Sanctions Officer

ADIB Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking a Sanctions Officer in Abu Dhabi to provide Subject Matter Expertise on sanctions regulations and ensure compliance. The role involves reviewing payment screening alerts, advising on internal policies, and conducting training. Ideal candidates should have exemplary knowledge of UN, EU, UK, and US sanctions, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Fluency in English is required, with Arabic being an added advantage. This position offers an opportunity to shape compliance efforts and mitigate risks within the organization.

Qualifications

• Exemplary knowledge of UN, EU, UK, and US Economic Sanctions (OFAC).
• Experience in providing Subject Matter input for Sanction policies and trainings.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide compliance approval for Payment Screening alerts.
• Review Name Screening alerts.
• Advise on Sanctions regulations and policies.
• Conduct investigations in support of Sanctions inquiries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Self-motivation

Knowledge of sanctions regulations

Job description

Overview

Role: Sanctions Officer  
Location: Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose: Provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) advice, guidance and input on sanctions regulations (comprehensive and list-based) including payment screening policy and procedure and delivering training. To ensure compliance and enhance efficiency through executing and monitoring transaction activity performed in branches & Business departments. To advise and report compliance activities to the Head of Compliance & AML & CFT monitoring Transactions Head through the Team Head.

Responsibilities

• Provide compliance approval for Payment Screening alerts (wire transfers/ trade transactions) escalated to L3.
• Review and take necessary action on Name Screening alerts escalated to L3.
• Provide advice/guidance to all lines of business and COC teams on Sanctions regulations and internal Sanctions policies.
• Review the response to RFIs received from various correspondent banks for possible Sanctions violations.
• Provide SME guidance on new and existing Sanctions related projects such as new products and IT systems.
• Provide SME guidance on reputational and Sanctions risk arising from customers and transactions.
• Provide SME input for updating existing Policies, Procedures and Guidance documents and training material in line with regulatory requirements.
• Provide SME guidance on managing the exit of customers arising due to Sanctions risk.
• Perform ad hoc investigations and analysis in support of Sanctions investigations or regulatory inquiries as required. Thoroughly document and maintain related investigation files.
• Ensure escalation of significant Sanctions related matters to the Head Sanctions or Head of FCC.
• Provide SME guidance on the production and delivery of Sanctions related training material (eLearning and Face to Face).
• Participate and support in the delivery of face-to-face training on Sanctions.
• Remain current on TFS and AML / CFT regulations.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge

• Exemplary knowledge of UN, EU, UK and US Economic Sanctions (OFAC) / Export Controls laws.
• Exemplary knowledge and experience of providing Subject Matter input for Sanction policies, systems and trainings.
• Ability to provide and deliver sanction training.
• Strong knowledge and experience of providing Sanction advice to all types of business and operations, covering all types of customers.
• Good analytical/review/assessment skills of sanctions compliance procedures and sanction screening systems.
• Ability to build constructive and effective relationships with peers and seniors.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills; relationship building; sound judgment; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task, show independence of thought and initiative; self-starter; work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to interact with all functions and levels including senior management.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines; analytical mind, good communication and self-motivated, detail oriented.
• Fluent in English; ability to read and communicate in Arabic is an added advantage.

Experience

Required Experience: Unclear Seniority