LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER – FNB (First National Bank), part of FirstRand Group 25 views

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a Namibian university or equivalent recognised qualification is essential, and admission as an Advocate or Attorney of the High Court of Namibia is strongly preferred. Additional certifications such as the ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering or local compliance training accredited by the Bank of Namibia or Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) are highly valued.

Daily tasks include reviewing contracts and policies for regulatory alignment with Namibian laws (e.g., Banking Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, and POPIA-equivalent data protection expectations), advising business units on compliance risks, and preparing reports for internal committees or NAMFISA. You’ll also conduct staff training on local regulatory updates and support audits aligned with Bank of Namibia prudential requirements.

Namibian banking culture emphasises strong interpersonal engagement, respect for hierarchy, and responsiveness to both internal stakeholders and regulators like NAMFISA and the Bank of Namibia. Legal and Compliance Officers are expected to balance technical rigour with pragmatic, locally contextual advice — for example, adapting international compliance frameworks to community banking practices and informal sector considerations common in Namibia.

Entry-level officers often progress to Senior Compliance Officer or Legal Counsel roles after 3–5 years, then to Head of Compliance or Group Legal Advisor positions, particularly with exposure to cross-border FirstRand Group standards. Continued professional development — including local board governance training or NAMFISA-recognised compliance leadership programmes — supports advancement into executive roles such as Chief Compliance Officer at a Namibian banking subsidiary.

Standard benefits include 22–30 days annual leave, comprehensive medical aid through providers like MAF or NAMAF, and mandatory pension contributions under the Namibian Pension Funds Act — often supplemented by employer-matched retirement savings plans. Some banks also offer study leave support for locally relevant compliance or legal qualifications approved by the Law Society of Namibia or NAMFISA.

Applications must be submitted via FNB Namibia’s official careers portal or LinkedIn, with a CV clearly highlighting Namibian regulatory experience (e.g., NAMFISA reporting, Bank of Namibia guidelines) and local legal practice. Employers prioritise candidates with proven ability to interpret and implement Namibian legislation, fluency in English and at least one local language, and evidence of stakeholder engagement with Namibian regulators or industry bodies like the Bankers’ Association of Namibia.