Risk & Compliance Manager

ROLE PURPOSE

The risk & compliance manager will be responsible to support the implementation of Plan International strategy by providing assurance of risk management and monitored controls in delivering country operations through developing and ensuring effective and efficient systems, internal controls, policies and procedures are in place and at all times implemented correctly.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the CD, the risk & compliance manager will support the implementation of effective risk management. Risk & Compliance Manager will act as a focal point for regular updates of the country risk register.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Internal Control

•    Develops (in consultation with the Country Director), coordinates and implements a comprehensive internal control (audit) schedule that ensures regular coverage of every department
•    Participates in the design of all tools required for the internal control work (working papers, reporting format and protocols, etc)
•    Facilitates any required self-assessment exercises on the effectiveness of internal controls and attainment of standards including the “Management Standards”
•    Facilitates the sharing of learning, based on best practices within the organisation as well as on best practices from the sector generally
•    Actively participates in regional internal control / audit networks as well as relevant external networks concerning internal controls and risk management
•    Contributes to the induction of staff members upon request on risk management, the control framework and the role of internal control

Risk Management

•    Support the identification and classification of risks to the country operation, the documentation of these, and the determination of appropriate actions to appropriately manage/mitigate such risks. This includes the timely and periodic completion of the Country Office and Programme risk registers. 
•    Regularly update the risks and progress against actions online using the software of Plan International- MAGIQUE.

Audit & Compliance

•    Review compliance with established key controls in all areas of business including program, finance, grant management, human resources, IT, partnerships, operations, and in any other area of business as relevant.
•    Support programs and finance teams in external Audits 
•    Provide information on Plan regulations on a regular basis to ensure specific guidelines are being followed.
•    Facilitates and prepares management responses to all audit reports submitted to GH

Global Assurance

•    Act as country focal person for liaison with the corporate Global Assurance team regarding the planning, coordination and undertaking of all Global Assurance audits in Lebanon, and other matters. 
•    Support and facilitate the monitoring of progress, and the evaluation of effectiveness, of all agreed actions arising from the findings and recommendations of Global Assurance reports.

Capacity Development and Anti-Fraud Awareness

•    Act as a focal point after joining the Counter Fraud Unit faculty for rolling out Anti-Fraud Policy, its implementation and monitoring within PIL
•    Raise fraud awareness across the entire workforce, and the implementation of appropriate control measures.
•    Make sure conflict of interest, anti-fraud, anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy are disseminated to all PIL staff.
•    Participate in investigations where required in line with the Counter Fraud Unit.
•    Oversee capacity building that ensures that there is adequate knowledge awareness among staff members on matters to do with risk management, fraud, internal controls and global management standards.

•    Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as 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 in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

•    Internal: The position maintains communication and working relationships with CLT & Line Managers.
•    External: The position maintains communication and working relationships with partner organizations being audited, communities, suppliers and external auditors. Interaction with other INGOs for cross learning and the sharing of best practices related to risk management is crucial.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of:

•    The context in Lebanon, particularly issues affecting the rights and well-being of children and young people, especially girls and young women
•    The Civil Society environment in Lebanon with a focus on local and national organisations working on child rights and gender equality
•    Knowledge of developing/maintaining internal controls and risk management concepts and systems
•    Knowledge of risk management frameworks, processes and Internal Control System
•    Knowledge of developing/maintaining financial internal control and risk management concepts and systems

Qualifications and Experience

•    Master’s degree preferably a degree in Finance, Accounting, Audit or equivalent qualification
•    Min 7 years’ experience working with INGOs in Lebanon and of which at least 3 years in managerial position with NGOs in a similar role 
•    Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of international audit standards for the NGO-sector, donor regulations and compliance issues related to management of donor funds

Skills

•    Strong organizational abilities; able to prioritise and manage short-term and continuing projects across diverse themes despite competing deadlines.
•    Strong commitment to child safeguarding & Antifraud policies both inside and outside the workplace.
•    Ability and experience in adapting to systems & processes
•    Strong character traits, including team work, striving for high performance, emotional stability, resilience, adaptability, and ability to handle stress, strong initiative and self-motivation, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty and physical fitness to travel are essential.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills, with excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic. 
•    Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant accounting packages

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 organisation 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 maximise 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. 

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction 

TRAVEL

•    In-country travel is estimated at 10%.
•    Occasional international travel may be required.