Head of Compliance

Abu Dhabi Airports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport authority in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Compliance to oversee their Corporate Compliance Programme. The role requires developing functional processes, providing expert advice on regulatory matters, and ensuring adherence to laws. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in compliance roles and extensive skills in negotiation and stakeholder management. This challenging position aims to uphold and promote a culture of integrity and ethical behavior within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in Compliance, with at least 6 in supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven expertise in compliance management across various regulations.
• Experience in financial management for compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop functional processes for the Corporate Compliance Programme.
• Communicate compliance commitment with local laws and ethical practices.
• Provide compliance and regulatory advice related to operations.

Skills

Compliance management expertise

Strong negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law or related field

Certification as a Risk and Compliance Management Professional

Job description

The Head of Compliance is responsible for developing, overseeing, communicating, and implementing AD Airports’ Corporate Compliance Programme across the Group. This role ensures that employees and third parties globally adhere to the highest standards of integrity, ethical practices, and compliance with laws and regulations. The Head of Compliance provides expert advice on compliance and regulatory matters, ensures effective risk and compliance programs, and safeguards AD Airports against financial, legal, and reputational risks. The role also champions a culture of compliance, integrity, and ethical behavior across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop functional processes and guidance to support the Corporate Compliance Programme across AD Airports.
• Communicate AD Airports’ commitment to compliance with local laws, international standards, and ethical practices.
• Provide expert advice on compliance and regulatory issues related to AD Airports’ operations.
• Align Compliance function principles with operational and business unit strategies.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and controls support a comprehensive compliance framework.
• Implement strategies to protect AD Airports from financial, legal, and reputational risks.
• Establish internal reporting mechanisms to keep stakeholders informed of compliance developments.
• Provide technical compliance training to employees and managers.
• Manage investigations and case resolutions for non-compliance or complaints raised by employees or third parties.
• Coordinate group-wide projects related to compliance system development and improvements.
• Develop and maintain policies for Compliance, Fraud, Misconduct Control, Ethics, Whistle-blower Protection, and Reporting.
• Periodically review and update AD Airports’ Code of Conduct.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, standards, directives, and policies, including QHSE and aviation requirements.
• Develop a corporate guidance framework for consistent process and procedure implementation.
• Work with internal stakeholders to deliver compliance and cultural training programs for employees and managers.
• Promote a culture of integrity, legal compliance, and safety.
• Provide advisory support for ethics and compliance dilemmas, reporting, and feedback.
• Lead identification, evaluation, and analysis of compliance and emerging issues to design fit-for-purpose programs.
• Review key policies, processes, and procedures for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Implement Ethics & Compliance policies (Fraud Control, Conflict of Interest, Whistleblowing, Anti-Bribery & Corruption).
• Serve as a focal point for compliance investigations and independent evaluations.
• Respond to alleged violations and recommend investigative techniques.
• Lead third-party audits, inspections, and spot checks.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit, HR, Legal, and other departments for compliance issue resolution.
• Identify potential vulnerabilities and design mitigation strategies with business units and Risk Management.
• Monitor and audit compliance activities, establish KPIs, and track trends.

Requirements and Skills

Qualifications / Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, or related field.
• Certification as a Risk and Compliance Management Professional (desirable).

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years in Compliance, with at least 6 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven expertise in compliance management across various regulations and industries.
• Experience in financial management, including budget oversight for compliance programs.
• Hands-on program management experience for compliance initiatives.
• Strong background in business improvement and driving efficiency.
• Strategic planning and alignment of compliance goals with organizational priorities.
• Ability to analyze compliance challenges and develop actionable solutions.
• Ability to conduct thorough, impartial investigations and present findings clearly.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Technical writing and clear communication of complex regulations.
• Development and implementation of comprehensive compliance strategies and plans.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1325
• Posting Date 01/20/2026, 11:26 AM
• Apply Before 03/19/2026, 08:00 PM
• Locations Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates