BEE, Ethics & Compliance Officer needed at Xylem Inc.

JOB SUMMARY:

• To ensure the organization complies with Due Diligence Governance, BBBEE legislation, and other relevant corporate compliance frameworks. The role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring Due Diligence strategies, policies, and procedures, and ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and legal requirements. This role will focus on conducting denied and restricted party screening and supporting due diligence reviews critical to identifying and assessing third-party risks and ensuring compliance with evolving international trade, sanctions, and anti-corruption regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES & MAIN DUTIES

Regulatory Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure Xylem’s operations across Africa comply with local corporate governance requirements and internal due diligence compliance policies.
• Monitor and support adherence to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and ethical business standards.
• Maintain and update records and documentation related to due diligence and compliance in accordance with company policy and statutory obligations.

Due Diligence & Third-Party Risk Management:

• Conduct risk-based due diligence reviews on high-risk third parties, including background checks, ownership structure assessments, and reputational risk analysis.
• Use third-party compliance tools (e.g., Securimate, Diligent) to screen and monitor external parties.
• Evaluate and escalate potential matches or red flags identified during due diligence processes.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to resolve due diligence issues and unblock accounts or processes where necessary.

Support onboarding of new third parties by completing required due diligence checks prior to engagement.

• Training & Awareness:
• Issue due diligence compliance and ethics training invitations (e.g., Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption modules) to employees, key managers, and relevant third parties.
• Monitor completion and submission of mandatory training and escalate non-compliance appropriately.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and partners regarding due diligence compliance obligations and training requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Support:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams (Procurement, Sales, Legal) and external partners regarding due diligence and compliance-related matters.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth implementation of due diligence compliance procedures and processes.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on due diligence compliance status, training completion, and risk monitoring.
• Coordinate and manage internal & external BBBEE reporting, liaison, and activity tracking,

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare and maintain accurate records of due diligence compliance activities, training, and risk assessments.
• Support internal audits, investigations, and compliance risk assessments as needed.
• Generate reports highlighting compliance gaps, training progress, and third-party risk exposure.

Continuous Improvement:

• Assist in reviewing and updating internal procedures, workflows, and policies related to due diligence compliance.
• Stay current on regulatory developments related to sanctions, export controls, anti-bribery, and anti-money laundering.
• Support broader compliance initiatives such as process automation, training, and awareness campaigns.

REQUIRED SKILLS / EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in law or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Due Diligence Corporate Governance, BEE compliance, and regulatory roles within a multinational or regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of BBBEE legislation and transformation frameworks.
• Knowledge of SANAS-accredited verification processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/compliance systems.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and mediation skills.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance frameworks, and third-party due diligence.
• Guiding and supporting the internal clients through the third-party due diligence review process.
• Monitoring each third party’s due diligence validity and ensuring the accounts are blocked when the due diligence has expired without renewal.
• Administering the channel partners’ agreements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow up persistently and professionally.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines across different regions.
• Ability to oversee sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Passion for development and transformation.