Risk and Compliance Coordinator at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Overall purpose of the role:

This role has a country focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations. The Risk & Compliance Coordinator will ensure DRC Nigeria is aligned with DRC internal policies, donor requirements and local laws.  The position will actively promote and support a culture of compliance, risk identification & management across all departments. This includes identifying weaknesses in the application of controls and recommending action to address this situation. This role has a secondary function in investigating Code of Conduct referrals that are addressed to the Country Office functions in Abuja.

Main Responsibilities: 

• Strengthen, further develop, and ensure implementation of the Risk and Compliance strategy and action plan.
• Develop and implement the various training courses as per the action plan for all full-time, casual, and volunteer staff.
• Work closely with the DRC Head of Support to ensure internal compliancy within HR, Finance and Supply Chain procedures.
• Support Country and Area Office Support Staff, including development of a training and capacity building plan and regular field trips to provide technical support and guidance.
• Work closely with the DRC Head of Programmes to ensure all sector coordinators and/or managers are adequately supported to develop and adapt the country risk and compliance strategy and mainstream it throughout their programmes.
• Working closely with the CD and SMT, ensure internal compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standards and Code of Conduct.

Risk Management:

• Regular risk assessment and provide systematic follow-up guided by DRC’s Risk Management process.
• Develop action plans based on the Risk Mitigation plans agreed by SMT and follow-up on implementation.
• Organize regular training/refreshers on Risk management framework for DRC and Partners to ensure staff awareness.
• Take lead on new staff induction regarding Risk and Compliance processes.
• Conduct internal audits of risk mitigation measures.
• Coordinate Risk Register process with the County SMT, Regional and HQ focal points.
• Prepare briefings for SMT on risks, considering legal opinions, so that they are able to take informed decisions.

Compliance:

• In consultation with SMT, develop compliance framework and processes for all business areas as required.
• Ensure systematic vetting process of program and operations from legal Compliance perspective.
• Develop tools and provide training to specific staff with a role in day-to-day compliance.
• Conduct Compliance reviews/audits on a periodic basis in all field offices.
• Assist management to conduct specific non-compliance investigations at CO level.
• Take lead on Compliance section of Result Contract and provide quarterly report/update.
• Establish external resources i.e., Legal consultants, regarding compliance initiatives.

External Representation (Legal Compliance):

• Ensure DRC operations follow the local legislations, advise SMT on any changes in NGO law or risks associated with the operations in due course.
• Act as a focal point to DRC’s legal team regarding areas of legal compliance with staffing, operations, and laws.
• Lead on developing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process of ministerial, state and federal government agencies, as required.
• Ensure timely registration of the DRC projects as required by the current legislation.
• Coordinate and lead the process of the timely submission of the mandatory reports to Government.
• Provide support to teams on field level regarding implementation of local legal compliance requirements.
• Provide accurate and timely feedback to the SMT on any change in government legislation.

Audits:

• Work closely with the DRC Head of Support ensure that the workplans, timeframes and support are given to any internal or external audits as required.
• Advise Senior Management on gaps identified thorough any internal and external audit reports.
• Support the DRC archives and ensure that files are received from the area offices and country team and that they are filed and stored appropriately in DRC Nigeria Archives.

Investigation support:

• Support the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist during ongoing investigations as required.
• Conducting internal investigations as investigator under the monitoring of the relevant Regional or HQ authorizing officer (AO) for specific cases requiring Country Office inputs.
• Producing high quality reports on investigation (closure or investigation reports), and advisory reports on gaps, risks and issues identified during specific designated investigations.
• Support the Support the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist by interviewing the Survivor when/if appropriate.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Demonstrate experience with Risk and Compliance or similar in a large or local organization, influencing senior-level management and key stakeholders effectively across the organization and within complex contexts.
• Prior experience in Finance, Grants, Legal Advisory or Government Liaison positions preferred.
• Demonstrate experience with developing and delivering successful training sessions, facilitating meetings.
• Have good oral and written communication skills in English is mandatory.
• Commitment to upholding and modelling DRC’s values and Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrating integrity, diplomacy, professionalism, reliability, and resilience at all times.
• Able to always work professionally and with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Have highly developed critical analysis and reasoning skills.
• Ability to quickly build personal rapport and trust.
• Have interpersonal and intercultural skills and a strong ability to collaborate and network.
• Strong computer skills, facility with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, OneDrive and email software.

Required

• Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
• Master's degree in relevant area.
• Languages: (indicate fluency level)
• Fluency in written and spoken English.