The Senior Risk and Compliance Specialist (SRCS) is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) with a pivotal role in ensuring the Country Office (CO's) adherence to organisational policies and procedures, local laws, and donor regulations and mitigating risks associated with program implementation. S/he focuses on proactive risk identification, mitigation, and capacity building to foster optimal compliance across all projects and operations. The SRCS collaborates closely with program teams, finance, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen systems and processes, thereby safeguarding the organisation's reputation and enhancing operational excellence and program effectiveness. S/he acts as principal advisor to Senior Management on risk management and compliance matters. 

The Senior Risk and Compliance Specialist (SRCS) will report directly to the Country Director and will be stationed in Accra, Greater Accra Region.

• Conduct, in coordination with program teams, finance, and other relevant stakeholders, comprehensive risk assessments across CARE Ghana's programs, operations, and partnerships to identify potential compliance vulnerabilities, and maintain the CO risk register.
• Analyze existing policies, procedures, and practices to pinpoint areas of weakness or exposure to risks.
• Coordinate multidimensional (programs, finance, operations, etc.) due diligence assessments of funding partners.
• Stay updated on relevant donor regulations, local laws, and industry best practices to inform risk management strategies.

• Act as the focal person for internal and external audits/reviews of CO programs and operations and for the coordination of fraud investigations with CARE global audit and investigation teams, as well as external auditors or other oversight bodies.
• Support the CO’s initial response to allegations of fraud and conduct investigations when required.
• Advise and coordinate management responses to audit and investigation reports and ensure timely submission to auditors and investigators.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of recommendations and corrective measures in response to audit / investigation findings and provide regular status updates to senior management and the designated focal persons of relevant oversight bodies.

• Develop and implement proactive measures to mitigate identified risks, including but not limited to fraud, financial mismanagement, and non-compliance with donor requirements.
• Design, enhance and enforce robust internal controls and compliance protocols to prevent risks before they occur.
• Provide guidance and support to program teams in implementing risk mitigation strategies effectively.
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of compliance measures and risk management strategies.
• Regularly review and assess the effectiveness of controls and interventions, adjusting as necessary to enhance compliance and mitigate risks.
• Monitor the implementation of recommendations and provides regular updates to senior management, RMU and HQ.

• Serve as the focal point for interpreting and applying donor regulations and requirements across CARE Ghana's program portfolio, seeking additional guidance from relevant units in RMU, HQ and CMPs when necessary.
• Ensure alignment between organisational and donor compliance requirements and flag areas of misalignment or conflict with recommendations for resolution.
• Assess funding and operational scenarios to provide technical and managerial advice in managing donor compliance requirements for effective proposal design and award delivery.
• Contribute guidance for and monitor KPIs for the timely and accurate reporting to donors, including financial, programmatic, and compliance-related reports.

• Foster strong relationships with donors, partners, and relevant government agencies to promote transparency, collaboration, and adherence to compliance standards.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for staff and partners on compliance-related topics, including donor regulations, financial management, and risk mitigation.
• Work closely with program managers and finance staff to build their capacity in understanding and managing compliance risks within their respective areas.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to strengthen compliance culture within the organization.
• Represent CARE Ghana in external forums and networks related to compliance and risk management, sharing and applying best practices and lessons learned.

• Promote awareness and compliance with all of CARE’s relevant polices and guidelines including the safeguarding policy and safeguarding code of conduct, the policy on prevention of and response to fraud and corruption, etc., among staff and partners.
• Uphold and promote adherence to organisational and sector-wide ethical standards and principles – Do No Harm, Safer Programming, etc. 
• Stay informed about and adhere to donor-specific ethical guidelines and regulations, ensuring that all reporting and documentation meet the required ethical standards.
• Monitor and address any ethical concerns or violations promptly according to established protocols.
• Carry out other duties as assigned