Risk and Compliance Manager At Plan International

Plan International (PI), is an independent global child right organization – without religious, political or governmental affiliation that has been operating in South Sudan since 2006.

Plan recognizes that the geographical context and recent history have left the communities of South Sudan highly vulnerable to emergencies from political and inter-ethnic conflicts, influx of returnees, food insecurity, long dry spells and floods. Cognizant of the need Plan is implementing emergency and recovery response in six states of South Sudan, namely Central Equatorial, Eastern Equatorial, Western Equatorial, Lakes, Upper Nile and Jonglei. Program includes food assistance, agricultural rehabilitation, Food Security and Livelihood, Education in Emergencies and Child Protection in Emergencies. Plan International also works with both International and Local partners.

Purpose of the Role:

Our organization is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work through sound accountability for resources entrusted by sponsors and donors. We also need to demonstrate accountability and impact to program participants and stakeholders. We, therefore, need a bold, forward-thinking and innovative individual to lead the Risk and compliance function in Plan International South Sudan (PISS).

The Risk and compliance manager will be accountable for objectively assessing the internal control environment, actions, methods, and practices of PISS.This includes keeping a record of all company finances to ensure that no funds are misplaced because of a lack of organization or individual greed. In addition to this, a Risk and compliance manager serves as a link between the employees and the management of the organization for the sharing of information between the two. The incumbent will be responsible for formulating appropriate Risk and audit programs, assigning and directing resources to complete the audit plans as scheduled and generating the final audit reports for internal and regulatory agency review. They will also ensure that thorough follow-up audits on previously identified issues are carried out, managing magic software and provide with the management with the progress on management standard KPIs.

Dimensions of the Role:

The Risk and Compliance Manager will support the country office to ensure compliance with Plan International South Sudan minimum management standards and in reducing the overall risk on Plan International operations across the country. S/He will lead all risk and compliance assurance activities in Plan International South Sudan to coordinate and assist audits implemented by 3rd party audit firms and external/regulatory auditors. The Risk and Compliance Manager will work closely with all Plan international South Sudan departments while maintaining necessary auditor independence.

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible for implementing the global risk and compliance system at national level.
• Develop Plan International South Sudan annual audit plan to assess internal controls, operational efficiencies and compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations.
• Perform different audit tasks, including preparation, paperwork, and other associated reports.
• Audit all Plan international South Sudan departments and locations to determine the nature of operations and adequacy of the internal control system to achieve established objectives and develop improvement plans. Maintain a comprehensive system for recording all audit plans, work papers, findings, reports,
• and follow-up audits.
• Ensure the verification of financial transactions is executed quarterly to assure the correctness and accuracy of liabilities, assets, expenditures and receipts.
• Lead the coordination of audit assignments and ensure good interactions with Global Assurance, staff, external auditors and legal or statutory agencies.
• Carry out continuous risk assessments as the context changes and provide strategic advice to CMT to inform the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Work with management to ensure that the relevant mitigation measures are in place in the field and within our processes to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
• Recommend different methods that could help to enhance and improve internal control procedures.
• Work with the management to resolve issues that may have been identified through audit findings.
• Conduct research on the latest trends and other issues relating to audit practice.
• Perform other related assignments as assigned by the Country Director.
• Recommend revisions and additions to policies and procedures to improve operations as well as internal controls.
• Conduct routine training of new employees and partners on Plan policies and procedures.
• Create audit finding presentations to be presented to the CMT.
• Respond to ad hoc requests to address control issues on new business processes, policies and
• procedures, and provide consultative services to management.
• Act as a Plan International South Sudan focal point person for Maqique Risk and Compliance system to manage all risks, management actions, controls for identified risks and possible litigation actions.
• Maintain an updated risk register both offline and in Magique.
• Follow up on the management standard KPIs and provide update to CMT
• Conduct surprise cash count and Spot check the field offices on quarterly basis and provide comprehensive report to the CMT.
• Responsible to lead or participate in investigations related to staff/partner/volunteer/associates suspected fraud, safeguarding cases and any incidences where Plan’s or Donor’s policies and procedures are flouted.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees/interns; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performances; rewarding; addressing complaints and resolving problems

Child Protection and Gender Equality & Inclusion

• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded following the policy’s principles and requirements, including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines applicable to their area of responsibility.
• This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies, and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed following the appropriate procedures.

