The Compliance Manager will build and institutionalize a robust compliance and risk framework that safeguards 249Startups’ mission in fragile and frontier African markets while meeting EU/Dutch and donor standards. The role ensures that 249Startups engages only with eligible, trustworthy ventures through rigorous due diligence, independent verification, and disciplined escalation. It bridges on-the-ground realities with international compliance expectations to reinforce risk-aware growth and fiduciary integrity.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the role operates as a second line of defense with organizational independence and clear authority to halt or escalate activities that pose undue risk. The Senior Compliance Manager provides non-voting advisory at Pre-Screen, IIRC, and Investment Committee, and formally signs off at key gates certifying that KYC, sanctions screening, legal checks, and documentation are complete before progression or disbursement. The role is the focal point for compliance escalations and interfaces with donor and regulatory counterparts to uphold transparency and accountability.