Compliance Officer and MLRO

Company Description: DOVA Advisors is a Corporate Service Provider and a Consulting Firm specializing in risk, governance, compliance, and strategy for organizations across the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai’s DIFC, the firm helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments and drive sustainable growth. Its services include internal audit, ICFR, SOX compliance, ESG solutions, and the design of policies and procedures tailored to diverse sectors such as oil & gas, retail, real estate, and financial services. Established in 2024, DOVA Advisors is committed to a client-first approach, fostering transparency, accountability, and long-term trust. Professionals joining the team can expect to work in a dynamic environment that focuses on high-impact solutions and strategic partnerships.Role Description: The Compliance Officer shall establish and maintain compliance arrangements including processes and procedures that ensure the Company's compliance with all legislation applicable in DIFC. The processes and procedures include appropriate monitoring and reporting processes and procedures so that any compliance breaches are readily identified, reported and promptly acted upon.i. Carrying out compliance monitoring programme for compliance with legislation applicable in the DIFC;ii. Maintaining compliance manual; implementing relevant rule changes by staff training;iii. Providing guidance to directors and staff on DFSA related compliance queries;iv. Liaising with DFSA as appropriate;v. Administering Company's procedures relating to conflicts management such as, Employees outside business interests, Personal account transactions, Chinese walls; and Benefits given and received;vi. Administering the company's procedures relating to, Marketing including review of marketing material, Client classification and suitability where applicable, Investigation and resolution of compliance breaches and customer complaints;vii. Maintaining and overseeing staff awareness and training on compliance matters;viii. Handling DFSA notifications, obtaining such consents as may be necessary;ix. Overseeing submission of regulatory returns and reports including PIB returns;x. Maintaining firms records and registers relating to Senior management, Authorized Individuals; Outside business interests, Breaches and Customer complaints;xi. Oversee the day-to-day implementation and operation of the compliance framework;xii. Identify and assess the compliance risk associated with the Company's current and proposed future business activities, including new products, new business relationships and any extension of operations or network on an international level;xiii. Collaborate with the management and other departments (e.g., Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal, etc.) to direct compliance issues to the appropriate channels for investigation and resolution;xiv. Establish written guidelines to staff and service providers on the appropriate implementation of the laws, regulation, rules and standards through policies and procedures;xv. Identify and keep an inventory available to all staff of essential laws and regulation pertinent to the Company and provide advice with regard to legislation;xvi. Assess the appropriateness of internal policies, procedures and guidelines by performing regular and comprehensive compliance risk assessment, monitoring and testing, report the result on a regular basis and promptly, where deemed necessary to executive management and, if necessary, the Board of Directors;xvii. Establish and/or supervise appropriate compliance checks and controls;xviii. Provide guidance to the business on permissible activities, new products and programs;xix. Address any compliance audit remediation activities;xx. Centralize all information on compliance-related issues (breach of regulation, conflict of interest etc.);xxi. Respond to alleged violations of rules, regulations, and policies, procedures by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigative procedures;xxii. Develop and oversee a system of uniform handling of such violations, exercise any specific legal responsibilities such as reporting suspicious transactions related to money laundering and the fight against terrorism financing.xxiii. Generate reports on a quarterly basis to keep the Board and senior management informed of the operation and progress of compliance efforts.xxiv. Maintain an effective compliance communication program for the organization, including promoting understanding of new and existing compliance issues and related policies and procedures.xxv. Promote compliance culture within the Company.Scope of Work as Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is as below:i. The day-to-day operations for compliance with AML policies, procedures, systems and controls.ii. Complete, check, and verify client due diligence and complete sanction screening at client on-boarding.iii. Acting as the point of contact to receive notifications from employees relating to suspicious activities; taking appropriate actions following the receipt of such notifications.iv. Making Suspicious Activity Reports and Suspicious Transaction Reports.v. Acting as a point of contact between the company and UAE authorities & DFSA on issues relating to anti-money laundering; responding promptly to any request for information made by competent authorities.vi. Receiving and acting upon relevant findings, recommendations, guidance, directives, resolutions, sanctions etc., described in Chapter 10 of the AML Module.vii. Establishing and maintaining an appropriate money laundering training programme and adequate awareness arrangements.viii. Conducting AML Risk Assessment and Customer Due Diligence.ix. Preparation of AML Risk Assessment Report.x. Establishment and review of AML, CTF, CPF Policy Framework of the Firm.xi. Submission of AML Annual Return and other AML-related filings before DFSA.xii. Annual AML Training to employees as mandated by the DFSA AML Rulebook.QualificationsStrong expertise in Compliance Management and Regulatory Compliance, with experience in AML/CFT frameworks and financial crime prevention.Advanced Analytical Skills, including the ability to interpret complex regulations, assess risk, and prepare clear, evidence-based reports.Excellent Communication skills, with the ability to present compliance requirements, conduct training, and liaise effectively with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders.Solid understanding of Finance and financial services operations, particularly within the Middle East regulatory landscape.Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, or a related field; professional certifications such as CAMS, CCO, or equivalent are highly beneficial.Prior DFSA/FSRA authorization is required.Proven experience in a Compliance Officer or MLRO role within financial services, particularly with Cat 2 and 3C firms, consulting, or a regulated industry.High ethical standards, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet regulatory deadlines.