The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) seeks a Maldivian national or resident to serve as Program Manager, Anti-Money Laundering for a new 2-year South Asia transnational anti-money laundering project, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The Program Manager will be responsible for day-to-day implementation of program activities in the Maldives and will support program activities elsewhere in the South Asia region in coordination with ABA ROLI staff in Washington, DC and subgrantees in South Asia. This position may require travel within the Maldives and/or to other countries in South Asia.
The candidate should have a university degree in law, business, accounting, economics, finance, international relations, or another relevant subject and deep familiarity with the Maldivian and international anti-money laundering (AML) systems, particularly the risk-based approach; suspicious activity reporting; regulation and supervision of banks, non-bank financial institutions, and designated non-financial businesses and professions; and/or private sector AML compliance. This position will be based in Malé, Maldives. The Program Manager will report to the ABA ROLI Regional Director for Asia/Pacific based in Washington, DC, and may supervise one or two Malé-based ABA ROLI staff. The anticipated start of this position is November 2020.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for day-to-day management of assigned programs and ensures that all programmatic requirements are being met/exceeded according to the ABA, ROLI, and grantor requirements;
Working with partners, maintains accountability for all timely, accurate, and compliant in-country programmatic monitoring and evaluation;
Working with partners, oversees and is accountable for the development and deployment of substantive programming and activities, including, but not limited to, project work plans, managing volunteer legal specialists and consultants, and convening, organizing, and participating in training opportunities within the Maldives;
Establishes and enhances effective collaboration and relationships with Maldivian entities and other development partners to fulfill program objectives within cost constraints and garner additional funding from partners;
Maintains proactive communications with ABA ROLI, partners’, and the donor (as needed) to ensure timely and accurate updates on program activities, achievements, and shortcomings. Creates and implements corrective plans to improve performance against appropriate standards in areas where program shortcomings are identified;
Assists in identifying best practices derived from lessons learned;
Collaborates with ABA ROLI headquarters and Maldivian authorities to ensure that all programs and operations are compliant with local laws and regulations and, if required, have received all regulatory licensing/registrations prior to offering the program;
Ensures compliance with all donor, ABA, US and Maldivian laws/regulations while managing the program(s); ensures personal and program compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws;
Provides leadership, coaching, counseling, feedback, performance appraisal, and, where appropriate, applies corrective actions to an assigned team (if applicable); and
Performs other related duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in law, business, accounting, economics, finance, international relations, or another relevant field.
At least five years of professional experience in law, banking, compliance, regulation, or another relevant field. Prior experience, education, or training in anti-money laundering is required. Experience with the risk-based approach; suspicious activity reporting; regulation and supervision of banks, non-bank financial institutions, and designated non-financial businesses and professions; and/or private sector AML compliance is strongly preferred.
Understanding of the Maldivian legal system and Maldivian and international anti-money laundering frameworks, particularly the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations and Methodology. Knowledge of money laundering and/or terrorism financing threats and challenges elsewhere in South Asia would be an advantage.
Experience engaging at a high level in the public and private sector.
Demonstrated success in building and maintaining close productive working relationships with government and other key stakeholders.
Fluency in Dhivehi and English.
Ability to travel within the Maldives and internationally.
Availability to work full-time in this position.
Legal authorization to work in the Maldives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
Five years of experience in anti-money laundering. Experience working in other countries in South Asia.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Dhivehi.
Knowledge of other South Asian languages, particularly Bengali, Dari, Pashto, Sinhala, Tamil, or Urdu.
Experience in the management and implementation of donor-funded programs.
How to apply:
*CONTACT*
Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to alexandria.farris@americanbar.org with the subject line “Maldives Program Manager”. Closing date is October 30, 2020. Applications will be considered as they are received and the position may be filled before the closing date.