Audit, Risk, Compliance (ARC) & Safeguarding Head of Department

Company Overview
Action Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization committed to ending world hunger. For almost 45 years, across countries, we have been working to fight undernutrition and support communities affected by crisis across the globe.

We carry out innovative, lifesaving programs in Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Food Security and Livelihoods, and Social Protection.

Action Against Hunger began operations in Nigeria in 2010 in response to the high rate of chronic malnutrition in Northern Nigeria, focusing on integrated programming. Action Against Hunger currently implements multi-sectoral humanitarian and development interventions in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria, funded by AFD, EU/ECHO, French Government, GAC, SIDA, US Government, and GIZ.

Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF Nigeria) Ltd/Gte is currently recruiting an Audit, Risk, Compliance (ARC) and Safeguarding Head of Department (HoD) based in Abuja. The HoD will ensure the overall supervision and development of the local Audit, Risk and Compliance function (risk management, external & internal audits, fraud & safeguarding management). The role will also contribute to the overall improvement of internal control and risk mitigation and safeguarding systems in the country office, within the framework of the policies and tools defined within the ARC business line.

Position Details

Reporting to: Country Director

Proposed start date: October 2026

Work location: Abuja, FCT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission 1: Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the risk management activities

• Implement the risk management framework within the Country Office, provided by HQ, integrating risk management into its planning processes and core processes and activities
• Ensure risk management assessment is embedded in planning and decision making through monitoring of key risks, and regular updating of the Country Office Risk Register, including progress towards implementing the risk mitigation actions.
• Lead the annual risk mapping assessment exercise and advise SMT on strategic risk mitigation priorities.
• Present quarterly risk and compliance dashboard to SMT.
• Implement available risk management tools and processes, provided by HQ, in compliance with ACF Risk Management and Safeguarding Policies.
• Disseminate the risk management tools and processes internally for operationalising the risk management activities and contribute to corporate learning.
• Ensure risk assessment is embedded in planning and decision making through monitoring of key risks, and regular updating of the CO Risk Register, including progress towards implementing the risk mitigation actions.
• Facilitate periodic and ad hoc risk assessments to:
• Identify and analyse risks in the Country Office, in compliance with the ACF standard tools (by means of the outcomes of internal & external audits, spot checks, risk reported by staff as per standardised reporting mechanism such as frauds and other risk events, etc.).
• Evaluate effectiveness of the existing measures and internal controls.
• Recommend appropriate actions and recommendations to the relevant units and departments.
• Review and challenge risk management effectiveness.
• Maintain and update the Risk Register at regular intervals.
• Provide advice and reporting to CO management (SMT), staff and ARC Department at HQ on risk & compliance issues.
• Advise and challenge Support managers in analysing, preparing and sharing risk information with external stakeholders.

Mission 2: Coordinate & facilitate the implementation of the donors’ and governmental audits answers to external audits (from donors, external counterparts and government, if applicable)

• In close cooperation with processes and risks owners, ensure the integration of donor rules into the internal control system.
• Facilitate donor’s and governmental audits, various kinds of audit (donors, external & governmental) in HQ and in country level based on assignment from functional line manager (ARC HQ). In this respect: Liaise with the different departments involved in the audits; coordinate the reception of the supporting documents and their review; play a role of focal point with the auditors;
• Liaise with External Audit Unit in HQ to coordinate donors’ audits and ensure smooth and coordinated answers consistent with the institutional framework.
• Implement and update a systematic follow up on recommendations from external audits and provide give technical support to indications to various departments for implementing these recommendations, mitigating audit findings and future risks.
• Share summary audit findings with the External Audit Unit in HQ functional manager (ARC HQ), in the country office coordination meeting and in base managers meeting.
• Ensure the filing and archiving of all audit’s external reports.
• Follow up the actions to complete and promptly address the audits findings, and ensure internal control systems are strengthened to avoid similar identified risks in the future

Mission 3: Coordinate & Implement the Internal Audit and Internal Control Activities

• Establish a provisional yearly internal audit plan in compliance with the ACF methodology and ensure this audit plan is validated by CD and Internal audit unit in HQ.
• Implement internal audit missions in the Country office, in compliance with the prescriptions of the Internal Audit Charter and the methodology defined by ARC in HQ, to provide reasonable assurance on the quality of the internal control system of the Country Office.
• During internal audit missions, create a smooth working environment, ensure constructive cooperation & communication with the auditees, so to guarantee the added value of the internal audit missions.
• Implement a systematic and timely follow up on recommendations from internal audits and provide technical support to various departments for implementing these recommendations, mitigating audit findings and future risks.
• Be the main focal point for HQ internal audits, in case of need.
• Participate in working groups at the national level to exchange on audit and internal control systems.
• If needed, perform regular spot checks on processes and/or departments as per risks identified.
• Provide the support needed to Heads of Departments and Field Coordinators to ensure compliance with procedures and internal control framework.
• Participate in the evaluation committee for major procurement files, if deemed necessary.
• If deemed needed participate into the management of partners:

1. Participate in the launch of new partner diagnostics in cooperation with Supports’ Head of Departments (risk and compliance component of partner due diligence and capacity assessment);
2. Implement the partner diagnosis in terms of governance, internal control, fraud and complaint management;
3. Participate in monitoring the implementation of the partner strengthening plan;
4. Manage the partner's files: archiving of documents and compilation of various feedback on agreements;
5. Participate in the capitalization of the partnership experience;

