Accountability & Compliance Investigations Specialist

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Accounting, Finance, Auditing, or a similar discipline. Professional certifications such as CPA, CA, CIA, or CFE are mandatory. Practical experience in complex operational environments, especially within Eastern Africa, is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead thematic or comprehensive accountability audits emphasizing community engagement, decision-making processes, resource allocation beyond financial aspects, and compliance with commitments.
• Translate audit results to inform leadership decisions and corrective measures.
• Conduct ongoing risk evaluations to identify potential vulnerabilities and emerging issues related to accountability and organizational integrity.
• Provide timely advisory services to field offices and program teams to establish or enhance accountability systems.
• Maintain the Risk and Compliance Register, monitor deviations from policies, protocols, and donor agreements.
• Generate Compliance Gap Reports detailing findings and recommended corrective actions, ensuring follow-up and escalation of overdue high-risk issues.
• Perform periodic compliance reviews across departments including alignment with Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Data Protection, and Human Resources.
• Define clear referral pathways distinguishing safeguarding issues from integrity or fraud concerns.
• Support impartial investigations on allegations of fraud, corruption, and protocol breaches, including collaboration with forensic and legal experts.
• Coordinate confidentiality and case management standards within investigations.
• Offer technical guidance in the design and monitoring of Feedback and Response Mechanisms (FRMs), ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Analyze FRM data to detect systemic patterns, enhancing organizational learning.
• Contribute data insights for internal dashboards and annual accountability reporting.
• Assist in creating and delivering training programs on accountability principles, FRM management, and whistleblower protections, including scalable e-learning solutions.

Additional Information

This role involves close collaboration with multiple departments to ensure compliance and quality assurance in all accountability processes. The specialist will play an essential role in reinforcing integrity frameworks within the organization and supporting capacity building efforts.