Associate Counsel - Compliance

C40 Cities; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compliance expert to lead due diligence efforts across Africa. This role involves assessing legal, regulatory, and reputational risks while ensuring adherence to compliance policies. You will draft reports, provide training, and support regional business lawyers in navigating compliance-related issues. Join a dynamic team that values creativity and problem-solving, and enjoy accelerated career progression within a collaborative environment. If you have a passion for compliance and a strategic mindset, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Accelerated career progression

Dynamic culture

Expert training

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in compliance or legal roles at top-tier firms.
• Expertise in conducting due diligence and advising on compliance laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead due diligence on third parties in Africa, assessing legal and reputational risks.
• Provide compliance assistance and training to regional employees.

Skills

Knowledge of sanctions laws

Strategic thinking

Third-party due diligence

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Problem-solving skills

Education

Law degree from a top tier university

Job description

Position Summary: Play a critical role in the operation of the NBA’s compliance program with responsibility for leading the third-party due diligence vetting process across Africa, as well as managing the region’s compliance with applicable law and NBA policy. This position may be based in our office locations in Kenya, South Africa or Dakar.

Primary Responsibility:

• Lead due diligence on new and existing third parties in the Africa region in accordance with the NBA’s policies and procedures, with first line responsibility for assessing and advising legal, regulatory, and reputational risk.
• Proactively analyze relevant deal terms, third-party information, and risk reports in connection with due diligence reviews, provide assessments to the Deputy Chief Compliance Officer.
• Draft reports that succinctly summarize findings and provide a recommended course of action.
• Provide general compliance assistance to employees in the region, including advising on best practices and complex compliance issues, particularly in the areas of anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, conflicts-of-interest, and business conduct.
• Support regional business lawyers in analyzing compliance-related contractual provisions and assessing risk.
• Provide ongoing guidance on adherence to NBA compliance policy.
• Give regional due diligence and other training to regional employees.
• Effectively track and communicate the status of open issues.
• Maintain broad knowledge of compliance best practices and trends.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and experience advising clients on sanctions laws and other compliance-related laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience balancing commercial goals and risk, with an ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Expertise conducting third-party due diligence reviews.
• Strong analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills, with an exceptional level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously, accurately, and efficiently while balancing a high-volume workload.
• Experience working collaboratively in cross-border environments with legal colleagues and business clients.
• Robust proactive problem-solving skills and ability to identify and facilitate solutions.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualified or post-admission experience gained at a top-tier multinational law firm and/or a multi-national company.
• Experience working in or supporting a corporate compliance function with knowledge of executing third-party due diligence reviews.

Educational Background:

Law degree from a top tier university.

About the job

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Focus: Commercial Law

Workplace Type: On-site

Experience Level: Associate

Location: Johannesburg

Specialism: Legal, Risk & Compliance

Industry: Legal

Salary: Negotiable

Date posted: 1 April 2025

Consultant: Angela Reilly

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.