Regulatory & Compliance Officer – WAGPCO

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated, analytical and detail-oriented Regulatory & Compliance Officer to support the effective implementation of the organisation’s regulatory compliance, ethics, risk management and data protection frameworks.

The successful candidate will assist in ensuring that the organisation’s business activities, policies, procedures and stakeholder engagements comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards and internal policies across the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) States.

The role involves supporting compliance programme implementation, monitoring regulatory developments, conducting compliance reviews, assisting with internal investigations, coordinating regulatory filings and promoting a strong culture of ethics, transparency and accountability throughout the organisation.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, sound analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills and a good understanding of regulatory compliance. Experience in the oil and gas industry will be an added advantage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Compliance Programme Implementation

• Support the development, review and implementation of compliance policies, procedures, frameworks and training programmes.
• Review existing compliance policies and procedures to ensure they remain relevant, effective and aligned with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assist in maintaining compliance programmes and procedures to ensure adherence to legal obligations, industry regulations and internal standards.
• Identify potential compliance vulnerabilities and risks associated with business operations, processes and strategies.
• Participate in developing and implementing corrective action plans to address identified compliance gaps and prevent recurrence.
• Facilitate compliance orientation and sensitisation sessions for new employees and other relevant personnel.
• Provide guidance and support to employees on compliance-related matters, policies and procedures.
• Assist with internal compliance audits, monitoring exercises and periodic reviews to identify potential breaches and assess adherence to established standards.
• Support the administration of key compliance initiatives, including conflict-of-interest declarations and gifts and hospitality disclosures.
• Conduct compliance reviews of memoranda and submissions from internal business units.
• Assist with the administration and maintenance of the organisation’s compliance intranet portal.
• Participate in compliance reviews relating to the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
• Contribute to protecting the organisation’s reputation, operational integrity and business continuity.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Monitoring

• Support the preparation, coordination and processing of regulatory filings and updates to corporate records across the WAGP States.
• Conduct periodic reviews of corporate records and files to ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in collating and submitting documentation required for regulatory filings by the corporate office in Bermuda.
• Identify relevant laws, regulations, directives and regulatory developments that may affect the organisation’s operations.
• Support the interpretation and application of applicable legislation, regulatory policy statements, codes of practice and guidance notes issued by relevant regulators across the WAGP States.
• Prepare compliance briefings, policy updates and explanatory notes to communicate new regulatory requirements to employees and senior management.
• Review compliance with contractual obligations, licences, permits and other regulatory approvals.
• Monitor changes in legislation, emerging legal requirements and statutory developments, advising the supervisor on their potential implications for the business.
• Track regulatory trends and recommend appropriate measures to strengthen compliance practices and mitigate emerging risks.
• Assist in responding to regulatory enquiries, examinations and information requests.
• Maintain accurate records of regulatory submissions, approvals, correspondence and compliance activities.

3. Ethics and Compliance Incident Reporting and Investigations

• Assist in investigating suspected breaches of the organisation’s compliance policies, procedures and ethical standards.
• Participate in developing investigation plans and defining the scope of compliance investigations.
• Review complaints and reports to identify allegations, relevant issues and potential policy violations.
• Support the interview process during internal investigations, as required.
• Identify, collect and organise relevant documentation, records and other evidence.
• Analyse information gathered during investigations to support the determination of findings.
• Assist in preparing preliminary investigation reports and documenting recommendations for further action.
• Maintain confidentiality, objectivity and professionalism throughout all investigation processes.
• Support the escalation and referral of suspected fraud, misconduct and other significant compliance concerns to the appropriate authorities within the organisation.

4. Ethics and Compliance Culture

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring and periodic review of ethics and compliance policies, procedures and programmes.
• Coordinate ethics and compliance activities across departments and in engagements with external stakeholders.
• Support the effective operation of the organisation’s complaint-reporting channels and monitor compliance with its non-retaliation policy.
• Collaborate with Legal, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Information Technology and other relevant departments to ensure compliance incidents are directed through appropriate investigation channels.
• Identify potential ethics and compliance risks and contribute to developing measures to prevent, detect and mitigate misconduct.
• Support appropriate reporting of compliance violations in accordance with internal policies and applicable requirements.
• Assist in implementing ethics and compliance communication programmes that promote integrity, accountability and alignment with organisational values.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of compliance initiatives and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Promote ethical conduct and adherence to the organisation’s standards across all levels of the business.
• Support the supervisor in strengthening ethical leadership and promoting an appropriate “tone at the top.”
• Contribute to organisational initiatives relating to ethical conduct, accountability, incentives and responsible business practices.
• Participate in business meetings with the Commercial and Business Development team, providing compliance-related input and guidance where required.

5. General Compliance, Risk Management and Data Protection

• Provide day-to-day compliance guidance and support to management and employees within the scope of the role.
• Represent the Compliance Unit on designated committees and cross-functional working groups.
• Collaborate with relevant partners and stakeholders across the WAGP value chain on compliance-related matters.
• Gather, analyse and interpret information relating to compliance functions, regulatory obligations and business risks.
• Prepare compliance reports, presentations, research briefs and summaries of findings for the Compliance Unit and management.
• Support the implementation of compliance projects and other assignments as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist in identifying, assessing, monitoring and managing general compliance risks.
• Support administrative activities within the Compliance Unit, including report writing, presentation preparation, research and documentation.
• Assist with shipper, contractor and vendor onboarding, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence verification.
• Participate in regulatory inspections, compliance assessments and external visits.
• Conduct enquiries using appropriate internal and external information sources to assess compliance with applicable legislation and identify potential liabilities.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of data protection activities across the organisation.
• Maintain accurate and secure compliance records in accordance with applicable data protection and information management requirements.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Gas Transportation Operations

• Participate in regulatory engagements and interactions with the West African Gas Pipeline Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
• Attend cross-functional meetings to share information, address compliance concerns and provide relevant input.
• Respond to routine compliance enquiries and support the timely resolution of related issues.
• Liaise with Internal Audit during site inspections and visits to support