Associate Director, Policy

Position titleAssociate Director, PolicyDescriptionReports to: Managing Director, Policy & Legal Division: Policy & Legal Grade: B (Associate Director)For the areas identified: to lead the maintenance and development of the DFSA's policy framework in areas of the successful candidate's expertise which might include any of the following investment funds, capital markets, ESG/sustainability, Islamic finance, and recovery & resolution and/or prudential and financial crime risk. to lead the DFSA's strategic thinking and thought leadership to contribute to the DFSA's risk framework, as appropriate; and to contribute to the DFSA's international engagement, as appropriate.The individual will be recognised as an expert in the relevant areas of expertise inside and outside the DFSA.Responsibilities Policy Take responsibility for developing and carrying out policy projects in the areas covered by the role. Contribute to policy development in any other areas that may emerge, as needed. Deliver necessary and appropriate changes in the DFSA's policy framework to agreed time scales and standards of quality. Risk Contribute to the development of the DFSA's risk framework and risk culture, in particular as regards key areas of responsibility. Make sure that the respective areas of responsibility are appropriately reflected in the DFSA's risk tolerance and the risk inventory. Support the Head of Risk in the ongoing development of the approach to risk-based regulation, including our approach to risk assessment of firms (the risk matrix and associated guidance), the peer review and challenge processes within the DFSA, in particular for key areas of responsibility. International Relations Support the Head of IR in the DFSA's international engagement, taking on responsibility for issues when appropriate, and contributing expertise on key areas of responsibility. Represent the DFSA, when appropriate, in international groups. Staff Development Work closely with the members of the Policy and Legal Division and other divisions of the DFSA to transfer knowledge on areas of responsibility. Other Activities Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to the existing internal programmes (i.e. developing and updating modules for Graduate Programme) and participate in development of associated training materials and mentoring participants to enable an effective environment for development and growth. Maintain active relationship with Corporate Communications and provide content for publication on the respective policy initiatives. Contribute actively to the development of the DFSA as a member of the Expanded Senior Management Group. Change Management Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices, taking into account international leading practice, cost reduction and productivity improvement. Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures Contribute to the development, enhancement and implementation of policies and procedures in areas of responsibility, including appropriate checks and controls to ensure these are working as intended. Operating within the first line of defence, you will share responsibility for ongoing risk management while promoting a strong risk culture within the division and across the organisation in line with the DFSA Risk Management Framework. Related Assignments Perform other related duties or assignments as directed. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Policy & Legal Division works closely together in an open plan office. The Policy Team leads the development of the DFSA's policies across all regulatory areas. The outputs are proposed to the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC), Executive Committee (ExCo), the Chief Executive and the DFSA Board (and/or its committees) for consideration and approval before being proposed to stakeholders for public consultation and implemented. The Policy Team also conducts research and reports on a range of policy topics and produces content for the Communications department to be published externally. COMMUNICATION: Internal: Responsibility for papers making recommendations to RPC, LegCo and the Board. Notes - advising colleagues on the correct interpretation and application of the DFSA's policy framework in areas of responsibility. Staff presentations of relevant aspects of the DFSA's policy framework and the role that staff can play. Contributions to internal reports, memos and analytical / research papers. External: Presentations & outreaches to external stakeholders on relevant aspects of the DFSA's work. Content for speeches/presentations for Senior Leadership. DFSA publications to characterise our regulatory approach and demonstrate thought leadership, as regards key areas of responsibility. Content and materials explaining the DFSA's approach in policy areas, including on sustainable finance, to be published externally through the Communications department. Communications with other regulators, in the region and beyond, as appropriate to enhance their understanding of our regime and to input to the development of their regimes. 7. Authority & Decision Making: Making decisions within areas of responsibility as regards the interpretation and application of DFSA policy. Keeping the MD Policy & Legal well informed about issues and concerns affecting areas of responsibility, and options for addressing them. Keeping other ExCo and SMG members informed, as appropriate, of the issues affecting their specific areas of activities. Resolving new issues in a manner consistent with the underlying and existing policies of the DFSA and ensuring MD Policy & Legal and other appropriate persons are aware of such decisions. RPC/LegCo/Board papers are approved by MD Policy & Legal. ESG-related material is approved either by MD Policy & Legal or by the Chief Executive.Hiring organizationThe DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducting in or from the DIFC, a purpose-built financial free-zone in Dubai, UAE.Employment TypeFull-timeIndustryFinancial ServicesJob LocationDubai, United Arab EmiratesDate posted1. September 2025Valid through14. September 2025