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About this job
ROLE PURPOSE
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan has over 80 years’ experience and works in more than 75 countries across the world. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.
Plan International has been working in Tanzania since 1991. Our work supports marginalised children and youth, especially adolescent girls, to grow up physically and mentally healthy and ready to shape their future. We create an enabling environment and empower girls to be active drivers of change in realising their rights. We prioritise working with partners, and ensuring all of our work is evidence based.
The Internal Control function is part of the second line of defence in the three lines of defence model, supporting the implementation of effective risk management through monitoring the functioning of the country’s internal controls to ensure that these comply with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for
coordinating the country self-assessment process
continuous monitoring of compliance with donor requirements for various grant funded projects
coordinating all internal and external audits,
following up on audit action lists and
coordinating risk management reviews.
DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE
Reports to the Country Director [may have a dotted line to local board where applicable]
Acts as focal point for regular updates of the Country Risk Register
Budget responsibility limited to area specific matters.
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 unit and geographical area
Performs/participates in reviews and investigations as assigned
Prepares reports for management on internal control assignments undertaken
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
Advises and supports management in the strengthening of internal controls, systems and processes
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 any regional internal control / audit networks as well as relevant external networks concerning internal controls and risk management
Contributes to the induction of new staff members upon request on risk management, the control framework and the role of internal control
Donor Compliance and Audit
Provide continuous oversight of compliance to donor procedures and requirements throughout the project cycle, from start-up, implementation and closure by conducting regular audits at appropriate stages of the project
Provide training and ongoing support to relevant stakeholders including Grant funded project team members, Plan field offices and partners on understanding donor financial compliance, identifying financial risks and other best practices related to financial management and ensuring compliance requirements are understood and adhered to at all levels.
Work closely with Country teams to prepare for donor audits. Oversee coordination of donor audits with field offices for assigned portfolio of projects.
Partner Risk Management
Monitors whether appropriate due diligence is carried out on all potential partners, including financial capacity assessment and anti-terrorism screening
Monitors actions taken to address weaknesses identified through partner due diligence
Coordinates/performs partner audits to ensure compliance with donor and Plan rules and regulations
External Audits and Reviews
Acts as a focal point for all external audits, facilitating timely provision of documents and information as required by external auditors/reviewers
Monitors actions taken by management in response to external audits and reviews, ensuring that all such actions are implemented and reported as agreed and on a timely basis
Risk Management
Acts as focal point for regular updates by management of the Country Risk Register
Tracks progress of agreed actions to mitigate risks
Identify areas of risk by providing regular analysis of financial health of projects against standard key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Continuously evaluate Projects Financial Risks and update Risk Registers as required for escalation to Management, including mitigation measures.
Child & Youth Safeguarding, Management Standards and Global Policies
Ensures that the global policies on Safeguarding Children & Young people,Management Standards and Global Policies are monitored and effectively implemented and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
Country Director
All CO staff including Managers/supervisors
Internal controllers and Global Assurance team in the region
NO program managers and compliance teams
External
Local NGO partners in the area of partner risk management
Relevant professional internal audit/risk management networks.
External Auditors
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential
At least 5 years’ experience in internal audit or related experience
Good analytical skills
Good interpersonal skills (open minded, pragmatic, diplomatic…)
Ability to remain calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
Ability to negotiate, persuade and influence
Good listener with strong advisory skills
Excellent communication skills (writing and speaking skills)
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Organised, methodical and meticulous.
Project management skills
Desirable
Professional qualification in accounting/auditing
First-hand experience and knowledge of working in development sector
Familiarity with project management and development sector donor requirements e.g. USAID, ECHO, EU,DFID, DFAT, UN etc
Knowledge of [country} legal and regulatory environment
Understanding of Risk Management concepts
Facilitation and coaching skills.
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
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 organisation to build a better world for girls and all children.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This post is based at County Office which at present is a normal operational environment. However, the post-holder must be willing to travel at least 40% within the country.
LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
Low level: low frequency of interaction with children.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan has over 80 years’ experience and works in more than 75 countries across the world. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.
Plan International has been working in Tanzania since 1991. Our work supports marginalised children and youth, especially adolescent girls, to grow up physically and mentally healthy and ready to shape their future. We create an enabling environment and empower girls to be active drivers of change in realising their rights. We prioritise working with partners, and ensuring all of our work is evidence based.
The Internal Control function is part of the second line of defence in the three lines of defence model, supporting the implementation of effective risk management through monitoring the functioning of the country’s internal controls to ensure that these comply with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for
coordinating the country self-assessment process
continuous monitoring of compliance with donor requirements for various grant funded projects
coordinating all internal and external audits,
following up on audit action lists and
coordinating risk management reviews.
DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE
Reports to the Country Director [may have a dotted line to local board where applicable]
Acts as focal point for regular updates of the Country Risk Register
Budget responsibility limited to area specific matters.
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 unit and geographical area
Performs/participates in reviews and investigations as assigned
Prepares reports for management on internal control assignments undertaken
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
Advises and supports management in the strengthening of internal controls, systems and processes
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 any regional internal control / audit networks as well as relevant external networks concerning internal controls and risk management
Contributes to the induction of new staff members upon request on risk management, the control framework and the role of internal control
Donor Compliance and Audit
Provide continuous oversight of compliance to donor procedures and requirements throughout the project cycle, from start-up, implementation and closure by conducting regular audits at appropriate stages of the project
Provide training and ongoing support to relevant stakeholders including Grant funded project team members, Plan field offices and partners on understanding donor financial compliance, identifying financial risks and other best practices related to financial management and ensuring compliance requirements are understood and adhered to at all levels.
Work closely with Country teams to prepare for donor audits. Oversee coordination of donor audits with field offices for assigned portfolio of projects.
Partner Risk Management
Monitors whether appropriate due diligence is carried out on all potential partners, including financial capacity assessment and anti-terrorism screening
Monitors actions taken to address weaknesses identified through partner due diligence
Coordinates/performs partner audits to ensure compliance with donor and Plan rules and regulations
External Audits and Reviews
Acts as a focal point for all external audits, facilitating timely provision of documents and information as required by external auditors/reviewers
Monitors actions taken by management in response to external audits and reviews, ensuring that all such actions are implemented and reported as agreed and on a timely basis
Risk Management
Acts as focal point for regular updates by management of the Country Risk Register
Tracks progress of agreed actions to mitigate risks
Identify areas of risk by providing regular analysis of financial health of projects against standard key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Continuously evaluate Projects Financial Risks and update Risk Registers as required for escalation to Management, including mitigation measures.
Child & Youth Safeguarding, Management Standards and Global Policies
Ensures that the global policies on Safeguarding Children & Young people,Management Standards and Global Policies are monitored and effectively implemented and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
Country Director
All CO staff including Managers/supervisors
Internal controllers and Global Assurance team in the region
NO program managers and compliance teams
External
Local NGO partners in the area of partner risk management
Relevant professional internal audit/risk management networks.
External Auditors
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential
At least 5 years’ experience in internal audit or related experience
Good analytical skills
Good interpersonal skills (open minded, pragmatic, diplomatic…)
Ability to remain calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
Ability to negotiate, persuade and influence
Good listener with strong advisory skills
Excellent communication skills (writing and speaking skills)
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Organised, methodical and meticulous.
Project management skills
Desirable
Professional qualification in accounting/auditing
First-hand experience and knowledge of working in development sector
Familiarity with project management and development sector donor requirements e.g. USAID, ECHO, EU,DFID, DFAT, UN etc
Knowledge of [country} legal and regulatory environment
Understanding of Risk Management concepts
Facilitation and coaching skills.
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
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 organisation to build a better world for girls and all children.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This post is based at County Office which at present is a normal operational environment. However, the post-holder must be willing to travel at least 40% within the country.
LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
Low level: low frequency of interaction with children.