Head of Risk & Internal Control

Who we are

In November 2020, we introduced a groundbreaking financial super app in Côte d'Ivoire, offering a comprehensive suite of services encompassing online and offline payments, peer-to-peer transactions, fund transfers, savings, and budgeting tools.

As of today, we have empowered thousands of users to perform these financial activities seamlessly, and our rapid growth continues unabated. Our overarching objective is to forge the next generation of digital financial solutions in Francophone Africa, where less than 25% of the population currently has access to traditional banking services.

The financial landscape of this region is undergoing a profound transformation, with millions of individuals shifting from basic financial transactions (mobile money) to more sophisticated financial management. Djamo is uniquely positioned to be the premier choice for meeting these evolving financial needs.

We are proud to have garnered support from world-renowned investors, including Y Combinator, Partech, Kima, and Norskeen, which underscores our potential and commitment to reshaping the financial services landscape in Africa.

To support our growth, we are looking for a Head of Risk and Internal Control - WAEMU

Your role

At Djamo, the Risk and Internal Control department's role is to objectively evaluate risks, analyze and assess processes and systems for efficiencies, do spot-checks for as-yet-unknown issues, keep departments aligned, and meet business objectives.

As our Head of Risk and Internal Control - WAEMU, you will report to our GM (subject to changes). You’ll be responsible for driving and overseeing the internal audit activity by directing audits of all departments and activities and by developing a comprehensive, practical program of audit coverage for Djamo. The head of Risks and Internal Control oversees operational risk management, coordinates risk management efforts throughout Djamo, and investigates compliance lapses and allegations of wrongdoing.

In this role, you will also perform assignments that may vary in complexity and supervise staff in conducting fraud analysis, reporting, and internal audits. You will review and analyze transactions, documents, records, reports, and accounts relating to Djamo’s operations and functions, and prepare acceptable working papers and audit reports of audit findings. Finally, you will perform special reviews and projects as requested by the Co-founders, the board, and other stakeholders.

You will work closely with the following teams

• Legal and Compliance
• Business Development
• Engineering
• Finance
• Operations
• People
• You will also take the lead on some interactions with our different regulators, law enforcement agencies, government, and more.

Your responsibilities will include

• Identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing Djamo’s risks.
• Designing and implementing an overall risk management process for the organization, which includes an analysis of the financial impact on the company when risks occur
• Performing a risk assessment: Analysing current risks and identifying potential risks that are affecting the company
• Performing a risk evaluation: Evaluating the company’s previous handling of risks, and comparing potential risks with criteria set out by the company such as costs and legal requirements
• Explaining the external risk posed by corporate governance to stakeholders
• Ensuring that appropriate stakeholders are advised of their risk management responsibilities, and periodically reports to the co-founders and the board regarding risk management matters.
• Reviewing any new major contracts or internal business proposals
• Building risk awareness amongst staff by providing support and training within the company
• Conducting policy and compliance audits, which will include liaising with internal and external auditors
• Performing internal audits of Djamo’s departments and activities in compliance with established guidelines and principles of auditing by reviewing established controls, transactions, procedures, records, and reports, understanding and documenting processes, interpreting Djamo’s policies and procedures, governance practices, and regulatory obligations, evaluating compliance with laws, policies, procedures, and regulation by comparing operating practices with established norms, and supporting the safeguarding of assets by reviewing the internal controls over those assets and verifying the existence of such assets.
• Performing internal audits of Djamo’s departments and activities by assessing complex activities to identify potential operational, financial, or compliance risks or potential fraud that warrant audit attention and determining whether operating results are consistent with established goals and objectives by reviewing programs or operations.
• Directing special projects as required and participating in Djamo’s employee education in the area of fraud, internal controls, and policy.
• Communicating the results of audits, projects, and actions taken to the co-founders by preparing internal audit reports which include audit findings and recommendations.
• Providing guidance, advice, training, and educational programs to improve business' understanding of related laws and regulatory requirements
• Identify and automate reporting tasks through the use of available software and tools
• Assist with Business Continuity plans and activities
• Other duties as assigned that the business may require.

Some of the expected key results would be:

• Assist the process risk management related to the adherence to laws and regulations to which the DMM (designated market makers) is subject.
• Minimise fraud, reputational, and other losses/impacts for the business
• Supports local policy owners to assess Risk and Compliance with the business
• Assist with reviews of the status of compliance risk and mitigating activities
• Identifies and escalates any material risk changes
• Identify risk changes
• Identify any noncompliance with the Group Code of Conduct and Policies including but not limited to Compliance and Risk matters

Some of the key performances & success indicators would be:

• Business continuity in the countries of operations
• Self-Performance
• Client-focused and orientation
• Result-based improvement and management
• Display leadership and people management skills

Your profile

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Risk Management, Business and Economics, or a related field is required. In contrast, a Master’s degree and professional certifications in compliance are valued.
• 7+ years experience in internal control or risk management, and at least 5+ years of relevant and supervisory experience.
• Proven compliance or risk management experience with fintech, banks, telcos, or renowned consulting firms
• Strong experience in the financial industry with a solid understanding of industry-specific regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Proficiency in compliance management software, risk assessment tools, and data analysis platforms is preferred to streamline compliance processes, track compliance activities, and generate reports.
• Fluent in English and French
• AML/LCB-FT / KYC / KYB

Your Soft and Hard Skills

• Excessively detail-oriented and seeking to achieve excellence in everything you do.
• Very strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Communicating with influence: Strong communication skills with the ability to work with a diverse audience in a coherent manner
• Managing Risk Compliance and Governance minded: Monitors and controls risk and compliance to ensure sustainable business and customer
• Service Focus Makes it easy to do business with all other departments
• Analysis and Problem Solving: Sources and uses relative information efficiently to identify problems and offer sustainable solutions
• You like teamwork, but you also know how to work well independently
• You are an excellent negotiator and mediator, especially in challenging situations
• You demonstrate tenacity and a willingness to go the extra mile to get something done
• You are comfortable defaulting to over-communication and overreaching when it comes to coordination
• You are analytical in your approach to problems
• You can adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions

The advantages of working at Djamo

• A stimulating working atmosphere
• A warm yet determined team
• The value of participating in the evolution of a startup that aims to deploy quickly throughout French-speaking Africa.
• A collaborative work environment, with strong team spirit
• A culture focused on continuous employee development

We will consider all applications on the same basis. Djamo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Type of contract

Permanent contract, with a 3-month renewable trial period.

Work location

The location is primarily in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

You must anticipate some travels across the region, and to prospective OpCos

Sector of activity

Mobile Financial Services