Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The specialist reports to the Head of Risk and Compliance and is tasked with supporting all aspects of risk management at the university, safeguarding its employees, students, reputation, assets, and stakeholder interests. This includes leading a robust risk management framework, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, financial, and technical requirements, and conducting comprehensive audits and risk assessments across all areas of the institution. This role is pivotal in supporting the university’s compliance risk at every level, fostering a culture of risk awareness, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and institutional standards. The Risk and Compliance Specialist monitors emerging risks, maintains an up-to-date risk register, and ensures alignment with international best practices. Key responsibilities include collaborating with stakeholders to develop policies, delivering targeted training programs, and driving continual improvements in risk management and compliance processes to support the university’s strategic goals. Additionally, the role involves providing detailed reports to senior leadership and external stakeholders, managing governance, and ensuring comprehensive oversight of risks across all university functions.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory Compliance and Strategic Risk Management:
- Assist in developing risk and compliance strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Support the development of the university’s risk register and compliance register, including associated checklists.
- Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and assess their potential impact.
- Maintain the risk and compliance filing system for efficient record-keeping.
Regulatory Compliance and Oversight:
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, providing risk-based solutions to challenges.
- Coordinate with the Legal Department to identify regulatory and legislative changes, assessing their implications and updating the compliance register.
- Assist Head of Risk & Compliance in conducting compliance special inspections/ investigations as and when requested by senior management.
Policy and Culture Development:
- Collaborate with the Legal Department to embed a strong risk-aware culture across the university.
- Support departments in the creation, implementation, and maintenance of effective compliance policies and procedures.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Assist in preparing and delivering risk and compliance reports to the Audit Committee.
- Assist in preparing reports and dashboards for internal and external review.
Operational Excellence:
- Support in driving continuous improvements in risk and compliance processes.
- Leverage data-driven insights and technologies to enhance risk monitoring and reporting.
Staff Development & Awareness:
- Assist in providing training and education to promote risk awareness and compliance.
- Assist in developing training materials and awareness sessions.
- Support in designing and implementing targeted campaigns on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
- Utilize interactive and engaging training methods to enhance effectiveness.
Other Duties:
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline for risk and compliance.
- Master’s degree and/or relevant professional certification are preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum 4 years of similar experience in risk management, compliance, auditing, or a related field, preferably in higher education or research organizations.
- Proven track record of successfully working in the implementation of comprehensive risk and compliance in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- In-depth knowledge of regulations, standards, and best practices applicable to risks and compliance.
- Expertise in conducting risk assessments, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Proficiency in utilizing data analytics, technology, and digital solutions to enhance monitoring, reporting, and decision-making.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and training skills to engage the organization’s community.
Preferred
- Professional certifications in Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM).
- Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), or similar.
- Knowledge of UAE laws and regulations for compliance.
- Arabic proficiency.
