Job Specifications
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Compliance, Data Protection, and ESG Officer
Level
Superstory
Department
Legal Compliance
Reports to
Head of Growth
Country
Sierra Leone
Job Summary:
The Compliance, Data Protection, and ESG Officer is responsible for ensuring WATU Sierra Leone Limited adherence to legal, regulatory, environmental, social, and data protection standards. This role involves developing and implementing robust compliance programs, managing regulatory relationships, safeguarding sensitive data, and fostering a culture aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The officer is to lead initiatives on data security, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and CSR projects, supporting WATU sustainable growth while maintaining operational integrity and data privacy compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs aligned with local and international standards
Oversee customer onboarding processes including KYC, AML, sanctions checks, and client identification
Ensure timely statutory reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual) and effective record-keeping
Write, review, and update all WATU agreements and NDAs to ensure legal compliance
Establish and monitor internal controls to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards
Maintain ongoing communication with regulators, such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, and coordinate with external auditors (When Needed).
Data Protection & Confidentiality:
Develop and enforce policies to ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR or local regulations)
Implement secure data handling, storage, and disposal practices
Educate employees on data privacy and security best practices
Monitor data processing activities to prevent breaches or unauthorized access
Respond to data protection incidents or breaches with predefined protocols
Special Cases & Asset Risk Management:
Collaborate with the asset risk team to enforce compliance policies and procedures
Work with police and legal authorities on debt collection and asset recovery matters
Communicate with clients regarding asset loss, including legal notices and asset recovery agreements
Coordinate with external lawyers for clients who default after agreements are made
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG):
Support KPI data collection and populate live dashboards in partnership with ESG teams
Conduct regional ESG risk assessments, identify top risks, and recommend mitigation strategies
Facilitate stakeholder mapping and engagement with key internal and external parties
Assist in designing and implementing CSR programs and share success stories for internal communication
Organize ESG awareness training sessions for staff
Conduct inventory of office air conditioning units, promote and oversee the replacement of harmful refrigerants with eco-friendly alternatives
Provide relevant ESG policy documents specific to the regional context
Internal Communication & Employee Training:
Develop channels for effective communication of compliance and ESG matters
Provide ongoing education to employees regarding legal, regulatory, ESG, and data protection practices
Address employee inquiries and concerns related to compliance or data privacy
General & Miscellaneous:
Uphold the company's policies, processes, and code of conduct
Support management in compliance, ESG, and data protection initiatives
Ensure all tasks are completed within designated deadlines and to quality standards
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Accuracy and timeliness of KPI dashboards
Effectiveness of regional ESG risk assessments and mitigation plans
Success in stakeholder mapping and CSR program delivery
Level of compliance with data protection policies
Number and severity of data breaches or incidents
Quality and promptness of regulatory reporting
What we offer:
Be a part of an international, dynamic and driven team that has set their aspirations high and work hard to achieve those
Opportunities to learn and grow together with us
Competitive compensation package
Health benefits
Qualifications, Education And Experience
BSc/BA in law or finance. An MSc/MA is an added advantage, we are primarily interested in your overall experience and cultural fit within our team
Excellent communicator in English, both written and verbal, but most important is your ability to understand the needs of the company complying with its legal and regulatory requirements
Understanding of corporate compliance sector
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About the Company
Watu is an asset financing company revolutionising financial inclusion across the globe. We are building an ecosystem for unbanked and underserved individuals by providing access to mobility and connectivity assets that enhance digital literacy, economic growth, quality of life and opportunity. So far, Watu has provided over 2 million loans across 8 countries and has positively impacted the lives of more than 8 million people. Watu actively promotes financial literacy and independence, the adoption of digital payments, and i...
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