Internal Audit & Compliance Officer at Care Best Initiative (CBI)

Purpose of the Role

• The Internal Audit and Compliance Officer will oversee and execute the internal audit function in the organization.
• S/he will lead the compliance unit to ensure adherence to organizational policies, donor requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Provide independent assurance on the adequacy of risk management, governance, and control processes and report to management on how to mitigate possible risks.

Job Description & Accountabilities
Rank: 100% of Time
The Internal Audit and Compliance Officer’s primary responsibility is to:
Internal Audit:

• Develop and implement an annual internal audit plan based on a risk assessment of CBI’s operations and activities.
• Conduct periodic audits to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with policies, and operational procedures.
• Review financial records, operational processes, and program activities to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Prepare detailed audit reports with findings, risks, and actionable recommendations for improvement.
• 5Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and provide periodic updates to the Executive Director and Board.

Compliance:

• Ensure CBI’s activities align with organizational policies, donor regulations, and applicable legal standards.
• Conduct compliance reviews of key organizational processes, including procurement, financial management, and human resources.
• Develop and maintain a compliance framework, including policies, tools, and processes to mitigate risks.
• Serve as the focal point for donor audits and external compliance reviews, coordinating responses and actions as required.
• Provide training and capacity building to staff on compliance standards and best practices.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess risks within CBI’s operations and programs, recommending mitigation strategies.
• Develop and update the organization’s risk register, ensuring proactive monitoring of key risks.
• Provide strategic advice to leadership on risk management and control improvements.

Governance Support:

• Support the Board and management in strengthening governance structures and processes. 2. Ensure the organization adheres to statutory requirements, including tax and regulatory filings.

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive internal audit reports and compliance reviews.
• Annual internal audit plan and risk assessment.
• Updated compliance framework and risk register.
• Training sessions and workshops on compliance standards for staff.
• This JD sets the foundation for identifying a skilled professional to ensure CBI maintains high standards of accountability and compliance in its operations.
• Behaviours (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling CBI’s values.
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same.
• Widely share their personal vision for CBI, engage and motivate others.
• Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners
• Values diversity and sees it as a source of competitive strength.
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take disciplined risks 100%

Job Holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Auditing, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree is an advantage.
• Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIA is highly preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in internal audit, compliance, or risk management within a non-profit setting.
• Strong knowledge of donor regulations, including USAID, EU, and UN agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing audit and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Strong understanding of risk-based auditing and compliance methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in using audit management and accounting software.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must be comfortable being a proactive member of the top management team.
• Must seek to identify and communicate potential problems and propose solutions to the level of management appropriate to effect solutions.
• Must be able to function effectively in a loosely structured, but complex work environment and to set appropriate priorities and deal effectively with numerous simultaneous requirements
• Ability to carry out responsibilities independently with minimal technical support from within the program organization.
• Must be committed to staff training and development.

Key Behaviours:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to align with CBI's core values, including empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Pro-active and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Key Relationships (excluding own line manager and staff)
Internal:

• Program Coordinator
• Finance and Support Services team
• Various staff based in all CBI core departments, as and when necessary (e.g. funding, MEAL, finance, logistics and procurement, etc.)

External:

• Partners
• Consultants
• Service Providers/Stakeholders (Other NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Community leaders/CBOs