Regional Compliance Officer

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya

The Regional Compliance Officer (RCO) will support the Finance and Operations Leadership for Africa by monitoring country program implementation of operational policies and procedures, including finance, grants management, human resources, and other operational functions performed in the Africa country program offices. The RCO will perform systematic sampling and testing of financial and operational activity for compliance with Conservation International’s internal policies/procedures and external requirements. The RCO will also work under the guidance of the Deputy Director ERM to implement CI’s Risk-based Approach, including a plan to monitor the operations of the region, designed to identify potential chances/incidents of non-compliance and fraud.

The position is based at any of our African country offices, reporting to the Finance and Operations Senior Director. The RCO will also work very closely with the appropriate staff in the finance, Grants & Contracts, HR, and Global Administration divisions to facilitate consistent application of policies and procedures globally and disseminate lessons learned.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Monitoring

• Perform a combination of random and targeted sampling protocols to review the accuracy, legitimacy and compliance of financial activity throughout the division. Test transactions and support documentation across several protocols, including the review of original (or scanned) source documentation. Maintain complete and accurate work papers that will be reviewed by the internal and external auditors.
• Perform detailed review of monthly accounting schedules and reconciliations prepared by each country office for completeness, timeliness and accuracy. Advise the Sub-Regional Operations leads, internal auditor and Director of Field Accounting of any irregularities.

Operations Monitoring

• Perform a combination of random and targeted sampling protocols to review the accuracy, legitimacy and compliance of operational activity throughout the division, including Human Resources, procurement/preferred vendors, fixed assets & equipment, and safety & security. Test the transactions and support documentation across several protocols including the review of original (or scanned) source documentation. Maintain complete and accurate work papers that will be reviewed by the internal and external auditors.

Grants Management Monitoring

• Perform a combination of random and targeted sampling protocols to review the accuracy, legitimacy and compliance of grant-making operations activity throughout the division. Test the transactions and support documentation across several protocols including the review of original (or scanned) source documentation. Maintain complete and accurate work papers that will be reviewed by the internal and external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with CI’s Grants and Contracts policies and procedures.

Internal audit support and Project/Donor assessment

• Work with Risk and Internal Audit departments to facilitate resolution of internal audit findings.
• Work with Risk Management, Internal Audit, US Finance, Grants Management and HR teams to develop capacity building tools and training modules for compliance and management training.
• Liaise with the Risk Management, Internal Audit, US Finance, Grants Management and HR teams as required to ensure implementation of best practices and changes to CI’s policy environment. Work with the Risk & Internal Audit departments to identify compliance vulnerability and risk and proactively develop corrective measures.
• Assist with internal compliance investigations as requested.

Training & Assurance

• Support institutional training efforts related to compliance & policy implementation.
• Support compliance and assurance efforts both globally and within the country programs.
• Support Sub-Regional Operations leads by performing a mentor/guide role to the country programs within the division to ensure compliance with donor policies and local HR/Finance/Operations policies.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• This position does not manage staff, an operating budget, or public or private funds. Typically assists peers, temporary employees, contractors, or volunteers.

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• May need to work beyond normal work hours to meet reporting deadlines.
• May travel to projects sites from time to time, within and outside of Kenya.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

In-depth understanding of the field's concepts and principles. Performs complex tasks and has some latitude for determining appropriate processes to follow.  Ability to foster teamwork. Management skills. Written communication skills. Ability to identify and seek needed information/research skills. Analytical thinking skills. Detail-oriented. Ability to meet deadlines. Mathematical skills. Accounting skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. 
• 4 to 6 years of progressive experience in operations management (finance, HR, administration, donor compliance), four of which performing audits of nonprofit organizations, preferably in both a public accounting and internal audit context or 4-years in nonprofit accounting.
• 2 years of experience in Risk-based Approach to financial audit.
• Demonstrated understanding of compliance requirements of bilateral and/or multilateral funding sources, including USAID, World Bank, GEF/GCF, European Union, etc.
• Understanding of risks and related relevant controls in the grant cycle,e including program, financial and procurement cycles.
• Ability to present, discuss, and report on compliance with financial, grants management and donor management team members of varying levels.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective document and support files for accountability and audit purposes.
• Experience managing financial reporting under local regulatory frameworks in the Africa Region.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to identify operational challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to foster teamwork in cross-functional and multi-cultural environments.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills, with experience building a culture of high-performance.
• Previous experience in international nonprofit operations is essential.

Additional Qualifications

• Professional skepticism
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel and data analytical skills
• Forensic audit qualifications will be an added advantage  

Preferred

• Postgraduate studies or certification (CPA, ACCA, MBA) is an advantage.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: July 14, 2025  (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.