Compliance Officer - Beirut

Basmeh & Zeitooneh is a registered Lebanese organization, committed to serving refugees and vulnerable communities in Lebanon, through five community centers across the country. The organization runs educational, relief, livelihoods, and protection programs, and aims to serve as an inclusive and supportive focal point for the entire community.

Basmeh & Zeitooneh has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, child abuse, fraud, bribery, and corrupt activities.

Basmeh & Zeitooneh (B&Z) is committed to maintaining your personal information's security, confidentiality, and privacy.

Basmeh & Zeitooneh is committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Basmeh & Zeitooneh maintains a zero-tolerance policy on child abuse.

Job Purpose: The Compliance and Internal Control Officer will play a key role in ensuring that B&Z adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring systems and processes to manage and mitigate compliance risks for Lebanon operations. Additionally, the officer will contribute to the organization's commitment to sound internal controls and efficient operations.

Reports To: Regional Internal Control Officer

Major Activities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance program, ensuring alignment with local laws, donor requirements, and organizational policies.
• Conduct regular reviews of internal processes and procedures to identify and address potential compliance risks.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to establish and maintain effective internal controls.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls and propose enhancements or corrective measures as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on compliance matters and best practices.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and recommend corrective action plans.
• Investigate and respond to reports of non-compliance, unethical conduct, or fraud, maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
• Stay informed about changes in local laws and regulations relevant to the NGO sector and ensure timely updates to internal policies.

Ad-Hoc Reporting:

• Provide ad hoc reports and analysis as requested by senior management or external stakeholders.
• Respond to specific compliance-related inquiries in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments, including finance, human resources, and program management, to ensure a holistic approach to compliance and internal control.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and initiatives as needed.

Capacity Building:

• Build the capacity of staff through ongoing training sessions on compliance matters, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of compliance activities, reports, and investigations.
• Ensure documentation is organized and readily accessible for internal and external audits.

Technology Utilization:

• Leverage technology tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of compliance monitoring and reporting processes.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies relevant to compliance and internal control functions.

Knowledge Sharing:

• Share best practices and lessons learned with other NGOs or organizations in the sector, fostering a collaborative approach to compliance and internal control.

Emerging Trends and Issues:

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, issues, and best practices in compliance and internal control within the NGO sector, and adapt strategies accordingly.

Crisis Response:

• Contribute to the development of crisis response plans related to compliance issues, ensuring the organization is prepared to address unexpected challenges.

Professional Development:

• Pursue continuous professional development opportunities to stay current with industry standards, certifications, and evolving compliance requirements.

Confidentiality:

• Adhere to strict confidentiality in handling sensitive compliance-related information and investigations.

Performance Metrics Review:

• Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of selected performance metrics, suggesting adjustments as needed.

Flexibility:

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to take on new responsibilities or projects as the organizational needs evolve.

Key Performance Indicators :

Compliance Program Effectiveness:

• Percentage increase in the organization's compliance score based on regular assessments.
• A number of compliance issues were identified and resolved within specified timeframes.

Training and Awareness:

• Percentage of staff trained on compliance policies and procedures.
• Frequency and effectiveness of internal training sessions.

Internal Control Enhancements:

• A Number of recommendations for improving internal controls were implemented.
• Reduction in the number of control weaknesses or deficiencies over time.

Risk Management:

• Number of risk assessments conducted annually.
• Timely implementation of risk mitigation strategies.

Investigations and Resolutions:

• Timely and thorough resolution of reported compliance violations.
• Percentage of investigations completed within established timeframes.

Regulatory and Donor Compliance:

• Percentage of projects in compliance with local laws and donor requirements.
• Number of corrective actions taken to address non-compliance issues.

Audit Results:

• Results of internal and external audits, including the number of audit findings and their resolution status.
• Compliance with audit timelines and recommendations.

Communication and Reporting:

• Timely and accurate reporting on compliance matters to relevant stakeholders.
• Effectiveness of communication strategies to ensure staff understanding of compliance requirements.

Continuous Improvement:

• A number of process improvements were initiated and implemented.
• Feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of compliance measures.

Ethical Conduct:

• A number of reported cases related to unethical conduct.
• Timely resolution of ethical issues with appropriate actions taken.

Legal and Regulatory Updates:

• Timely dissemination of information on changes in local laws and regulations affecting the NGO sector.
• Evidence of updated policies and procedures in response to legal changes.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as law, finance, business administration, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of [5] years of experience in compliance, internal auditing, or a related field.

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for NGOs in Lebanon.
• Familiarity with international donor compliance requirements is an asset.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.