Policy Officer

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY: To provide assistance to the Sanctions Unit in developing and enhancing the jurisdiction’s AML/CFT/CFP regime to ensure ongoing compliance with international standards and best practices in the Virgin Islands. ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Conduct research, and assist in developing, maintaining and publishing national policies and procedures for targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures. 2. Assist with the monitoring of compliance with anti-terrorism financing and anti-proliferation financing legislation and regulations. 3. Monitor developments regarding Sanctions regimes and/or measures and make recommendations for amendments to the Virgin Islands regime to help ensure the effective and timely implementation of UN and UK sanctions 4. Assist with the implementation of targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures, including training, educational and outreach initiatives. 5. Maintain relevant data, reports and statistics regarding targeted financial sanctions. 6. Participate in local and international meetings, committees, conferences, forums and seminars on sanctions and specific sanctions-related matters. 7. Provide assistance with the implementation of targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures, including training, educational and outreach initiatives. 8. Perform any other duties as required by the Attorney General or senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the department 9. Conduct research and analysis to assist in the development and maintenance of policies, procedures and guidance as appropriate for the AGC to effectively discharge its function and ensure compliance with the FATF recommendations and methodology. 10. Assist with the drafting of papers and provide advice and recommendations to the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council (NAMLCC) and Cabinet aimed at improving the Virgin Islands mechanisms for targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures, taking into consideration the legal and institutional frameworks. 11. Monitor and report on any deficiencies regarding the effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions. 12. Assist with the processing of Compliance Reporting Forms (CRF), used for reporting suspected designated persons, asset freezes, and suspected breaches of sanctions, in accordance with established internal policies and procedures. 13. Assist with providing technical support and advice to inter-agency committees and working groups for self-assessments and national risk assessments. 14. Monitor international developments, relevant to the UN Panel of Experts Reports in connection with targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures on an ongoing basis, and provide written updates. 15. Assist with monitoring and drafting of notices regarding international and geographical information in respect to domestic designations by jurisdictions in the region with key business relationships or otherwise with the Virgin Islands. 16. Prepare written responses to AML / CFT / CFP policy papers / queries / surveys / questionnaires from the FATF, CFATF and relevant external agencies; and organise and collect input from relevant agencies where necessary. 17. Review and draft comments on CFATF Mutual Evaluation Reports (MER), particularly on FATF Recommendations 6, 7 and 29, and Immediate Outcomes 6, 10 and 11. 18. Process sanctions notices from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation UK (OFSI) and create domestic sanctions notices for publication and dissemination. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Law, or a related field At least five (5) years working experience in the field of AML / CFT / CFP compliance or the financial or legal field KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 1. Good working knowledge of Virgin Islands financial services industry and the roles and responsibilities of all competent authorities and relevant agencies involved in AML/CFT/CFP 2. Working knowledge of the FATF / CFATF Mutual Evaluation process 3.Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to work under limited supervision and to plan, set priorities, and execute work within tight deadlines 4. Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills 5. A demonstrably high level of ethics and personal integrity as well as the ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality 6.Tactfulness with the ability to demonstrate diplomacy and sensitivity to others when handling complex matters. 7. The ability to work well as a part of a team 8. Strong ability to contextualise international standards to the local context 9. Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications 10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise and comprehensive reports, analysis, presentations and public speaking