Compliance Officer

This role plays a vital part within the regional support team at Savills Middle East, directly contributing to the compliance and regulatory framework across the organization. Working closely with the Legal & Compliance Manager, the position focuses on ensuring seamless plc reporting, maintaining adherence to regulatory standards, and supporting internal and external audit processes.

We have a dynamic workforce of over 500 professionals, with a presence in key markets including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a leading real estate advisory firm in the region.

Savills is a globally recognised real estate brand and offers the opportunity for growth and development. We are looking for a motivated and professional individual with an interest in benefiting from the support and experience the brand can offer.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting Compliance Manager with the implementation of the compliance framework across its Middle East offices.

• Assist with the review, development and implementation of various company policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements as well as Group Policies, including (but not limited to):

• AML and Client Acceptance

• Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

• Speak-Up Policy (Whistleblowing)

• Gifts and Entertainment Register

• Maintain awareness of local regulations and standards and any updates thereof.

• Review KYC / Customer Due Diligence measures on clients as per the Client Onboarding Policy and issue approval for low-risk clients.

• Conduct client screening on sanctions lists.

• Perform risk assessments on clients and attend to Enhanced Due Diligence on high-risk clients.

• Review and assess EDD evidence and submit to senior management for approval.

• Investigate potentially suspicious transactions and escalate to Legal & Compliance Manager.

• Oversee and track the completion rates of mandatory training modules across the Middle East offices on the MyLearning System, escalating internally where necessary.

• Assist the Legal & Compliance Manager with annual regulatory compliance reporting.

• Assist with document control, version control and indexing of agreements and legal documents.

• Assist the Legal & Compliance Manager with ad hoc reviews of basic legal documents such as NDAs and other template agreements to ensure that it is aligned to Group Legal standards prior to approvals.

• Assist with drafting and reviewing of training material.

• Manage the Compliance team and report any non-compliance matters and concerns to the Compliance Manager.

• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the Middle East offices.

• Providing oversight of risk management and compliance activities across the business including communication, co-ordination, reporting and follow ups with the local teams. Specific tasks would include:
  • Co-ordination and completion of the annual ‘Self-Assessment Questionnaire’ (SAQ) submissions for the country and identify and agree actions required to address gaps and weaknesses.
  • Co-ordination with local teams to resolve Internal Audit recommendations.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, law or related field.

• 2-5 years of experience in compliance, preferably within the real estate or residential agency industry. Experience must include at least 2 years AML/CDD/EDD compliance.

• Experience using sanction screening system tools.

• Strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Solution-focused

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

• Team management.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

• Certification in compliance-related disciplines (e.g., CRCM, CAMS) is a plus.
• Excellent spoken and written English communication skills. Arabic is a plus.