1. **HEAD OF GROUP GOVERNANCE, RISK, COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE**
2. **SENIOR ACCOUNTS MANAGER**
Both positions are based in Gaborone. The Head of Group Governance, Risk, Compliance and Assurance will report to the Group CEO and Board, while the Senior Accounts Manager will report to the Group CFO and Board.
The Head of Group Governance, Risk, Compliance and Assurance will lead the development, implementation and maintenance of the Group’s governance, risk, compliance and assurance framework across all business verticals.
The successful candidate will ensure that the Group and its subsidiaries meet their regulatory, statutory and governance obligations, while strengthening the internal control environment and overseeing a risk-based internal audit programme. The role will support the Board, Audit and Risk Committee and executive management in promoting accountability, transparency, ethical conduct and a strong culture of compliance and control across the Group.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Risk & Compliance
- Closing Date: 2026-09-14
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Group’s governance, risk, compliance and assurance framework across all subsidiaries.
- Develop and maintain group-wide policies, procedures, risk registers and compliance calendars.
- Monitor compliance with applicable regulatory, statutory and governance requirements, including CIPA, BURS, NBFIRA, the Competition and Consumer Authority and, post-listing, the BSE Listings Requirements.
- Oversee AML/CTF, KYC, statutory registers, related-party transactions and conflicts-of-interest processes.
- Design, document and test internal controls, identify weaknesses and drive corrective action.
- Develop and execute the risk-based internal audit and assurance plan across the Group.
- Track internal and external audit findings and report remediation progress to management, the Board and the Audit and the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Prepare governance, risk, compliance and assurance reports for the Board and executive management.
- Deliver relevant training and liaise with regulators, external auditors and legal advisers.
Requirements
- ACCA, CIMA, CA or CIA qualification.
- More than eight years’ relevant experience in governance, risk, compliance, internal audit, internal controls or assurance.
- Experience in a multi-entity group environment; experience in a leading accounting, audit or advisory firm will be an advantage.
- Strong knowledge of auditing, risk management, internal controls and corporate governance.
- Working knowledge of Botswana’s regulatory and statutory environment.
- Experience engaging with Boards, Audit and Risk Committees, regulators and external auditors.
- Strong analytical, report-writing, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in audit, risk or compliance software and Microsoft Office.
- High levels of integrity, independence, discretion and professional judgement.
How to Apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role in Botswana?
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is standard; many employers prefer a Master’s degree or professional certifications such as GRCP (Governance, Risk and Compliance Professional) or CRISC. Local recognition of certifications from bodies like the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) UK or the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) is valued, especially if aligned with Botswana’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) or Bank of Botswana regulatory expectations.
What does a typical day look like for the Head of Group Governance, Risk, Compliance and Assurance in Botswana?
The role involves leading governance committee meetings, reviewing risk registers across subsidiaries, ensuring alignment with Botswana’s Companies Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, and Bank of Botswana prudential guidelines, and liaising with regulators like the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA). Daily tasks also include overseeing internal audit coordination, updating compliance frameworks to reflect local legislative changes, and mentoring junior compliance officers within a multi-branch or group structure.
How does Botswana’s work culture influence expectations for this leadership role?
Respect for hierarchy and consensus-driven decision-making are central; leaders are expected to consult widely with senior management and board committees before implementing governance changes. Punctuality, formal communication (especially in written reports to boards), and strong interpersonal skills—particularly when engaging with traditional leadership structures or public sector stakeholders—are highly valued in Botswana’s corporate environment.
What realistic career progression paths exist after holding this role in Botswana?
Successful incumbents often progress to Group Executive roles such as Group Chief Risk Officer or Group Company Secretary, or transition into board-level appointments like Non-Executive Director on financial services or parastatal boards. Some move into advisory roles with Botswana’s Ministry of Finance or regulatory agencies, leveraging deep local regulatory expertise and relationships built during tenure.
What benefits are commonly offered with this role in Botswana-based organisations?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical aid covering dependants (often through providers like Medshield or BONSO), and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana National Pension Scheme (BNPS) plus supplementary retirement plans. Larger financial institutions may offer additional allowances for professional membership fees, annual compliance training, and relocation support for expatriates where applicable.
How should I apply, and what do Botswana employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via company websites or recruitment portals like CareersBotswana or LinkedIn, with emphasis on tailored cover letters referencing Botswana-specific legislation and experience interfacing with local regulators. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience in implementing governance frameworks compliant with Botswana’s Companies Act, FIA requirements, and sector-specific directives—and value fluency in both English and Setswana for stakeholder engagement across regions.