Compliance Officer / MLRO- Senegal

Oversee and manage the Know Your Customer (KYC) onboarding process for new customers and update existing ones across Senegal.

Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory requirements related to customer identification and verification, including BCEAO and CENTIF directives.

Implement and enhance transaction monitoring systems to detect and report suspicious activities within the Senegalese context.

Conduct periodic reviews and assessments to ensure the effectiveness of transaction monitoring processes.

Serve as the primary point of contact for AML/CFT matters in Senegal.

Possess in-depth knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) regulations in Senegal, including WAEMU directives, BCEAO instructions, and FATF recommendations.

Develop and enforce AML/CFT policies and procedures tailored to the Senegalese regulatory environment.

Stay abreast of the regulatory landscape governing the payments and financial services industry in Senegal and the wider WAEMU/ECOWAS zone.

Interpret and communicate regulatory changes, especially those related to AML/CFT requirements, to relevant stakeholders within the organisation.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with Senegalese regulators, including the BCEAO, Ministry of Finance, CENTIF, and ARTP (for mobile money services).

Develop and implement compliance procedures specific to domestic and cross-border remittances in Senegal, including key corridors such as West Africa–Europe and intra-ECOWAS transfers.

Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements governing remittance services in the Senegalese market, with particular attention to diaspora and family remittance flows.

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential compliance risks within the Senegalese and WAEMU context.

Collaborate with other departments to implement risk mitigation strategies.

Report findings and compliance matters related to AML/CFT to different stakeholders in a clear and understandable manner.

Ensure timely and accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders as required by Senegalese regulations, including suspicious activity reports to CENTIF and BCEAO regulatory filings.

Provide training to staff on compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with a specific focus on AML/CFT in the Senegalese market.

Foster a culture of compliance awareness within the organisation.

Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Finance, Economics, or a related field; a degree from a Senegalese or WAEMU-region institution is an advantage.

Professional certifications are a must: CAMS, ACAMS, ICA, or an equivalent qualification recognised in Francophone Africa.

4–6 years of experience in a compliance role within the banking, fintech, or financial services sector, ideally with exposure to the WAEMU/ECOWAS region.

Proven experience in compliance related to payments, remittances, and mobile financial services (mobile money, Wave, Orange Money, etc.).

Hands-on experience in building or implementing compliance-related automations (e.g., workflows, alerts, reporting systems).

Experience engaging with Senegalese regulators (BCEAO, CENTIF, ARTP) and maintaining positive working relationships is highly desirable.

In-depth knowledge of KYC processes, transaction monitoring, and AML/CFT regulations in Senegal and the WAEMU zone.

Familiarity with the regulatory frameworks applicable to payment services in Senegal, including BCEAO regulations on electronic money institutions.

Understanding of the specific dynamics of international remittance corridors into West Africa.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, international environment.

Fluency in French is required; proficiency in English is a significant advantage; knowledge of Wolof or another local language is appreciated.

Ability to collaborate effectively with global teams in a remote-first environment.