Risk and Compliance Manager – Cuba Crisis-Response

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable. CRS also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and accountability in its operations, ensuring that all staff adhere to its Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.

Job Overview:
The Risk and Compliance Manager will oversee risk functions for humanitarian response programming in Cuba, ensuring adherence to CRS policies, local laws, and donor regulations. This role is crucial for delivering high-quality programming to vulnerable populations. The manager will utilize their expertise to mitigate risks associated with staff safety, program effectiveness, and the welfare of the communities served. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying potential risks and implementing solutions that align with the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability. The manager will collaborate with various stakeholders, including audit and compliance teams, to enhance internal control systems and improve overall program performance. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity of CRS's operations in a challenging environment, ensuring that assistance is delivered efficiently and responsibly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk and Compliance Manager will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including: collaborating with audit, risk, and compliance leads at both HQ and regional levels to strengthen internal control systems; anticipating and identifying risk issues and challenges, and proposing appropriate solutions; supporting the implementation of the sub-recipient financial management policy; planning and conducting internal audits, control reviews, and compliance assessments in collaboration with program management; analyzing audit results and providing actionable recommendations; designing and facilitating risk training sessions for CRS staff and partners; serving as a liaison for external audits and coordinating action plans to address audit findings; and contributing to the development of institutional capacity strengthening plans for CRS and its partners. This comprehensive set of responsibilities ensures that risk management is integrated into all aspects of program delivery, enhancing the overall effectiveness of CRS's humanitarian efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement. Additionally, a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience is required, ideally within an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and/or programming. At least one year of experience specifically in audit, compliance, or risk management is essential. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, as well as accounting or audit certification. Certifications such as Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or Project Management Professional are also highly desirable. Experience working in Latin America and the Caribbean is considered a significant advantage, as it provides valuable context for the challenges faced in the region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A Master’s degree is preferred, particularly in areas such as Accounting or Business Administration. Additional certifications in accounting or auditing are highly valued, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field. Continuous professional development through relevant training and certifications is encouraged to keep pace with evolving standards and practices in risk management and compliance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience, ideally with an international organization, where the candidate has progressively taken on more responsibility in operations and programming. At least one year of this experience should be specifically related to audit, compliance, or risk management. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian programming and the associated risks, as well as for effectively implementing risk management strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, community members, and international teams. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication and collaboration within the multicultural context of humanitarian work.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at Salary Grade 9 and is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to December 202

• The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, but it does require a willingness to travel up to 35% of the time. The agency emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to learning among its staff. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks to recruit individuals from the regions in which it operates, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.