Overall purpose of the role: 

The Risk and Compliance Specialist plays a leading role in assessing procedures and systems for the country-wide operation across both support and programme functions with an aim to support improved compliance with DRC, donor, and government rules, regulations and policies. The post-holder will develop and regularise compliance checks, will lead on risk management processes, and will be the focal person for all audits. On top of this, the function will lead on investigations and help develop awareness of, and capacity to respond to, Code of Conduct violations.

Responsibilities: (in bullet points)

General Compliance

• Evaluate the soundness, adequacy, and effectiveness of operating policies, procedures, and controls, in the areas of programme, finance, HR, administration, and logistics and procurement and make recommendations for improvements in accordance with DRC’s operational standards as expressed in the various policy documents, handbooks and other guidelines.
• Monitor compliance in the implementation of DRC’s policies, procedures and controls through regular spot checks, field visits and in-depth reviews.
• In collaboration with programme and support staff, monitor and review the standard filing and referencing system, which ensures that complete documentation exists for all transactions.
• Work with heads of department to develop, review, update and monitor compliance and accountability improvement plans. 
• Support and evaluate areas of compliance risk while feeding into risk registers, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with operations department to ensure DRC policies and procedures are relevant, communicated, and implemented.
• Build capacity of the team, conduct and/or plan trainings on topics such as strengthening internal controls, fraud detection, and advise on external audits while contributing to the development of training materials and resources.
• Technical support for ad-hoc compliance requests, perform review of derogations, pre-audits, support on compliance issues at grants opening (kick-off meeting) and close-out meetings.

Investigative capacity

• Analyze trends from the Code of Conduct (CoC) reporting mechanisms and provide management with recommendations for improvements.
• Active member of the CoC committee. When assigned, investigate allegations of irregularities, fraud, corruption or other forms of misconduct by ensuring high levels of confidentiality and professionalism during the investigation and producing clear reports
• Ensure effective training of CoC for all new staff and maintain routine follow up for existing staff.
• Train and support a pool of investigators 

Risk Mapping and Management

• Support the dissemination of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) in coordination with the Regional Office to ensure rigorous assessment and understanding of the various risks posed by DRCs operations.
• Conduct trainings on Risk management framework to ensure staff awareness and utilization.
• Ensure Risk Matrix is updated quarterly and input from various managers consolidated and quality checked.

Audit Management: 

• Procurement of auditors - organize contracting of auditors in coordination with project or grant managers and supply chain department as per available budget and donor terms of reference.
• Focal point for all audits, coordinating required input from the various DRC area offices and departments.
• Review and respond to audit queries and discuss with the auditor before going back to field offices. Escalate high-risk issues and potential financial liabilities to senior management team.
• Finalization and reporting - follow-up on issuance of draft reports and drafting of management comments with quality-assurance to ensure reports are accurate and feedback to donors. 
• Ensure proper archiving of final audit reports.
• Provide support and follow up on the recommendations made in internal, external audits and spot checks

As Specialist the post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Responsible for providing specialized knowledge and operational know-how within a specific discipline

May also have technical line-management responsibilities, but generally on technical or operational 

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience) 

• At least 3 years of experience in grants accounting, auditing, managing risks and compliance issues.
• Previous experience from an international NGO  
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic
• Systematic mind-set, attention to detail and capability of structuring a large amount of information in an easy accessible way.
• Strong planning, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, presentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Proven experience working with the major donors EC, ECHO, SDC, USG, UN & DANIDA among other donors.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:   

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback. 
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.   

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’ degree in relevant university field  
• Preferably accounting, risk, audit and investigator qualifications 

 Additional Professional qualification such as ACCA or CPA is desired

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Arabic – fluent

       English – fluent 

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Regional Office Audit and Compliance 
• Finance Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Grants Manager, HR & Administration Manager
• Area Managers, Base Managers & Support Services Team Leaders
• Program Managers 
• Local humanitarian partner agencies

Auditors (Internal and external)

Core Competencies: Striving for excellence,  Taking the lead, Demonstrating integrity, communicating and Collaborating

Note: Females are highly encouraged to apply