Senior Officer (Legal) - Jobsplus Permit Number 441/2025

Job Description

The role of Senior Officer (Legal) is to assist the Malta Development Bank (MDB) in overseeing the regulatory and compliance aspects with a focus on providing legal guidance and support to the Bank. This is a senior position within MDB, and the person in this role is expected to deputise for the Chief Officer (Legal and Compliance) in particular in matters of legal nature. 

The Senior Officer (Legal) is responsible for ensuring MDB’s operations and business transactions comply with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as the MDB policies and procedures. A key aspect of this role involves providing expert legal advice and support to the Bank on enhancing the compliance function, particularly on GDPR and advising staff on diverse legal and compliance issues. 

The position will also involve collaborating with individuals across all levels of the Bank. In certain instances, the Senior Officer (Legal) will also engage with external consultants. The MDB offers a flexible work environment where employees are encouraged to take on new challenges and learn new skills. In line with the exigencies of work, employees may be assigned to different functions as needed. 

This role reports to the Chief Officer (Legal & Compliance).

Responsibilities

• Develop MDB’s compliance function in relation to both regulatory compliance as well as compliance with other important aspects of MDB’s constitutive framework and important policy decisions or documents with a focus on incorporating sound legal principles.   

• Implement a compliance programme which ensures observance with the MDB Act and other relevant laws or policy documents applicable to MDB’s business activities. This includes drafting, updating, and implementing policies and procedures to address MDB’s statutory obligations related to freedom of information, data protection (including compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act), anti-fraud, and anti-tax avoidance.  

• Implement and update MDB’s partner banks’ monitoring procedures in order to verify the robustness and appropriate implementation by banks accredited under MDB’s schemes of their AML/CFT policies and procedures.

• Perform on-site and off-site reviews of partner banks’ customer transactions in relation to customers benefiting from MDB schemes to verify compliance by partner banks with their AML/CFT duties, including drafting compliance reports.

• Be appointed to act as the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer and to the Data Protection and Information Officer to perform all statutory functions related to this role, including enhancing the policy framework, updating MDB’s privacy notice, updating the data processing register, monitoring the observance of data processing obligations of MDB and replying to any public requests for information.

• Liaising closely with the Senior Officer (Compliance) on the monitoring and implementation of compliance-related reporting procedures and record-keeping, ensuring legal accuracy and compliance.   

• Developing and liaising with external regulatory authorities and internal/external audit on compliance issues, providing informed legal opinions.   

• Monitor and perform assessments of MDB’s compliance with regulatory and internal legal compliance framework and periodically report to the Board of Directors of MDB on such assessments.

• Carry out periodical training to staff as may be required.

• Completing ad hoc tasks as requested by the Chief Officer (Legal & Compliance), including providing legal support on various matters.   

• Deputising for the Chief Officer (Legal and Compliance), including representing the legal and compliance function in meetings with senior management and regulatory authorities, and providing legal counsel as needed.

Business Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of compliance procedures and monitoring, with excellent communication skills and a solid foundation in legal principles and compliance standards.   

• Comprehensive understanding of all phases of developing and implementing an effective legal compliance programme, with the ability to provide legal guidance throughout the process.   

• Strategic development skills to create reliable internal controls and monitor adherence to those objectives, ensuring legal soundness and risk mitigation.   

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting and revising bank policies and procedures, with a focus on legal clarity and accuracy.   

• Critical thinking and attention to detail to evaluate business activities and assess compliance risks, with the ability to analyse legal implications.   

• Ability to collaborate effectively with external professionals and regulatory bodies, including external auditors, providing informed legal perspectives.   

• Solid understanding of forming critical plans to manage crisis events or compliance violations, with the ability to provide legal advice and support in such situations.   

• Strong commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about internal standards, regulatory statutes, and business goals 

• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving complex legal and compliance issues.

• Change management skills, with the ability to implement new compliance policies and procedures while considering legal ramifications.

Profile and Experience Required

• A Doctor of Laws (LLD) Degree with a specialisation in compliance or risk management is preferred.   

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience within the financial services industry, with a significant portion of that experience involving providing legal advice and support.   

• Significant experience in compliance procedures as a second line of defence, with a strong understanding of the legal framework.   

• Experience in AML/CFT procedures, with a proven track record of ensuring legal compliance in this area.   

• Experience in data protection and freedom of information, particularly as a DPO, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation.   

• The Senior Officer (Legal) may be required to obtain relevant accreditation in AML/CFT or other relevant legal/compliance areas.   

• Strong working knowledge of legal requirements and controls, especially in AML/CFT, data protection, and relevant legislation.   

• Reliable professional who can provide sound legal judgment, express their views confidently, and stand by their decisions.   

• Fluency in financial industry practices and professional standards, with a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory context.   

• Integrity and unwavering commitment to professional legal and ethical standards.   

• Excellent collaborative teamwork skills, with the ability to communicate legal and compliance matters effectively to diverse audiences.   

• Exceptional attention to detail and a strategic thinking style, with the ability to anticipate and address potential legal and compliance challenges.   

• Proven ability to work independently, conduct legal research, and provide sound legal advice on complex compliance issues.

The MDB shall process information provided by candidates solely for the purpose of this vacancy. In the event of unsuccessful applications, the Bank may keep applicants’ personal data on file for a period of up to twelve months following the date that the post applied for was filled. Applicants’ information will only be used to identify any future employment opportunities within the MDB for which applicants may be suited. Applicants are free to withdraw their application and their consent to the retention of their personal data, at any time. For further information, please read the MDB’s privacy notice which can be found on our website (mdb.org.mt/privacy-policy/).