Forensic Liaison Manager

At Cell C, we are not just a telecommunications company; we are a people-centric and consumer-focused organization committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers. In line with our dedication to customer-centricity, we are seeking a seasoned professional to join our dynamic team as a Forensic Liaison Manager to join our dynamic team of #Unstoppables.

Purpose of the Job:
The Forensic Liaison Manager acts as the primary interface between the company and external forensic experts, law enforcement agencies, and internal stakeholders. This role ensures effective communication, coordination, and management of forensic investigations. It manages all activities and projects in the LEA Support Services Department and support other investigative teams where such efforts are required.
It also provides expert advice on the information supplied to LEA. Liaises with SAPS, Law enforcement agencies and other investigation authorities and private sector companies, which have a legal basis to request information.

Key Performance Objectives:
Manage the LEA Support Service Function

• Responsible for the comprehensive management of cases, including the development of strategic plans, allocation of resources aligned to skills and expertise, provision of professional guidance and support, systematic review and evaluation of case progress, and the formulation and execution of appropriate action plans and referrals
• Establish policies and procedures for the department
• Participate and contribute to the overall LEA strategy and implementation plan
• Ensure that all work is documented and completed in accordance with departmental, regulatory and compliance reporting standards and/or legislation
• Ensure the accurate and timely recording of all cases on the LEAP 2 (Law Enforcement Agency Portal 2) system; generate and analyse management reports; and develop targeted intervention plans informed by intelligence insights, trend analysis, and root cause evaluations
• Prepare and share investigation management reports to Managing Executive: Forensic Services to input to the internal stakeholders such as CEO’s office and Legal, Risk and Regulatory
• Liaise with other internal and external role-players
• Keep up to date with current trends relating to LEA legislation and requirements and ensure that the required policy and procedural changes are implemented within the company to address the requirements
• Ensure proper filing of all records in accordance with policy, legislation and business procedure
• Management of staff from an operational and administrative perspective, consideration of Cell C’s transformational targets, build a culture of innovation, agility within the team
• Assess and determine the budget requirement and input to the overall LEA annual budget

LEA Support Advisory Services

• Act as expert witness in all matters where Cell C has been called to attend and give evidence relating to documents submitted
• Supply all required information as requested by LEA
• Supply affidavits as required
• Use of data mining tools and case management system
• Research on position papers, procedures, processes and compliance issues in the business pertaining to the LEA area
• Develop and continuously enhance systems/procedures and policies to improve the delivery of LEA service
• Interact and liaise with the various LEA departments as and when required
• Keep up with emerging forensic technologies, telecommunications threats, and investigative techniques for continuous improvement

Interception & Monitoring

• Ensure that the lawful interception system is working and if not that the required escalation process is followed
• Perform backups and system maintenance, and software and hardware upgrades
• Ensure that access to the system and the Interception and Monitoring room is controlled and managed in line with the required regulations and/or standards
• Interact with relevant parties on issues and matters pertaining to the Interception and Monitoring room
• Operate the Legal Interception system (LI-IMS)

Reporting and Compliance

• Submit regular progress reports on projects
• Submit monthly year-to-date reports on projects and work performed within the LEA department
• Report on the risks that impact on the LEA department and the actions taken to address the risks
• Perform compliance reviews on RICA database
• Develop and implement dashboard/s on various KPI’s within the department
• Identify, recommend, and implement internal control measures designed to proactively mitigate and prevent incidents of economic crime targeting Cell C, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, organisational risk frameworks, and forensic best practices
• Ensure the Cell C LEA processes align with telecommunications regulations and applicable policies.
• Support audit and compliance requirements related to forensic investigations
• Advise on best practices for forensic data handling and incident response

People Management

• Lead and motivate staff to effectively deliver objectives, ensuring development opportunities, appraisal and management systems are embedded and relevant HR procedures are adhered to
• Provide advisory, support and mentorship functions to enable staff to grow within their career
• Maintain a low staff turnover rate
• Set key performance Indicators targets and goals as per the department’s strategy and business objectives
• Recruit employees; assign and direct work, oversee their development, identify training needs and maintain staff competence
• Uphold HR policies and procedures
• Conduct performance appraisals

Perform any related duties as requested by management

• Perform ad hoc projects and/or tasks as requested and required by management

Qualifications

• NIA (National Intelligence Agency) Clearance
• 3-year Degree or Diploma equivalent, in Legal /Technical/Radio Planning and Optimisation is essential
• Paralegal/Leadership or equivalent professional certifications
• Credentials such as Certified Fraud Examiner, or other similar certification,
• Preferably a member of the ICFP (Institute of Commercial Forensic practitioners) and ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners)

Experience

• 5-8 years’ experience in a similar position, where testifying in court on the same or similar information from a telecommunication environment forms the basis of this experience
• 3-5 years relevant supervisory or management experience which clearly demonstrates leadership
• Experience managing forensic evidence in compliance with legal standards
• Strong knowledge of telecommunications networks, protocols, and infrastructure

"Cell C is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic."