Senior Investigator – Priority Investigations and Whistleblowing - VP

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Job Summary

The Priority Investigations & Whistleblowing unit is an investigative unit within the Risk function of the bank. This unit investigates issues that pose significant risks to the bank, such as matters that are material, sensitive, or have a potential negative reputational impact on the bank. These investigations take place across all Business Units and Functions. Furthermore, in addition to the issues being material, sensitive and/or or reputational significance to the bank, the issues investigated may also relate to Regulatory and Conduct issues and breaches.
In addition to the above, the unit manages the whistleblowing function across the jurisdiction of Absa Group Limited (AGL).
Members of the unit therefore carry the trust of EXCO and are the flag bearers of the Head of Risk, being the main sponsor of the unit. Therefore, the members of the new team will need to conduct themselves professionally with the requisite professional etiquette.
The Priority Investigations & Whistleblowing unit is looking to recruit an investigator who:
• is suitably qualified,
• has the relevant skills, knowledge and expertise to respond to the complexity of each investigation
• has a proven track record in dealing with sensitive and complex issues
• has experience in dealing closely with C suite clients
• can assist in the management of the whistleblowing function.
In addition, the investigator is to bring the correct tone and flavor in conducting himself/herself which matches the profiles of the investigations and their stakeholders.
The issues to be investigated could cover all areas of Financial Crime, being inter alia:
• Fraud
• Corruption
• Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing/Sanctions
• Market Abuse
• Insider Trading
• ID Theft
• Data theft/Leakages.
The issues could also relate to those not covered above, but which require investigation, such as:
• Breaches of ethical compliance
• Breaches of fiduciary duties of directors
• Unfair labour practices.
The key accountabilities of the investigator will be to conduct and manage investigations, manage teams, effectively manage stakeholders, portray a professional competence and be part of a team managing the whistleblowing activities.

Job Description

Accountability:  Investigations and whistleblowing

• Conduct high priority investigations across all areas of the bank in South Africa and the Africa Regional Operations.
• Respond to requests to investigate issues from various sources, including EXCO members.
• Liaise with Head: Priority Investigations and Whistleblowing and other Absa employees who mandate the unit to conduct investigations (i.e. stakeholders).

Conduct investigations (on an end – to –end basis) efficiently and effectively. In doing so:

o   Be accountable for scoping investigation plans

o   Be responsible for the quality of the output of investigations

o   Manage teams effectively

o   Manage stakeholders

o   Be resourceful and creative in conducting/managing investigations

o   Manage confidentiality requirements on each assignment

o   Suggest remedial action to be taken by respective Business Units

o   Write reports of high quality setting out factual findings

o   Present findings (possibly to EXCO members)

o   Assist with post investigation formal proceedings (such as testifying at disciplinary enquiries, civil recovery proceedings, criminal proceedings)

o   Understand legal frameworks of investigations

o   Ensure that effective record keeping from investigations takes place

Be part of the whistleblowing activities in the day-to-day functions relating to the below four stages of the whistleblowing process:

o   Open: Receive, assess, distribute for stage sub-ownership and confirm

o   Investigations: Review and/or challenge investigation outcome

o   Remedial Action: Review and/or challenge investigation outcome

o   Closure: Inform applicable stakeholders and whistleblower of closure.

• Get an understanding of the whistleblowing Case Management System
• Provide Management Information regarding whistleblowing, derived from the Case Management System, to senior members of the compliance function.
• Take active responsibility for the outcome of investigations.
• Be able to work independently.

Accountability:  Manage teams

• Lead, manage and direct teams of investigators (in the instance of large investigations).
• Be able to have sufficient soft skills to motivate teams and to get the best out of the team members.
• Be proactive in people management.
• Share knowledge with team members (by providing on the job training)
• Positively engage with the team to get the best results
• Monitor the performance of team members and take action where necessary.
• Mentor team members.
• Develop future leaders.

To set the right example in conducting and managing investigations by:

o   Leading from the front by having a strong work ethic

o   Being self-directed and self-sufficient.

Accountability: Relationship/Stakeholder management

• Develop key relationships with business leaders within the bank and promote a positive impression of themselves and the new unit.
• Understand the needs and expectations of the stakeholders.
• Be available to Management across AGL.
• Develop key relationships with stakeholders.
• Develop key relationships within the Investigations environment in the bank, including other forensic functions within the bank.
• Develop key relationships with other stakeholders (clients) in the bank.
• Providing meaningful feedback to stakeholders and having regular exchanges with stakeholders

Accountability: Professional Competence

• Being aware of legal frameworks which have jurisdiction and are applicable in each investigation.
• Having a working knowledge of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act and other corruption legislation.
• Being conversant in most Financial Crime topics and recent events.
• Have an existing network in the Forensic industry.
• Have eminence in the Forensic industry.
• Knowledgeable of Forensic issues in Africa.
• Participating in industry forums.
• Implement and control strategic initiatives

Education & Experience Required:

• University degree or equivalent; or
• Financial Services Qualification or post graduate diploma
• 10+ years professional experience
• 5+ years in a financial services organisation
• 2+ years in a managerial/senior coordination role in a financial institution

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised