Job Title: Advisor II, (Risk Management)

Department:  West Africa Regional Office

Reports to:  Deputy Regional Director/Operations

Salary Grade: 10

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary: You will provide technical advice, guidance, support, and oversight with risk management and compliance functions at the regional, country program (CP) and partner levels to ensure compliant and effective delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable within the West Africa Region.  Guided by CRS principles of t stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability, your knowledge, advice and oversight in adhering to CRS and donor requirements will ensure effectiveness of CRS operations.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

Strengthen Risk Management Systems:

• Partner with audit, risk & compliance teams to implement and refine risk management systems, processes, and policies across the region.
• Proactively identify risk issues and challenges, recommending innovative solutions for mitigation.
• Analyze audit results, providing impactful recommendations to prevent/detect operational and compliance risks.
• Review agreements and contracts for adherence to internal policies and donor regulations.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance:

• Translate laws, regulations, and CRS policies into actionable guidance for Country Programs (CPs) and regional leadership.
• Map roles, responsibilities, and accountability within CPs related to compliance requirements.
• Monitor region-wide compliance, identifying and addressing any gaps for enhanced adherence.

Build Capacity and Expertise:

• Design and facilitate training sessions on risk management and compliance for CP staff.
• Collaborate on capacity-building plans for CRS and partner organizations.
• Guide and support CPs in preparing for internal/external audits and addressing findings.
• Lead community of practice for Risk & Compliance Managers in the region.

Integrity and Investigations:

• Lead or coordinate investigations of fraud allegations, making recommendations and managing reports.

Basic Qualifications:  

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in accounting, Business Administration or other relevant Master’s preferred. Chartered accountant, certified internal auditor or certified fraud examiner strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and/or programming. At least 3 of these years entailing audit, compliance or risk management experience.
• Understanding of internal control, risk management and compliance frameworks 

Required Languages – English, French

Travel-  Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 

• Strong relationship management skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and systems thinking skills
• Ability to make sound judgment
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications Thorough knowledge of accounting systems

• Thorough knowledge of data analytics techniques and process performance improvement leading practices.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Strong English writing skills
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Integrity 
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships 
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: Regional Risk and Compliance staff (2 direct reports), dotted line technical oversight of CP level staff (9 staff).

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.