation package
• Health benefits

• BSc/BA in law or finance. An MSc/MA is an added advantage, we are primarily interested in your overall experience and cultural fit within our team
• Excellent communicator in English, both written and verbal, but most important is your ability to understand the needs of the company complying with its legal and regulatory requirements
• Understanding of corporate compliance sector