Senior Forensic Investigations Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Forensics Investigations Manager is a member of the Forensics & Security country unit providing independent investigative services to the country business at country level as requested.

Forensic Investigations is responsible for investigating fraud, Whistle Blowing, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption, Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering and all other matters referred for investigation by all Absa Kenya entities.

• To undertake professional investigations into suspicions of fraudulent and criminal activities, and any activities as reported by stakeholders, providing an independent report for management to assist the disciplinary process, control enhancement and represent the bank in any related police and court proceedings.
• Liaising and working with law enforcement agencies, professional and commercial organisations in this field of expertise.

Developing training and fraud awareness courses, workshops, brochures and material to alert employees as to the Bank’s policy on fraud, on how to detect, investigate and report on fraud.

Job Description

Key accountabilities/Deliverables/Outcomes

Conducting Investigations - 50%        

• Investigate allocated case, end to end, by ensuring that all prescribed investigative / operating methodologies for the various types of investigations are adhered to and by conducting proper planning on high level investigations.
• Obtain all relevant evidence related to an investigation. Scrutinize / analyse this evidence and make meaningful observations / conclusions regarding the findings.
• Ensure that witnesses / suspects and victims are interviewed and where necessary obtain written statements.
• Compile investigation reports as per the prescribed operating methodology, containing the findings of investigations.
• Ensure that each investigation has an accurate, value adding conclusion for the type of investigation conducted.
• Identify control issues and make meaningful recommendations as per the type of investigation.  This will include, but is not limited to, system / people / process failures or internal and external threats.
• Make meaningful recommendations to the mandated officials regarding the raising of loss provisions, refunds to clients, repudiations, recovery actions and write-offs.
• Assist line management / HR with relevant findings / documentation for use in disciplinary processes.
• Ensure that each investigation is concluded within the prescribed and acceptable time limit for the investigation.
• Inform management of any suggestions or proposals to enhance investigative methodology / operating procedure.
• Provide expertise and intelligence on fraud prevention, related risk management and controls;
• Liaising and working with law enforcement agencies, professionals and commercial organizations in this field of expertise
• Collect, compile and preserve evidence required to support bank cases in court.
• Attend criminal / civil court proceedings when summoned to do so, to provide expert evidence in court, relating to Barclays Bank products, processes and flow of transactions to obtain successful prosecutions.
• Gather intelligence through meaningful relationships with various Corporate Company's fraud departments i.e. Other Banks, Cell phone mobile providers, phone providers etc, for fraud networking purposes and the sharing of information regarding new trends / scams.

Case Management - 20%        

• To maintain case files and central investigations database to operational standards.
• To attend progress meetings with investigation teams/management
• Develop own skills from training and work experience.
• Participate in production of weekly, Monthly and ad hoc MIs as appropriate.
• Ensure credible information is provided for MIs produced by Forensic Investigations and Recoveries.
• Prepare and submit whistle-blowing reports to the Head of Compliance and COO.
• Support the Fraud Management Team in the Fraud Awareness Campaigns
• Support in pre-employment screening process as required.

Risk Identification and Awareness - 15%

• Ensure that all risks and/or emerging risks which are identified during an investigation / interaction with stakeholders are escalated to line management upon discovery.
• Identify high risk business units and were requested to do so, participate in awareness initiatives

Stakeholder Management Engage - 5%          

• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that their co-operation can be obtained when required for key operations.
• Interact with counterparts in the industry to gain understanding of threats and risks.

Operational Requirements - 5%

• Inform management of any system, tool or equipment that is not available to perform daily task.
• Ensure that strict access control to Forensic premises and documents is exercised and ensure adherence to the Clean Desk Policy.
• Participate in and contribute to required office / stakeholder meetings

Recoveries - 5%

• Ensure that lawful processes are followed to recover fraud losses.
• The following tools should be employed to make recoveries:
  • Acknowledgment of Debt
  • Indemnities are served to other banks
  • Application of compensation at courts
  • Assist in asset tracing.

Role/person specification

Education and experience required

• First degree in a relevant course obtained from a recognized University, Diploma in Forensics Investigations/Criminology or equivalent or 10 years’ experience in an established investigations practice
• 5 years of relevant work experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Good understanding criminal law.
• Relationship management and networking.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of risk management disciplines and processes. Ability to work under pressure
• Report writing and communication skills – verbal and written