Risk Management

• Review the organisations’ performance in identifying, assessing, mitigating and reporting risks in line with the Global Risk Management Policy and the Global Risk Management Toolkit.
• Ensure that all inherent risks in Plan international South Sudan, including safeguarding children & young people, safety & security and fraud & corruption, are given top priority by management and all staff.
• Provide risk management and fraud & corruption training to staff and partners as required.

Safeguarding Commitments:

• Commit and contribute to an environment where children and adult program participants feel respected, supported, safe and protected;
• Never act or behave in a manner that results in violence including SHEA against a child, young person or adult or places them at risk of such violence;
• Be aware of and adhere to the provisions of the Safeguarding Policy, PSHEA Policy and COC of Plan International;
• Report and respond to safeguarding and SHEA concerns and breaches in line with the applicable procedures of Plan International;
• Maintain confidentiality of safeguarding and PSHEA concerns reported;
• Never participate in or support child marriages.

Dealing with Problems/Risks

Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis, & creative thinking required to solve them

• Facilitating cordial relationships with and among various stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds by ensuring active and full participation all stakeholders.
• Handling conflicting priorities and ad-hoc requests from various stakeholders in the best interest of the organisation.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and expectations from internal and external stakeholders and remain calm and resilient in the face of pressure.
• Use Plan procedures to settle conflicts among colleagues.
• Resolve problems that are not covered by established process.
• Analyse possible causes of problems and suggest solutions to get them resolved.

Communications and Working Relationships:

Internal:

• Country Director – Line Manager
• Country Management Team
• All departments at Country Office and Field Offices Team
• Risk and compliance teams at regional and global hub

External:

• Partners.
• Other INGO Risk and compliance staff and networks.
• Audit and compliance leads at NOs and in-country donor offices.
• Members of the Plan International Global Assurance network.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Knowledge

Successful candidates will possess;

• 4 years of experience in auditing with at least 2 years’ experience in audit management.
• Have a CPA, CIA or ACCA qualification. Having a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certificate is a distinct advantage.
• Proven experience in audit leadership in INGO or professional auditing firm environment.
• Proven understanding of “child rights” and “gender in development” concepts and the promotion of girls’ rights in the context of relevant International Conventions (Convention of the Rights of the Child, Convention for the Eradication of Discrimination against Women) and the Global Goals (SDGs).
• Possess advanced knowledge of Risk assessment, internal controls across the various business functions cycles (e.g. finance reporting, procurement, HR and payroll, Business development, donor compliance etc.)
• Excellent written & spoken English.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills.
• Sound planning, time management and administrative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, power point presentation.
• Experience in working in a culturally diverse setting.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policies, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range objectives and goals.
• Knowledge of auditing concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of financial recordkeeping procedures, laws, regulations, and standards.
• Ability to persuade and influence others.
• Understanding of the IT control environment.
• Acute devotion to detail and having a meticulous nature are preferred qualities.

Desirable

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, auditing or business management/administration.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of auditing best practices, such as General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and internal control measures.
• An in-depth understanding of tax, business compliance, and financial regulations.
• Experience working in a humanitarian or NGO environment.
• Proven track record of coaching and capacity building.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives

Physical Environment

• Standard office environment with some exposure to heat, cold, dirt, noise and rainy weather conditions; dim or crowded surroundings, especially when in the field
• The post holder will be required to travel to the field very frequent

Level of Contact with Children:

• Medium level of Contact with Children:

Inclusion and Diversity.

Plan International is an equal opportunity employer within the meaning of the relevant UN convention, Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for. Qualified Women and people with special needs are strongly encouraged to apply*.*

Employment of Relatives:

Plan International South Sudan is an equal opportunity employer*.* however, it discourages employment of relatives of staff members because of the conflict of interest associated with it. While trying to avoid such cases, applicants are required to declare in writing if they have any relatives working with Plan International South Sudan.