Operations & Compliance Officer

Title:   Operations & Compliance Officer

Reports to:  Country Director

Location:  Ramadi or Baghdad, Iraq

Travel:  30%

About NEF:

For over 100 years, NEF has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently operates in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, and Sudan. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development, Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, and Peacebuilding.

Position Description

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for an Operations & Compliance Officer position to be either based in or with frequent travel to Ramadi, Iraq.  The purpose of the Operations & Compliance Officer position is toensure effective program administration and to support activities related to office administration, operations, logistics, the submission and tracking of vetting requests, and procurement documentation. The Operations & Compliance Officer will work under the leadership of the Country Director and will be expected to coordinate across functional areas (e.g. Finance, Program, Human Resources) in support of the position’s purpose. The Operations & Compliance Officer will be responsible for overseeing procurement and daily compliance with NEF’s policies and procedures, donor regulations, and project compliance requirements. The Operations & Compliance Officer shall also assist the Country Director and HQ-based Compliance and Operations Unit in strengthening standards and procedures for compliance and shall ensure adequate systems are in place to help prevent and detect noncompliance and fraudulent activity. The Operations & Compliance will coordinate closely with the Safety Coordinator on vetting and logistics procedures. She or he may be asked to conduct occasional staff training on compliance.

Responsibilities

Compliance:

• Monitors compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements in all phases of the project.

• Ensures that key processes and systems are in place to manage compliance with NEF policies and procedures and donor regulations.

• Submit to the HQ Ops and Compliance all vetting requests for vendors, partners, and consultants as required by NEF processes and procedures.

• Assists with review of agreements and contracts.

• Coordinates the timely submission of regulatory requests, as needed.

• Maintains proper documentation of all donor agreements, sub-awards, sub-grants, contracts, and related documents.

• Supports the implementation of mitigation strategies and fraud prevention efforts to deter and detect early instances of mismanagement and/or fraud.

• Coordinates across the country operation for internal and external audits and compliance reviews.

• Monitors compliance of sub-awardees, sub-contractors, and Siraj Centers and guides on compliance-related matters as needed.

Procurement:

• Ensure compliance with NEF procurement procedures, donor requirements, and applicable regulatory compliance.
• Carry out procurement of goods and services as needed following NEF’s guidelines.
• Oversee the administration of program files and relevant documents, including the filing of documents, physically and electronically.
• Register and track all incoming and outgoing physical correspondence.

Inventory:

• Implement and manage inventory control process per Near East Foundation and donor requirements.

Logistics:

• Provide logistical support to all NEF offices in Iraq.
• Manage vehicles rental contracts.
• Coordinate with authorities for access letters, renewal of documents, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining office equipment, furniture & fixtures, and utilities.

Any other related task assigned by the management.

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in relevant business field is desired;
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience coordinating donor-funded grants programs and procurement;
• Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis;
• High computer skills on MS Office programs, especially in MS Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills; and
• Fluency in English both written and verbal.

Position Criteria

• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively across a wide variety of cultural contexts;
• Effective team player, able to develop and maintain effective working relationships;
• A demonstrated ability to multi-task;
• A clear understanding of grant and procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential;
• Flexible, creative, and problem-solving oriented.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  A first review of applications will begin on October 27, 2022.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and skills based on the requirements outlined above;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.