Data Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
To provide data to the Sanctions Unit to help in the research, the development of policies, procedures and guidance for the Virgin Islands to discharge its function and ensure compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations and Methodology.

 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: 
1. Leverage data analytics and machine learning techniques to design and implement a robust sanctions monitoring and compliance programme.
2. Develop a comprehensive roadmap for the establishment and continuous improvement of the Sanctions Unit’s data analytics and compliance efforts.
3. Identify, acquire, and integrate diverse data sources relevant to monitoring sanctions, including financial transactions, trade data, and watch lists. 
4. Implement data governance practices to ensure data quality, consistency, and security. 
5. Work with colleagues involved in policy and operations to understand where data science can add value.
6. Prepare periodic reports and make relevant data-informed proposals for the improvement of the function and operations of the V. I. Sanctions Unit
 7. Provide empirical data for research and analysis of information relating to targeted financial sanctions and assist with developing, maintaining and publishing, national policies and procedures for targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive matters.
8. Support the research, analysis and gathering of statistics to assist in the development and maintenance of policies, procedures and guidance as appropriate for the AGC to effectively discharge its function and ensure compliance with the FATF Recommendations and Methodology. 
9. Assist with the drafting of papers, providing advice and recommendations to the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council (NAMLCC) and Cabinet aimed at improving the Virgin Islands mechanisms for targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures, taking into consideration the legal and institutional frameworks.
10. Develop and maintain relevant data and statistics regarding targeted financial sanctions as a means of monitoring the overall effectiveness of the jurisdiction’s AML / CFT / CFP regime. 
11. Assist with the implementation of targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures, including training, educational and outreach initiatives.
12. Monitor global trends from public information and relevant sources and report on any deficiencies regarding the effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions. 
13. Assist with providing technical support and advice to inter-agency committees and working groups for self-assessments and national risk assessments.
14. Monitor international developments, relevant to the UN Panel of Experts Reports in connection with targeted financial sanctions and other restrictive measures on an ongoing basis, and provide written statistical and data updates.
15. Monitor international and geographical information in respect of domestic designations by jurisdictions in the region with key business relationships or otherwise with the Virgin Islands.
16. Assist with preparing inputs for written responses to AML / CFT / CFP policy papers / queries / surveys / questionnaires from the FATF, CFATF and relevant external agencies; and organise and collect input from relevant agencies where necessary.
17. Review and draft comments on CFATF Mutual Evaluation Reports (MER), particularly on FATF Recommendations 6, 7 and 29, and Immediate Outcomes 6, 10 and 11.
18. Assist with the preparation and implementation of effective public relations strategies to enhance and educate the public’s understanding of the compliance efforts taken by the VI Sanctions Unit

19. Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor or senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.

 

Qualifications 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field 
2.  Five (5) years working experience 
3. Four (4) to Six (6) years working experience in data science and machine learning with a strong focus on financial or compliance analytics preferred

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

1. Excellent knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures, Compliance and Financial Services
2. Knowledge of sanctions regulations and compliance requirements
3. Proficiency in data manipulation, analysis, and modelling -using tools such as Python, or similar tools
4. Demonstrated experience with, and up-to-date knowledge of, international AML/CFT/CFP standards, relevant domestic AML / CFT / CFP laws and relevant guidance, and Overseas Orders in Council for Sanctions Regimes
5. Strong experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Neo4 j, Power BI, or others
6. Strong knowledge of database systems and data integration techniques
7. Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to work under limited supervision and to plan, set priorities, and execute work within tight deadlines 
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise and comprehensive reports, analysis and presentations.
9. Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
10. A demonstrably high level of ethics and personal integrity as well as the ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality
11. Ability to demonstrate diplomacy and sensitivity to others when handling complex matters