Reports to: Ethics Unit Manager
Contract duration: 2-year fixed term
About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
CRS is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, race or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners, including the Government to implement its programs.
CRS opened operations in Kenya in 1965. For over 50 years, we have worked throughout the country to implement programs in agriculture, livelihoods, health and nutrition, water, sanitation, emergency relief and peace building. We have built deep relationships with the Government of Kenya and the Catholic Church through ongoing collaboration and support.
Job Summary
The Risk and Compliance officer will conduct risk related activities for the country program (CP) including sub-recipient compliance adhering to CRS policies, local laws, and donor regulations to help ensure effective delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. The incumbent’s knowledge and skills will help reduce risk to staff, to the effectiveness of our programming and to the people we serve through the application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Roles And Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance manager, Senior Risk and Compliance officer and CP leadership on strengthening internal control systems and processes.
- Conduct systems verification and identify risk issues, weaknesses/inefficiencies, anomalies, challenges, and propose solutions to address them and improve system integrity.
- In collaboration with the Risk and Compliance Team, conduct regular internal control reviews to assess the effectiveness of controls in operations and program management systems and processes for the country program including the sub-offices in accordance with CRS Policies and Procedures.
- Help implement and advise on the sub-recipient financial management policy (SRFMP)
- Support the planning and performance of internal audits, control reviews and compliance assessments, conduct audit activities as applicable. Help analyze results and provide recommendations.
- Support the design and facilitation of trainings and institutional capacity strengthening plans for CRS and partners in consideration of donors’ requirements and partners’ systems and procedures.
- Support the country program’s external and internal audits and the coordination of action plans to close out audit findings.
- Support and facilitate the monitoring of progress, and the evaluation of effectiveness of all agreed actions arising from the findings and recommendations of country program reports and documenting progress on periodic action plan.
- Support internal investigation of reported potential and alleged incidents of collusion and fraud.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Strong analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies.
- Accuracy and completeness with great attention to detail
- Good relationship management skills
- Ability to make sound judgment
- Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
- Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.
Required Languages – Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% within Kenya.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Risk and Compliance Manager; Senior Compliance Officer; Finance Manager and staff; SC Manager; Procurement Manager; Chiefs of Party and Program Managers; Head of Operations; Country Representative; EARO Risk and Compliance Manager; FAM Unit staff
External: Partner management and staff; project participants; vendors
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Administration or other relevant Bachelor’s strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and/or programming. At least 1 year entailing audit, compliance or risk management experience.
- A certification in CPA, and CFE will be an added advantage.
- Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations and familiarity with international standards for internal control and risk and compliance management (e.g., COSO, ISO)
Agency REDI Competencies (for All CRS Staff)
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
- Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
- Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
- Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
- Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
- Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies
- Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
- Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
- Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
What We Offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
- Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS Kenya strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.
CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities.
CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible. Women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
The protection of your personal data is important to Catholic Relief Services. By submitting your application, you consent to CRS using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. CRS will not use your personal data in any other way other than for purposes of recruitment.
About Us
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
About The Team
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