Mission 4: Lead and support the prevention and management of fraud and corruption situations

• Ensure efficient implementation of the Fraud and Safeguarding Policies in the Country Office and promote compliance with ACF zero tolerance policy, in cooperation with functional supervisor (ARC HQ).
• Identify risks of fraud and safeguarding in the Country Office and provide support to ensure that preventive mitigation measures are put in place. Contribute to sensitize teams and all relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners…) on the risks of fraud and safeguarding (training, awareness sessions, communication tools…)
• As member of the mission alert committee for the investigation and management of fraud and safeguarding, actively attend meetings, take minutes and ensure follow up on actions points from the Committee’s regular meetings
• Alert the Country Director and the Alert Committee in case of fraud suspicions.
• Provide support to the Country Director and the Alert Committee to ensure the implementation and adherence of a fraud, and/or abuse reporting system.
• Actively participate in the development and adherence of a complaint reporting system.
• In discussion with CD and HQ, attend the regular alert committee meeting and make arrangement for relevant investigation committee to review and investigate cases as they emerge, for any fraud or safeguarding suspicions and alert.
• Report to HQ on potential and proven fraud and safeguarding cases, in compliance with the relevant tools (R1, R2 reports…).
• Maintain and monitor fraud reporting email address.
• Prepare terms of reference (TOR) for Fraud investigations and onboard designated investigations and Disciplinary committees
• Prepare the reports related to fraud, safeguarding and other investigations, with support from the Alert Committee and the HQ Fraud and Safeguarding Unit.
• Maintain a monthly update of the corresponding database and provide it to HQ or regular basis.

Mission 6: Lead the Safeguarding policy implementation at country level and ensure strong alert management process of Safeguarding concerns

• Lead the deployment of the Safeguarding policy as per HQ guidelines and ensure a strategic and coherent organizational approach.
• Ensure that mandatory Safeguarding tools (risk register, RACI matrix, legal analysis, action plan and self-assessment) are kept up to date regularly.
• Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of partners and suppliers in relation to the safeguarding component.
• Contributes to discussions with donors on safeguarding issues.
• Ensure the monitoring of the Safeguarding implementation through the country office action plan follow up, internal controls, and any other measures that may be necessary.
• Provide adequate support and contribute to the training and awareness raising sessions for staff, associated personnel, partners and suppliers.
• As a member of the alert management committee, participate in the management of Safeguarding concerns (including sexual exploitation and abuse allegations) and ensure that the alert management process and investigations are implemented in accordance with the organization’s rules and best practices.
• Ensure a survivor centered approach to the management of Safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure the highest confidentiality and discretion are maintained in Safeguarding concerns management, with supporting documents and files well and safely archived at all times and accordance to the standards principles and best practices

Mission 7: Overall management of the country office ARC (Audit, Risk & Compliance) and Safeguarding function

• Develop and/or contribute to the development of SOPs for managing the risk and compliance processes, procedures and regulations in coordination with ARC in HQ.

• Evaluate the performance and develop the skills of his/her team members.

• Provide adequate technical support and to the team (including team management, supervision, guidance, follow-up, motivation…)

• Ensure maintenance of up to date and comprehensive files for all of the country office’s ARC and Safeguarding function.

• Respond timely to HQ queries related to audits, risks & compliance and Safeguarding.

• Contributes, as needed, to the preparation of wider mission level reports, on the aspects related to audit, risk, compliance and Safeguarding.

• Ensure efficient use of resources allocated to ARC and Safeguarding activities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in and represent the country office’s ARC and Safeguarding function as needed and requested from the line managers and HQ.
• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
• Maintenance of high technical standards.
• Conduct all duties in a professional manner following ACF Nigeria mission staff regulations, ACF mandate and charter including promotion of gender equality.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in accounting, Auditing, Risk Management, Law, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CIA, ACCA, CPA, CIPFA, CRMA, CISA) and specialized training in donor compliance, grants management, fraud risk, or governance are an asset.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in risk management, audit, compliance, and donor-funded programs within international humanitarian, development, or related organizations.
• Strong knowledge of donor regulations, grant management, budgeting, agreements, and project management cycles/tools.
• Experience working with international partners and across diverse program sectors.
• Excellent analytical, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Windows-based applications.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, building effective relationships and contributing to team objectives.

At Action Against Hunger, we foster a work culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive

Application Deadline:
Thursday, 17 September, 2026 at 05:00 pm (Nigerian Time)

Important Notice:
Action Against Hunger does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process – this includes application, interview, or processing fees.

Our Commitment:
We are dedicated to preventing all forms of unwanted behaviour in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct. We are equally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and adults. We prioritize hiring individuals who embody and uphold our core values.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Action Against Hunger is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Process:
All shortlisted candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks, and are expected to adhere to organizational standards and principles.

Employee Benefits Include (bot are not limited to):

• 100% health care coverage
• Free and direct access to Talent Soft e-learning platform
• Maternity or Paternity leave
• Compassionate leave for a hospitalized child
• Creche facilities for babies

Application Instructions:
All applicants MUST answer every question in the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.