Snr. Audit & Compliance Officer, CODSAiN Project at Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Background

• The Senior Audit and Compliance Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization operates with transparency, accountability, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and international best practices. This senior-level role involves overseeing the audit and compliance functions, conducting high-level risk assessments, advising senior management on control and compliance strategies, and guiding audit teams to ensure comprehensive coverage of the organization’s operations.
• The role also includes developing strategies to mitigate risk, ensuring legal and donor compliance, and leading efforts to maintain a culture of integrity and compliance throughout the organization.

Objectives of the Role: The primary objectives of the Senior Audit and Compliance Officer are:

• To lead internal audits and ensure the organization’s adherence to internal and external policies, laws, and regulations.
• To develop, implement, and monitor compliance programs and risk management systems.
• To provide strategic advice to senior management on areas of potential risk and compliance challenges.
• To oversee and support junior audit and compliance staff, ensuring their work meets professional standards.

Specific Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Audit Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the internal audit function, including developing and executing the annual audit plan.
• Conduct high-level financial, operational, and regulatory audits across all departments and branches.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, financial reporting, risk management systems, and governance structures.
• Provide recommendations for improvements in internal controls and process efficiency based on audit findings.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of detailed audit reports for senior management, identifying issues, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
• Ensure the organization complies with relevant laws, donor requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Support external auditors by providing relevant documentation, insights, and assistance as required.

Compliance Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective compliance program to ensure the organization meets internal policies, external regulations, and legal requirements.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and donor-specific requirements, particularly in sectors such as finance, procurement, human resources, and operations.
• Ensure that compliance breaches are promptly identified, investigated, and rectified with corrective measures implemented.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments, identifying emerging risks and developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in regulatory requirements and communicate these changes to relevant departments to ensure compliance.
• Lead initiatives to foster a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization, including training and awareness programs for staff.

Risk Management

• Lead the organization’s risk management framework, identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks that could impact the achievement of organizational goals.
• Collaborate with senior management to ensure the organization has adequate insurance coverage, business continuity plans, and other risk mitigation measures.
• Regularly review the organization’s risk profile and ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address high-risk areas.

Supervision and Leadership

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior audit and compliance staff.
• Ensure that audit and compliance staff are trained on the latest best practices in auditing, compliance, and risk management.
• Conduct performance appraisals and provide feedback to junior staff to support their professional growth.

Reporting and Documentation

• Submit quarterly and annual audit and compliance reports to senior management and the audit committee, outlining key findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all audit processes, compliance checks, risk assessments, and follow-up activities.
• Ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations and compliance actions, following up with relevant departments as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between the organization and external auditors, regulatory authorities, and donor agencies on audit and compliance matters.
• Work closely with senior management and department heads to ensure alignment on audit and compliance objectives.
• Represent the audit and compliance functions at senior management meetings, providing insights on risk, control, and compliance issues.

Required Experience

Key Qualifications and Skills

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in audit, compliance, or a related field, with at least 3-5 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Experience in the NGO, donor-funded, or non-profit sector is an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing audit and compliance functions within complex organizations.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of auditing standards, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present complex reports to senior management.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor and manage teams.
• Proficiency in auditing software and financial management systems.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Key Deliverables

• Execution of a comprehensive internal audit plan, including detailed reports on audit findings and recommendations.
• Effective implementation and maintenance of compliance programs, ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and donor requirements.
• Periodic risk assessments and recommendations for risk mitigation strategies.
• Submission of quarterly and annual audit and compliance reports to senior management and the audit committee.
• Development and delivery of compliance and risk management training programs for staff.

Reporting Line

The Senior Audit and Compliance Officer will report directly to the Head of Internal Audit or Chief Compliance Officer, with direct engagement with the executive leadership team and audit committees.

Performance Indicators

• Timely and thorough completion of internal audits, compliance checks, and risk assessments.
• Implementation of audit recommendations and closure of audit findings within agreed timelines.
• Reduction in the number of compliance breaches and associated risks.
• Effective leadership and mentoring of junior audit and compliance staff.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with the audit and compliance functions.