Risk and Legal Compliance Coordinator – Plan International Ethiopia
Legal
Plan International Ethiopia
Founded over 80 years ago, Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters, and partners. Headquartered in the UK, Plan International works in a total of 75 countries in AFRICA, ASIA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, and the NORTH AMERICANS
By actively involving children, and working at the grassroots with no religious, political, or governmental affiliation, Plan International unites and inspires people around the globe to transform the world and make positive lasting changes in children’s lives.
Plan International’s first operation in Ethiopia started in Lalibela, in November 1974 and is currently implementing its program in Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz, Afar, Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR, and Addis Ababa City Administration. Plan International Ethiopia will also continue low presence in Somali and Tigray. Furthermore, if there is a national-level emergency crisis in the country Plan International Ethiopia will respond quickly, effectively, and at a significant scale, even in areas where we are not present.
The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
ROLE PURPOSE
The position holder will be responsible to support Risk, Audit and Compliance Manager for the implementation of the department’s strategic plan by providing assurance of risk management and legal compliance in delivering country operations through developing and ensuring effective and efficient systems, internal controls, policies and procedures are in place and at all times implemented correctly.
The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of quality, risk, regulatory and compliance support activities to ensure a high standard of compliance. Ensure staffing framework compliance with local labour law requirements, based on analysis of the local labour law with the existing legal documents (internal regulations, labour contracts, of protocol agreements, management notes) He/she will also provide legal support to the team as and when required.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES
Accountabilities and MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES
General
- Provides support, guidance and advice in the day-to-day coordination of PIE programmes in-country, in accordance with Plan International Ethiopia Policy and in accordance to the country law and context
Risk Management System / Risk Registers
- Have an up to date overview of possible litigation, with a risk analysis and legal advice to the organization
- Monitor the progress of tasks assigned on a timely basis and recommends to his supervisor if further action needs to take place
- Support the identification and classification of risks to the country operation, the documentation of these, and the determination of appropriate actions to appropriately manage/mitigate such risks. This includes the timely and periodic completion of the Country Office and Program Area risk registers.
- Follow up continuously the progress made towards agreed risk management/ mitigation actions, such that remedial actions can be taken in a timely way and when necessary.
- Ensure training and support of staff in the development of key legal compliance standards and to strengthen risk management.
- Conduct partner risk assessments based on due diligence reports, volume of funds, and other criteria set by his/her supervisor so as to identify possible key risks that might affect PIE’s operations with partners.
- Review selected partner organizations to ensure that they are operating in conformity with the partnership agreement entered into with PIE.
Legal Compliance
- Prepare a master list of all required compliances to internal policies and procedures, external compliances to donors and government, ensure that Plan Ethiopia fully meets all the required compliances, monitor irregularly and review its adequacy and effectiveness.
- Provide information on enquiries about different types of laws/proclamation (labour, tax, contract etc) in consultation with the legal adviser
- Follow up all the legal issues on behalf of PIE with the legal adviser
- Actively involved in the implementation of actions on fraud and corruption cases, following up on legal proceedings in the interest of the organization
- Review compliance with established key controls in all areas of business including program, finance, sponsorship, resource acquisition and grant management, human resources, IT, partnerships, logistics, and in any other area of business as relevant.
- Prepare and submit a monthly report to Risk, Audit and Compliance Manager with regard to progress against agreed plan.
- Based on approved annual plan and the direction given from his/her supervisor, conduct legal compliance risk assessments of all Departments, PAs and PIE Implementing Partners every year. Prepare a clear report with action plans and share with his/her supervisor. Monitor the progress against the action plan to address all legal compliance actions.
- Prepare and regularly update the Master list of legal compliance actions, follow up with all action owners on regular basis, update the progress on actions and share it on monthly basis to his/her supervisor.
- Reviews compliance with the key controls contained in the HR manual of PIE regarding: Completeness of employment process of new staff, contract extensions and the like.
- Review deduction, declaration and payment of all obligations including taxes and pension contributions as per the relevant law and policies of PIE.
- In consultation with his/her supervisor and legal adviser, provide legal advice for CMT for work related areas;
- Ensure compliance with legislation, vendor contracts, policies, procedures, and standards of conduct;
- Review and give advice on internal governance policies and regularly monitor compliance
- Review, evaluate and advise on different risk factors regarding business decisions and operations;
- Provide advice to PIE on effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advice on possible/emerging legal issues.
- Draft, review and solidify agreements, contracts and other documents to ensure PIE Ethiopia’s full legal rights and to ensure PIE’s compliance with Ethiopian Laws and to ensure that the provisions stated in these documents are to the best interest of PIE;
- Provide clarification on legal language or specifications to PIE management
- Keeping up with current changes on all relevant areas of laws and contributing to the enhancement of the knowledge base of the organization’s legal function
- Research and evaluate different risk factors regarding business decisions and operations related with legal issues
- Support in conducting investigations when assigned by his supervisor
- Support the Risk Audit and Compliance Manager in other roles as may be assigned
- Consult with the legal adviser as and when required
Capacity Development and Anti-Fraud Awareness:
- Assist Risk, Audit and Compliance Manager for the implementation of capacity development plan and create an environment of organization wide experience sharing and promote best practices in relation to legal compliance and risk management
- Support and facilitate continuous reflection and learning with regard to the legal compliance framework, as a means towards continuous refinement and enhancement.
- Support and Monitor the implementation of the Anti-Fraud Policy anchored on zero tolerance to fraud.
- Conduct Ad Hoc and investigative assignments where required in line with the stipulated methodology and Counter Fraud Unit timelines.
Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)
- Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
- Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.
- Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.
Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications/ experience essential:
- Degree /Masters in Law (LLB/LLM)
-
3-5 years’ experience/practice as a Lawyer
- Essential, good understanding of the functioning of the different Government bodies
Qualifications/ experience desirable
- Having an accounting degree or diploma is desirable
Languages:
- Fluency in English language is essential
- Knowledge of any Local langue
Knowledge and Competency:
- Computer proficiency in MS Excel and Word
- Good analytical skills, at ease with figures and economics data
- Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, including writing skills
- People Management and Development
- Commitment to PIE Values
- Behavioral Flexibility
- Results and Quality Orientation
- Teamwork and Cooperation