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.

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The Managing Director, Finance and Operations – Africa is a senior leader responsible for the strategic financial and operational management of Conservation International’s Africa Field Management Unit (FMU). The role ensures financial integrity, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance across all country programs and sub-regions. The position provides strategic guidance to finance, accounting, grants and contracts, operations, and compliance teams, including oversight of three direct reports and sub-regional finance leads across Africa. This role is a critical enabler of effective program delivery and sustainable growth, and collaborates closely with global colleagues and HQ staff to deliver CI’s mission

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Act as a senior advisor to the Africa Chief Field Officer, Vice President – Africa, and sub-regional leadership on financial strategy, institutional health, and investment planning.
• Enable data-driven and informed decision-making by leading the development and integration of division-wide financial analytics, performance metrics, and scenario planning.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications, to champion long-range financial planning that aligns funding models with strategic priorities.
• Lead cost-benefit analyses and high-level financial modeling to anticipate funding shortfalls and develop contingency plans.

Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Reporting

• Oversee the development and delivery of internal and external financial reports and dashboards.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting, including variance analysis and insights to inform course corrections.
• Lead division-wide budgeting and multi-year financial planning processes, including integration with major revenue proposals.
• Oversee grants administration and donor reporting, ensuring robust compliance with donor agreements and CI policies.

Operational Effectiveness and Business Planning

• Drive division-wide operational planning and annual workplan consolidation to align with financial and strategic priorities.
• Gather, analyze, and report division performance metrics and lead efforts to improve operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with leadership to align division outcomes with CI’s organizational strategy and results frameworks.
• Support the deployment and effective use of CI systems and tools, ensuring staff have the capabilities and access required.

Donor Engagement and Resource Mobilization

• Partner with development teams to support financial inputs into fundraising strategies, donor proposals, and financial sustainability models.
• Oversee financial compliance and risk mitigation related to grant-funded activities, including proactive identification of financial vulnerabilities.

Risk Management, Audit, and Compliance

• Lead financial risk assessments, audit preparedness, and enterprise-level compliance initiatives across the Africa portfolio.
• Identify and escalate areas of high financial, legal, or operational risk and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure consistent application of CI’s policies, internal controls, and donor compliance protocols.

Systems Strengthening and Innovation

• Drive continuous improvement of financial and operational systems through digital transformation, ERP optimization, and process redesign.
• Roll out standardized tools and strengthen the use of data for predictive analytics and decision-making across programs.

Leadership and Capacity Building

• Build and lead a geographically distributed team of finance and operations professionals.
• Promote a culture of performance, accountability, service orientation, and learning.
• Serve as a visible and trusted subject matter expert on financial and operational matters within the FMU and with external stakeholders

Additional Responsibilities

• Align finance and operations functions with internal client service expectations and CI’s strategic objectives.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, and maintain key partnerships across CI divisions.
• Support programmatic and systems rollouts, providing strategic guidance on financial and operational integration.
• Serve as a change leader to drive adaptation, innovation, and alignment with CI’s evolving global strategy.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• Manage a large, geographically distributed team through three direct reports and functional leads in finance, grants and contracts, operations, and compliance.
• Accountable for major and complex budgets, including oversight of donor-funded projects.
• Lead hiring, performance management, and succession planning for finance and operations staff.
• Ensure that donor resources are used in full compliance with donor agreements and CI’s fiduciary responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Chartered accountant accreditation (e.g., CPA, ACCA, ICAN).
• 7 or more years of experience in senior financial leadership, with a track record of managing complex donor-funded programs in Africa.
• 2 or more years leading finance and operations teams in INGOs or multinational organizations.
• Strategic financial leadership and enterprise planning
• Strong business acumen and operational problem-solving skills
• High ethical standards and sound judgment
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and systems transformation
• Advanced analytical and forecasting capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Fluent in the use of ERP systems and digital finance tools
• Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, high-stakes environments

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Experience working across African countries and regions.
• Fluency in French, Portuguese, or other major African languages.
• Deep alignment with and passion for CI’s mission and conservation objectives.

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