Compliance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has been at the forefront of providing aid and support to millions of displaced individuals and families. With a presence in over 30 countries, NRC employs thousands of staff members who are dedicated to delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Compliance Assistant plays a crucial role within the Norwegian Refugee Council's Internal Risk and Compliance unit. This position involves close collaboration with the Risk and Compliance Manager and the Investigations Coordinator to perform advanced-level professional internal compliance and auditing tasks. The Compliance Assistant will support the Compliance unit in managing a comprehensive compliance and audit program, which includes financial and compliance audit projects. The role also entails providing consulting services to NRC's management and staff, as well as offering advice on the development of internal controls. The Compliance Assistant is expected to ensure adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, guidelines, and donor requirements while preparing and submitting reports and analyses under the supervision of the Risk and Compliance Manager. This position is integral to maintaining the integrity and compliance of NRC's operations across various field offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Compliance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: ensuring adherence to NRC policies and national labor laws in all processes and procedures; preparing and submitting reports and analyses under the supervision of the Risk and Compliance Manager; implementing NRC's systems and procedures at the area level; ensuring proper filing of documents; overseeing NRC field offices' operations to ensure compliance with donor and NRC policies; promoting and sharing ideas for improvement of the support function; assisting the Risk and Compliance Manager in conducting risk assessment exercises at both the area and country office levels; carrying out ad-hoc system compliance checks for relevant NRC finance, logistics, administration, and HR teams; ensuring that grant funds provided by donors are used in accordance with financing agreements; communicating compliance check results through written reports and oral presentations to management; traveling to NRC's field offices quarterly to monitor and evaluate compliance with NRC policies; preparing Terms of Reference (ToR) for field visits; sharing field mission reports and recommendations for improvements; regularly checking logs and implementing spot checks; providing support to the Anti-Corruption and Investigation team; serving as an appointed investigator in cases of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA); and performing any other relevant departmental duties assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Compliance Assistant position should possess 1 to 2 years of previous work experience in similar functions, preferably within a humanitarian or recovery context. A Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a relevant field is required, with an MBA or professional certification being preferred. Candidates should have a strong awareness of survivor-centered approaches to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in humanitarian organizations, as well as considerable knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in support functions within complex and volatile contexts, documented results related to the position's responsibilities, and a good command of the English language.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Compliance Assistant position includes a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a relevant field. An MBA or professional certification in a related area is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of compliance and auditing principles, as well as familiarity with the operational context of humanitarian organizations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 1 to 2 years of relevant work experience, particularly in compliance, auditing, or related functions within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Experience in complex and volatile environments is highly valued, as it equips candidates with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges faced by organizations like NRC. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position will be an important consideration during the selection process.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within NRC and with external stakeholders. Additionally, candidates should be able to communicate effectively in local languages, specifically Pashto and Dari, which are essential for engaging with local communities and stakeholders in Afghanistan. Knowledge of these languages will enhance the Compliance Assistant's ability to perform their duties effectively and build rapport with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Compliance Assistant position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and offers a monthly salary based on NRC's Afghanistan Salary Scale. NRC provides medical coverage for staff and up to four dependents, as well as leave and holidays in accordance with Afghanistan's labor laws. Employees will also receive a monthly top-up credit card. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and expects all employees to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment.