Risk & Compliance Officer

Designation: Risk & Compliance Officer
Department: Finance
Reports To: Finance (functionally) and Audit & Risk Committee / Board (on significant matters)
Grade Level: [To be defined]

Job Objective

The Risk & Compliance Officer is responsible for developing and implementing frameworks to manage risk and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role safeguards the organization’s reputation and operations by promoting strong governance, ethical practices, and proactive risk management across all business functions.

1. Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework tailored to real estate development.
• Identify, assess, and monitor risks across development projects, sales, leasing, facilities management, and corporate functions.
• Conduct risk assessments, stress testing, and scenario analysis (market, legal, operational, fraud, reputational risks).
• Recommend and oversee mitigation strategies, contingency planning, and internal control measures.
• Prepare risk dashboards and periodic reports for senior management and the Board.

2. Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with UAE laws, real estate regulations (RERA, DLD, etc.), AML requirements, and corporate governance frameworks.
• Oversee the compliance program, updating policies and procedures in line with regulatory changes.
• Act as the compliance liaison with regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate internal and external compliance audits and examinations.
• Develop and implement whistleblowing, anti-bribery, anti-fraud, and anti-corruption programs.
• Monitor external audits and ensure timely resolution of findings.

3. Policies, Procedures & Governance

• Draft, review, and maintain risk, compliance, and governance policies, codes of conduct, and internal guidelines.
• Promote a strong compliance and governance culture across all departments.
• Conduct training sessions on compliance, risk management, and ethics.
• Serve as the first point of contact for compliance-related queries.
• Collaborate with the Legal Department on regulatory and governance matters.

4. Reporting & Advisory

• Deliver accurate and timely risk and compliance reports to senior management, the Audit & Risk Committee, and the Board.
• Advise management on compliance and risk implications of business strategies, partnerships, and joint ventures.
• Provide strategic direction on compliance and risk priorities.
• Lead independent investigations into suspected breaches or misconduct and recommend corrective actions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional certifications such as CAMS, CRMA, CPA, CIA, or CCO are highly desirable.
• 6–8 years of relevant experience in compliance, risk management, or audit (real estate or financial sector preferred).
• Strong knowledge of UAE legal and regulatory environment, corporate governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience in developing risk and compliance frameworks and managing regulatory interactions.

• Strong expertise in regulatory, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, training, and report-writing abilities.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and influence stakeholders across all levels.