Risk and Compliance Officer at African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

Work Hours: Full time
Duration: 6 months
Reports to: Functionally - Regional Internal Auditor, Administratively - Resident Advisor

Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a Risk and Compliance Officer are;

• Investigate and provide direction in all compliance related matters and ensure that AFENET Nigeria is compliant in all areas. Some of the areas include compliance with statutory requirements, organizational policies and requirements of various agreements as applicable to AFENET Nigeria.
• Participate in the development, review and update of compliance policies and procedures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the AFENET Nigeria Risk Management framework, policy and processes.
• Work with unit heads and other staff to encourage and promote a culture of risk management & compliance across AFENET Nigeria.
• Manage policy, compliance and risk registers for the specific programs/ projects as well as for AFENET Nigeria.
• Conduct risk assessment and reviews for the specific projects and for AFENET Nigeria.
• Identification of risk and compliance gaps in projects and develop documentation for monitoring of AFENET Nigeria’s compliance policies and procedures.
• Provide risk and compliance advice as required to the Leadership Team.
• Facilitate staff knowledge of compliance policy and practice through a program of information updates.
• Some of the specific compliance duties in particular include:
  • Report recurring areas of weaknesses in the implementation of all organizational policies, processes and procedure that have been documented as well as issues in relation to the interpretation of the same.
  • Review of Expense, Cash, Journal, Bank vouchers to ensure compliance with the appropriate policies and standards.
  • Detailed scrutiny of Quarterly Trial Balance and other financial documents;
  • Review of the Treasury functions of AFENET Nigeria and ensure that all treasury policies in regard to bank accounts and cash management are adhered to.
  • Review internal billing from various departments to Centers / Projects;
  • Review of staff advance (outstanding) and various program advances outstanding.
  • Make recommendations after the analysis of budget versus actuals of all organizational budgets has been done on a periodical basis.
  • Assess whether reports e.g. Trial Balance, Funds Reconciliation, KPIs and other MIS if any, as prepared by the organization, are complete and accurate.
  • Assess the existing internal control system and recommend suitable changes, if any.
  • Follow up on implementation of internal audit, statutory audit and site visit recommendations of the previous audit, if any.
  • Review and report on all related party transactions.
  • Ensure that funds are utilized for the purpose for which it has been granted.
  • Review compliance of terms within project agreements of the different donors.
  • Work closely with Management and the Secretariat and contribute to ensure that AFENET’s risk and compliance management is enhanced in AFENET Nigeria and its programs.
  • Participate in particular audits and fraud investigations as requested

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Characteristics

• Proven experience in quality assurance, risk management and/or compliance disciplines in multilateral and Government funded grants and NGOs management in general.
• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Auditing, Risk Management or any other related discipline. Preference would be given to applicants with certification from relevant professional body such as the Institute of Risk Management, IIA, ACCA, etc.
• Innovative and creative approach to risk management and compliance solutions.
• Extensive experience in internal auditing, risk management or compliance and investigations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and highly developed collaboration and networking skills
• A proactive approach to work and a high level of initiative.
• Able to work with minimal supervision, as well as being a strong team player.
• Highly developed organizational skills, with the ability to meet agreed targets and to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Highly developed skills in delivering and facilitating the implementation of policies.
• Strong knowledge of risk management, compliance, audits and management of USG and Global funds resources.
• Excellent Microsoft Office and database management skills.