Introduction

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states. DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The operational context in northeastern Nigeria remains challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.

Overall purpose of the role:

This role has a country focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations. The Risk & Compliance Coordinator will ensure DRC Nigeria is aligned with DRC internal policies, donor requirements and local laws. The position will actively promote and support a culture of compliance, risk identification & management across all departments. This includes identifying weaknesses in the application of controls and recommending action to address this situation. This role has a secondary function in investigating Code of Conduct referrals that are addressed to the Country Office functions in Abuja.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities:

• Strengthen, further develop, and ensure implementation of the Risk and Compliance strategy and action plan.
• Develop and implement the various training courses as per the action plan for all full-time, casual, and volunteer staff.
• Work closely with the DRC Head of Support to ensure internal compliancy within HR, Finance and Supply Chain procedures.
• Support Country and Area Office Support Staff, including development of a training and capacity building plan and regular field trips to provide technical support and guidance.
• Work closely with the DRC Head of Programmes to ensure all sector coordinators and/or managers are adequately supported to develop and adapt the country risk and compliance strategy and mainstream it throughout their programmes.
• Working closely with the CD and SMT, ensure internal compliance with the Core Humanitarian Standards and Code of Conduct.

Risk Management:

• Regular risk assessment and provide systematic follow-up guided by DRC’s Risk Management process.
• Develop action plans based on the Risk Mitigation plans agreed by SMT and follow-up on implementation.
• Organize regular training/refreshers on Risk management framework for DRC and Partners to ensure staff awareness.
• Take lead on new staff induction regarding Risk and Compliance processes.
• Conduct internal audits of risk mitigation measures.
• Coordinate Risk Register process with the County SMT, Regional and HQ focal points.
• Prepare briefings for SMT on risks, considering legal opinions, so that they are able to take informed decisions.

Compliance

• In consultation with SMT, develop compliance framework and processes for all business areas as required.
• Ensure systematic vetting process of program and operations from legal Compliance perspective.
• Develop tools and provide training to specific staff with a role in day-to-day compliance.
• Conduct Compliance reviews/audits on a periodic basis in all field offices.
• Assist management to conduct specific non-compliance investigations at CO level.
• Take lead on Compliance section of Result Contract and provide quarterly report/update.
• Establish external resources i.e., Legal consultants, regarding compliance initiatives.

External Representation (Legal Compliance)

• Ensure DRC operations follow the local legislations, advise SMT on any changes in NGO law or risks associated with the operations in due course.
• Act as a focal point to DRC’s legal team regarding areas of legal compliance with staffing, operations, and laws.
• Lead on developing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process of ministerial, state and federal government agencies, as required.
• Ensure timely registration of the DRC projects as required by the current legislation.
• Coordinate and lead the process of the timely submission of the mandatory reports to Government.
• Provide support to teams on field level regarding implementation of local legal compliance requirements.
• Provide accurate and timely feedback to the SMT on any change in government legislation.

Audits

• Work closely with the DRC Head of Support ensure that the workplans, timeframes and support are given to any internal or external audits as required.
• Advise Senior Management on gaps identified thorough any internal and external audit reports.
• Support the DRC archives and ensure that files are received from the area offices and country team and that they are filed and stored appropriately in DRC Nigeria Archives.

Investigation support:

• Support the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist during ongoing investigations as required.
• Conducting internal investigations as investigator under the monitoring of the relevant Regional or HQ authorizing officer (AO) for specific cases requiring Country Office inputs.
• Producing high quality reports on investigation (closure or investigation reports), and advisory reports on gaps, risks and issues identified during specific designated investigations.
• Support the Support the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist by interviewing the Survivor when/if appropriate.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential

• Demonstrate experience with Risk and Compliance or similar in a large or local organization, influencing senior-level management and key stakeholders effectively across the organization and within complex contexts.
• Prior experience in Finance, Grants, Legal Advisory or Government Liaison positions preferred.
• Demonstrate experience with developing and delivering successful training sessions, facilitating meetings.
• Have good oral and written communication skills in English is mandatory.
• Commitment to upholding and modelling DRC’s values and Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrating integrity, diplomacy, professionalism, reliability, and resilience at all times.
• Able to always work professionally and with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Have highly developed critical analysis and reasoning skills.
• Ability to quickly build personal rapport and trust.
• Have interpersonal and intercultural skills and a strong ability to collaborate and network.
• Strong computer skills, facility with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, OneDrive and email software.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience in Nigeria

Education:

• Master’s degree in relevant area

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

Internal

• Country Director
• Risk and Compliance Specialist
• Area Managers
• Head of Sectors
• DRC Nigeria Lawyers

External

• Auditors
• Other relevant stakeholders

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • • Striving for excellence
    • Collaboration
    • Taking the lead
    • Communication
    • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

We offer:

• Contract length: 12 months with the possibility of extension
• Level: G
• Start date: ASAP

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Deadline: Applications close on the 29th of May 2024 at midnight (GMT time).

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk