Area Compliance Officer

Lafarge Africa Plc; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent multinational company is seeking an Area Compliance Officer located in Dubai. This pivotal role involves implementing compliance programs across the Middle East and Africa, advising on legal standards, and ensuring ethical integrity. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance roles, with strong knowledge of anti-bribery and trade sanctions. Fluency in English and French is necessary, and proficiency in Arabic is advantageous. Join a team committed to ethical excellence and a diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• 10 years of professional experience, with 5 years in high-level compliance.
• Expert knowledge of compliance management systems and due diligence.
• Fluent in English and French; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Guide country organizations in developing compliance plans and risk assessments.
• Advise local management on compliance risks and internal controls.
• Oversee local implementation of Group policies with local adaptations.
• Monitor compliance processes and track performance metrics.
• Deliver compliance training across all organization levels.
• Support the recording and investigation of breaches of the Code of Ethics.
• Interface with local authorities and regulators as needed.

Skills

Compliance management

Anti-bribery

Corruption prevention

Trade sanctions knowledge

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Professional integrity

Judgment

Problem-solving

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law or Business

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Please note this position is located in Dubai.

Role Overview

The Area Compliance Officer is a key strategic partner responsible for safeguarding our integrity across the Middle East and Africa. Reporting to the Regional Compliance Officer, you will work closely with local General Counsels and management teams to implement our five-pillar compliance program: risk assessment, controls, training, monitoring, and governance. By promoting our Code of Ethics and advising on complex regulatory landscapes, you ensure that our high‑performance culture is built on a foundation of uncompromised ethical standards and robust legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Guide and support country organizations in developing annual compliance plans and conducting rigorous risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential exposure.

Act as a cross‑functional advisor to local management teams, helping them understand compliance risks, remediate audit findings, and strengthen internal controls.

Oversee the local implementation of Group policies and directives, ensuring they are adapted to meet specific local laws and regulations without compromising global standards.

Monitor the effectiveness of compliance processes, such as third‑party due diligence, and track key performance metrics to ensure regional transparency.

Deliver and manage compliance training using a "train‑the‑trainer" approach to ensure the Group’s program reaches all levels of the organization effectively.

Promote a "Speak‑Up" culture by supporting country organizations in the recording, investigation, and remediation of reported breaches of the Code of Ethics.

Interface with local authorities and regulators as required, maintaining a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape across the MEA region.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years specifically focused on high‑level compliance (anti‑bribery, corruption, and trade sanctions) within a global organization.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law or Business.

Expert knowledge of compliance management systems, internal investigations, and due diligence requirements. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is essential.

Highest level of integrity and discretion, combined with sound judgment and a pragmatic, solutions‑oriented approach. Must possess the interpersonal impact to exercise lateral leadership in complex environments.

Strong command of English and French is required. Proficiency in Arabic is highly beneficial and considered a significant plus.

Holcim is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We support equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexuality, disability, or age.