Compliance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a humanitarian organization that partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established in 2000, RI operates in 14 countries, including some of the most fragile regions such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen. The organization comprises four corporate members: Relief International Inc., Relief International-UK, Relief International-France, and Relief International-Europe, all functioning under a unified management structure. RI's mission is to provide integrated responses to humanitarian crises, focusing on health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, livelihoods, and protection services.

Job Overview:
The Compliance Officer position based in Aden is crucial for supporting the program and support functions teams in matters related to internal auditing and compliance. This role involves preparing for internal audits, managing the filing of program, operations, and financial documentation, and coordinating all external audits and spot-checks. The Compliance Officer will play a key role in ensuring that the organization adheres to internal policies, donor regulations, and applicable laws, thereby safeguarding the integrity of RI's operations in Yemen. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying compliance risks and implementing effective measures to mitigate them, ensuring that RI's programs are delivered in accordance with established standards and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Compliance Officer will be responsible for leading all audit and spot-check cycles, ensuring successful representation of RI during external audits conducted by donor or audit firms. This includes managing HQ US/UK audit cycles and representing RI in tax-related matters. The officer will conduct internal ad hoc audits, spot-checks, and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of operations and internal controls, ensuring compliance with RI policies and donor regulations. Regular compliance field visits to sub-offices will be conducted to assess adherence to laws and organizational procedures. The officer will also be tasked with updating compliance trackers, reporting findings to the Grants and Awards Coordinator and Manager, and providing recommendations for addressing any identified weaknesses. Additionally, the Compliance Officer will conduct compliance workshops and onboarding orientations for new staff, fostering a culture of compliance awareness within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification such as CPA or CIA is highly desirable. Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, particularly in applying audit and compliance principles within NGO settings. Familiarity with the rules and regulations of key donors such as ECHO, OCHA, WFP, UNFPA, USAID, BHA, EU, and DIFID is essential. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are required, along with good audit skills and knowledge of internal control and financial reporting systems. Understanding the local context and laws in Yemen is also important, as is the ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Candidates with additional professional qualifications such as CPA or CIA will have an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise in financial management and compliance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant experience in compliance and auditing, particularly within the NGO sector. This experience should include applying audit principles and understanding donor regulations, which are critical for ensuring that the organization meets its compliance obligations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the nature of the role and the need to communicate with international stakeholders. Knowledge of Arabic would be beneficial, given the local context in Yemen, and would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Aden, Yemen, and is likely to be a full-time role. The Compliance Officer will be expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and conduct, promoting RI's values of integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring that all team members contribute positively to the safety and well-being of the communities served.