Internal Control and Compliance Officer

Role Purpose

The Internal Control and Compliance Officer will support the Internal Controls and Compliance Manager in ensuring adherence to all Save the Children policies, procedures, donor regulations, and local laws. This involves assisting in the assessment of the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes within SCI Sierra Leone. The role includes reviewing, documenting, and evaluating financial and operational controls across the organization's programs, administrative functions, and project activities. A key aspect of this position is investigating allegations of fraud, corruption, or misconduct, conducting regular checks, reviewing processes and management practices, and analyzing records and reports to ensure internal controls are adequate and effective in preventing non-compliance with SCI policies, donor requirements, and local laws. The officer will also perform various administrative duties as assigned by the manager. In humanitarian emergencies, the role holder may be required to work outside their standard duties and adjust working hours.

Scope Of Role

This position reports directly to the Internal Controls and Compliance Manager. There are no direct staff reporting to this post. The role involves close collaboration with the IC&C Manager, Finance department, and various staff across the organization, requiring the establishment of a network of key contacts and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Key Areas Of Accountability

• Conduct regular reviews of financial, Supply Chain, HR, Administrative, and program operation transactions and implementation on a sample basis, verifying that supporting documentation aligns with Save the Children policies, procedures, grant agreements, and donor regulations.
• Assist in diligently investigating all approved fraud, corrupt practices, or misconduct cases assigned by management, ensuring thorough documentation of evidence and reporting in line with SCI standards.
• Support spot checks on compliance with donor requirements across finance, human resources, administration, awards, procurement, logistics, operations, and program activities, documentation, and reporting, as per the internal control and compliance risk-based annual work plan.
• Undertake administrative and operational tasks as delegated by the IC&C Manager.
• Collaborate with the program development unit to enhance risk awareness and foster a responsive culture in the design and development of high-risk awards, and to improve compliance culture for existing awards.
• Assist the IC&C Manager in preparing audit reports for submission to the Head of the Internal Control and Compliance unit.
• Support the IC&C Manager in planning and conducting audits, and follow up with action owners on all internal and external audit action plans, providing periodic updates on progress.
• Perform internal control compliance reviews for field office activities, including cash and advance management, supply chain, procurement, logistics, asset management, program management, documentation, reporting, data quality assurance (MEAL), stock management, beneficiary and vendor management, and partnership management on a sample basis, in accordance with the annual ICC work plan. Coordinate with relevant departments to develop actionable recommendations for identified weaknesses.
• Work with the IC&C Manager to highlight significant internal control weaknesses to country management, proposing actionable recommendations to strengthen controls and monitoring compliance with approved reinforcing controls.
• Support the IC&C Manager in conducting field office reviews as assigned.
• Track and manage the aging of all findings according to agreed implementation timelines, and follow up to confirm the completion of actions.
• Maintain professional and objective working relationships with all SCI stakeholders, including staff, vendors, auditors, and implementing partners, through effective communication.
• Deliver training sessions to reinforce awareness and prevention of internal controls, risk mitigation, fraud, bribery, corruption, anti-terrorism financing, and aid diversion policies.
• Perform any other duties related to internal control and compliance as delegated by management at both Field and Country Office levels.

Behaviours (Values in Practice)

Accountability: Take ownership of decisions, manage resources efficiently, achieve goals, and model Save the Children values. Hold the team and partners accountable for their responsibilities, empowering them while applying appropriate consequences for unmet results.

Ambition: Set ambitious goals for oneself and the team, take responsibility for personal development, and encourage team development. Share a clear vision for Save the Children, motivating others, and thinking strategically on a global scale.

Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with team members, colleagues, Members, and external partners. Value diversity as a strength and be approachable, a good listener, and easy to communicate with.

Creativity: Develop and encourage innovative solutions, taking calculated risks.

Integrity: Be honest, promote openness and transparency, and demonstrate the highest levels of integrity.

Additional Job Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties within the scope of their skills and experience.

About Us

Save the Children is a leading global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. We employ approximately 25,000 people across more than 100 countries, working to provide children affected by crises with better healthcare, education, and protection. We also advocate for children's rights at the highest levels. Our mission is to achieve three critical breakthroughs by 2030: ensuring no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, guaranteeing all children receive a quality basic education, and ending all forms of violence against children. We believe that great people are the foundation of a great organization, and our employees are vital to achieving our ambitions for children. We offer a meaningful and rewarding career in a collaborative and inclusive environment that values ambition, creativity, and integrity.

Child Safeguarding

This position is classified as Level 3, requiring frequent or intensive contact with children and access to their personal data. This may involve working in field office programs, visiting country programs, or being responsible for the police checking/vetting process for staff.

Equal Opportunities

All duties must be carried out in accordance with SCI's Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Health and Safety

All duties must be carried out in accordance with SCI's Health and Safety policies and procedures.