Compliance and Risk Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to provide relief and development assistance, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization is dedicated to various programs 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 ethical practices and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.

Job Overview:
The Compliance and Risk Management Officer will lead activities related to risk management for the country program (CP), ensuring compliance with CRS policies, local laws, and donor regulations. This role is crucial in helping to deliver quality programs that serve poor and vulnerable populations. The officer will utilize their knowledge and guidance to mitigate risks for staff, enhance program effectiveness, and protect the communities served. The position requires collaboration with various teams, including finance, to implement effective financial management policies and internal controls for sub-recipients. The officer will also support internal audits, compliance assessments, and the development of training programs to strengthen institutional capacity for CRS and its partners. This role is essential in ensuring that the organization adheres to ethical standards and maintains transparency and accountability in its operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include collaborating with the compliance manager and CP leadership to strengthen internal control systems and processes. The officer will contribute to identifying risk-related issues and challenges, providing solutions to address them. They will work closely with financial teams to ensure effective implementation of financial management policies and internal controls for sub-recipients, offering specialized advice and support to ensure compliance and optimize financial practices. The officer will assist in planning and conducting internal audits, compliance reviews, and assessments, leading audit activities as necessary, including transaction reviews and physical inventory checks. They will analyze results and formulate recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the officer will design and facilitate training sessions and capacity-building plans for CRS and its partners, support external audits, and coordinate action plans to address audit findings. They will also manage fraud allegations by conducting investigations at the program office and partner levels, reporting findings to supervisors and relevant units, and ensuring compliance with investigation guidelines and local laws.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a graduate degree or formal professional training, with a minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience, preferably within an international organization, with increasing responsibilities in operations and/or programming. At least 2 years of this experience should include audit, compliance, or risk management roles. Candidates should possess knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations, as well as international internal control and risk management standards (e.g., COSO, ISO, COBIT). Familiarity with accounting systems and proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems are essential. Strong relationship management skills, analytical abilities, and ethical conduct are also required.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field is strongly preferred. Additional certifications in accounting or relevant fields are considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience, with a strong preference for experience in international organizations. This experience should include at least 2 years in audit, compliance, or risk management roles, demonstrating a solid understanding of the relevant practices and regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in French (written and spoken) is required, along with proficiency in local languages. Knowledge of English is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40%. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to learning among its staff. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding efforts to protect program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.