Compliance Officer
Role Purpose:
The Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the tourism industry in Belize adheres to both local and international quality standards and regulations. This includes supporting the Compliance Controller, vetting accommodation applications, reviewing compliance audit reports, managing databases of hotels and yachts, monitoring industry standards, and registering new properties. The officer also coordinates with other BTB units and stays updated on industry developments to maintain regulatory and quality-based compliance.
Applications with proof of qualifications, resume and two letters of recommendation should be submitted to:
Human Resources Manager
Belize Tourism Board
Re: Compliance Officer
Application Period: Open Until Filled
Task/Responsibilities
- Perform detailed vetting of accommodation applications to ensure all requirements are met prior to submission to the Compliance Controller
- Review and verify compliance audit reports to ensure accuracy, proper documentation and that that it aligns with relevant regulatory requirements and minimum industry standards.
- Support compliance initiatives and assist the Compliance Controller with related projects.
- Issue violation tickets to stakeholders when found in violation of regulations and acts that are contrary to the HTAA.
- Conduct field visits. These may include audits for new license application, compliance audits for already licensed entities, audits for specialized standard programs, etc.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all standards for Accommodations, live-aboard vessels, Super Yachts and any other segment of the tourism value chain based on existing regulation, policies and industry trends both locally and regionally.
- Identify and report compliance issues that may require follow-up and action.
- Contribute to the training and development of other team members, sharing knowledge and best practices in due diligence and compliance.
- Any other related duties that may be assigned.
Other: (Personal characteristics that contribute to an individual’s ability to excel on the job, or other important information regarding the position or its requirements.)
- A balance between a friendly but firm attitude in the delivery of responsibilities is considered an asset
- Self – directed and goal oriented with the ability to work independently and in a team of two for inspection audits
- Takes initiative and is self-motivated
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
- Punctual (includes delivery of work)
- Professional
- Respectful
- Honest
- Flexible
- Team Player
- Integrity
BTB’s Values:
Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity, talents and experiences.
Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.
Optimism: We are optimistic about tourism’s contribution to Belize’s economy and the well-being of its people, and are confident that, with our partners, we will sustain the industry’s growth.
Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges
Qualifications: Education / Experience / Skills required of the position.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Associate Degree in Business, Tourism Management or related field, a Bachelors Degree is an asset
- Minimum of three years working experience in the Tourism Industry, tourism related field or public sector demonstrating a greater familiarity and understanding of the processes required to regulate the Hotel sector of the tourism industry.
- Fluent in written and spoken English with the ability to express data in a concise and clear manner
- Must be able to work in a fast- paced environment, deliver effective results, meet tight deadlines and targets
- Should possess excellent communication skills- verbal and written, customer service and problem solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, be detailed-oriented and demonstrate critical thinking
- Must be able to work in a team and must have good interpersonal skills
- Must possess good administrative and organizational skills
- Ability to prepare compliance documents by being detail oriented, meticulous and accurate in all aspects of the job.
- In depth Knowledge of tourism policies, regulations, and standards (Belize Tourism Board Act, Hotel and Tourism Accommodation Regulations, etc.).
- Working knowledge of quality management system implementation.
- Sound decision making skills and objectivity with the proven ability to act with confidentiality and discretion.
- Team player and possess strong self-motivation and initiative.
- Working knowledge of PC applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel)
- Must have a good geographical knowledge of tourism destination areas.
- Ability to use a hand held GPS Device
- Must have a valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to drive a golf cart
- Willing to travel extensively in country
Preferred as an asset
- Ability to speak Spanish would be an asset.
- Some training or familiarity in paralegal is preferred
- Specialized training in quality management and compliance protocols/standards
- Ability to work under minimal supervision
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The physical skills and demands and the environmental working conditions required by the job.
This job requires walking around, standing, driving, and sitting. Environmental conditions fluctuate given the Compliance Officer has to do frequent domestic travelling in hot and humid conditions and sometimes in rain, and on rugged terrain. Meeting rooms or audit venues sometimes have fluctuating temperatures and environmental conditions. This position also requires that the indiviual must hold a valid driver’s license.