Sanctions Compliance Lead

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our Compliance team as a Sanctions Compliance Lead.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of global sanctions regimes and regulatory compliance, with the ability to provide practical, commercial advice on sanctions-related matters across the firm.

This role is essential in ensuring the firm remains compliant with evolving sanctions frameworks and mitigating regulatory, reputational, and financial risk.

Requirements:

• Law degree or other relevant legal, compliance, or regulatory qualification
• Significant experience in sanctions compliance, financial crime, risk, or regulatory advisory
• Strong knowledge of UN, OFAC, UK, EU, and UAE sanctions regimes
• Experience interpreting and applying complex sanctions laws and regulations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Strong legal drafting and policy writing skills
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to assess risk and provide practical, commercial guidance
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience working within a law firm, professional services firm, financial institution, or regulated environment would be an advantage
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills
• Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous professional development

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global sanctions laws, regulations, guidance, and enforcement developments.
• Monitor and analyse sanctions updates issued by the UN, OFAC, UK, EU, UAE, and other relevant authorities.
• Provide sanctions-related advice and guidance to partners, lawyers, and business services teams across the firm.
• Assess sanctions risks associated with prospective and existing clients, matters, transactions, and business relationships.
• Advise lawyers on the sanctions implications of proposed client engagements and ongoing matters.
• Investigate potential sanctions hits and conduct detailed risk assessments and escalations where required.
• Prepare sanctions-related reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Work closely with the MLRO and Chief Risk & Compliance Officer on high-risk or complex sanctions matters.
• Draft, review, and maintain firm-wide sanctions policies, procedures, and guidance materials.
• Support the development and enhancement of the firm's sanctions compliance framework.
• Deliver sanctions awareness and compliance training across the firm.
• Respond to sanctions-related queries from bankers, regulators, insurers, clients, and other external stakeholders.
• Liaise with regulators, financial institutions, and external counsel on sanctions-related matters.
• Assist with regulatory audits, reviews, and internal monitoring activities relating to sanctions compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of sanctions assessments, investigations, decisions, and advice provided.
• Contribute to compliance projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening risk management and regulatory compliance across the firm.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Essential to our success as a Professional Organization is our ability to attract and retain the best talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. We are committed to a work environment where everyone can reach their potential, and we have an inclusive culture which respects individual differences.

We undertake and support a number of internal and external initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the profession and we encourage all our partners and staff to get involved.

Al Tamimi & Company is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and support those in the workplace who have a disability.

If you are interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Please note that due to the high number of applications received on job postings, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications submitted via recruitment agencies will not be considered.