Job Description

Empowering Africas tomorrow, togetherone story at a time.With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.Job Summary The Priority Investigations & Whistleblowing (PI&W) unit is an investigative unit within the Compliance function of the bank. It manages the whistleblowing platforms and processes in the bank and also investigates issues that pose significant risks to the bank. In managing the whistleblowing platforms and processes in the bank, the team receives whistleblows that fall into different categories. Broadly, the allegations recorded in these whistleblows fall into the categories of either employee dishonesty generally covered by Forensics and Employee Relations (ER) (on people) related matters previously covered by ER. This unit is setting up an ER investigative function.

• PI&W is therefore looking to recruit investigators who are responsible for investigating workplace issues and employee concerns, such as harassment, discrimination, policy violations and other behavioural or ethical breaches. PI&W is therefore looking to recruit investigators who: are suitably qualified
• have the relevant skills, knowledge and expertise to respond to each investigation
• have proven track records in investigating ethics related matters
• have experience in working independently
• have experience is working in different parts of the country.

In addition, the investigator is to bring the correct tone and flavour in conducting himself/herself which matches the profiles of the investigations and their stakeholders.
The issues to be investigated will mostly cover the following areas:

• Bullying
• Victimisation
• Harassment
• Nepotism
• Unethical behaviour
• Racism
• Sexual harassment.

The issues could also relate to those not covered above, but which require investigation, such as:

• Breaches of ethical compliance
• Unfair labour practices.

The key accountabilities of the investigator will be to conduct and manage investigations, effectively manage stakeholders, portray a professional competence and be part of a team managing the whistleblowing activities. These are discussed below.Accountability: InvestigationsConduct ER investigations in accordance with best practices, guidelines and key ER principles across all areas of the bank in South AfricaRespond to requests to investigate issues from various sourcesLiaise with the Head: PI&W and other members of PI&WConduct investigations (on an end - to -end basis) efficiently and effectively. In doing so:Be accountable for scoping investigation plansBe responsible for the quality of the output of investigationsManage stakeholdersBe resourceful and creative in conducting/managing investigationsManage confidentiality requirements on each assignmentSuggest remedial action to be taken by respective Business UnitsWrite reports of high quality setting out factual findingsPresent findings including insights and/or recommendationsIn case of substantiated allegations, assisting management with preparation of potential disciplinary meetings and being a witness during internal disciplinary processes including the CCMA.Assist with post investigation on formal proceedings (such as testifying at civil recovery and criminal proceedings)Understand legal frameworks of investigationsEnsure that effective record keeping from investigations takes place.Use the PI&W Case Management SystemProvide Management Information and reports to key stakeholders.Accountability: Manage investigations independentlyManage investigations independentlyBe prepared to travel to all areas of South Africa at short noticeBe prepared to conduct investigations for extended periods away from homeHave sufficient soft skills to deal with investigations involving sensitive issuesHave the ability to make sound judgment calls on investigationsBe proactiveCollaborative; work closely with Human Capital, Legal and management teams to resolve employee relations issues.To set the right example in conducting and managing investigations by:Leading from the front by having a strong work ethicBeing self-directed and self-sufficient.Accountability: Relationship/Stakeholder managementDevelop key relationships with business leaders within the bank and promote a positive impression of themselvesUnderstand the needs and expectations of the stakeholdersBe available to Management across South AfricaDevelop key relationships with stakeholders, being, Head: PI&W, Head: Conduct & Ethics, Investigations, Chief Compliance Officers, ER and Employment Legal.Develop key relationships within the investigations environment in the bank, including other forensic functions within the bankDevelop key relationships with other stakeholders (clients) in the bankProviding meaningful feedback to stakeholders and having regular exchanges with stakeholdersAccountability: Professional CompetenceBeing aware of legal frameworks which have jurisdiction and are applicable in each investigationHaving a working knowledge of the Absa Way Code of Ethics, Absa Employee Relations Policy and supporting standards, the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention of Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace and the Labour Relations ActBeing conversant in most ER related topics and recent trends in regulatory / (employment legislation)Have an existing network in the Forensic industryParticipate in industry forumsImplement and control strategic initiatives.Accountability: Training & DevelopmentAssist Human Capital in developing and delivering training for employees and managers on topics such as harassment prevention, workplace conduct and conflict resolution.Education and Experience RequiredUniversity degree or equivalent; orFinancial Services Qualification or post graduate diploma5+ years professional experience.Preferred experience5+ years in a financial services organisation2+ years in a managerial/senior coordination role in a financial institutionExperience carrying out ER investigations including grievance and disciplinary management.Knowledge & Skills:Investigative skillsKnowledge of labour lawsReport writingExcellent Verbal/communication skillsNegotiation skillsAnalytical skillsProblem solvingSound judgmentDeciding and initiating action.Competencies:Conflict resolution and mediationConfidentialityLearning and researchingRelating and networkingAdapting and responding to changePersuading and influencingCreating and innovatingPersonal Traits:EthicalConfidentResilientResourcefulEnergeticTeam playerProfessionalismEmpathy.EducationBachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Law, Military Science and Security (Required)Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised

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