Compliance and Audit Manager at MEBS Global Nigeria

MEBS Global provides a variety of in-country support and local assistance as well as cargo transportation and logistics management services with primary focus in emerging markets and conflict, post conflict environments in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MEBS Global maintains 12 offices in 11 countries including 2 offices in Nigeria.

MEBS Global has been awarded the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) on behalf of the Government of Nigeria (GoN), building on previous efforts to enhance its visibility and involvement in warehousing and distribution operations. MEBS is expected to manage the warehousing and distribution of malaria commodities in the 13 Global Fund supported states.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Compliance and Audit Manager

Location: Abuja (FCT)

Job Description

• The Compliance and Audit Manager will oversee all compliance and audit-related activities within the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provision for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) on behalf of the Government of Nigeria (GoN).
• This individual will ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements, internal policies, and contractual obligations, specifically focusing on The Global Fund's financial controls, audit procedures, compliance standards, and LFA (Local Fund Agent) audit requirements.
• The Compliance and Audit Manager will focus on creating and enforcing company policies and procedures that are in line with regulatory and ethical standards.
• S/He and his team will conduct internal audits to assess compliance with established processes and standards and identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• The role will become a member of MEBS Global Legal and Compliance team and will have a focus on compliance assurance audit work.
• The Compliance and Audit Manager shall report directly to the Project Director (and when delegated by the Project Director, to the Deputy Project Director) and the Project Management Unit (PMU).
• S/he shall also work closely with the US and Nigeria Support Units for Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7).

Responsibilities
Compliance & Audit:

• Monitor Changes in Regulations: Stay informed about changes in laws, company relevant regulations, and industry standards that may impact the organization.
• Conduct Regulatory Impact Assessments: Analyze the potential impact of new or revised regulations on the organization.
• Create and update policies and procedures to ensure alignment with applicable regulations. Conduct periodic companywide policy review to reflect current best practices and process change.
• Establish processes for the creation, review, approval, and distribution of compliance-related documents.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify areas of non-compliance or potential risks.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified compliance risks.
• Recommend and implement corrective actions to address identified compliance issues.
• Perform due diligence on potential business partners to assess their compliance practices.
• Conduct investigations into potential compliance violations or incidents.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations.
• Implement measures to protect sensitive and personal information.
• Undertake pre-audit research and collate data to prepare for audits and identify areas of interest. Conduct periodic internal audit exercise to assess project’s audit readiness.
• Undertake Quality and Compliance Audits in line with regulatory, contractual and company requirements for services and oversee audits of central departments.
• Conduct first level review for generated financial reports before project director’s review and sign-off.
• Review third-party contracts and SLAs for compliance. Review third-party/vendor invoices.
• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance policies, procedures, and controls in accordance with Nigerian regulatory standards and contractual obligations.
• Conduct regular compliance assessments and audits to identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on compliance matters, including ethics, anti-corruption, and data protection within the Nigerian legal framework.
• Plan and coordinate internal and external audits (including but not limited to Global Fund LFA and OIG audits) to assess the effectiveness of controls and processes, aligning with Nigerian audit standards.
• Liaise with audit teams and stakeholders to facilitate audit activities, including scheduling, information provision, and issue resolution.
• Review audit findings and recommendations, collaborating with relevant departments to address identified deficiencies within the Nigerian operational context.
• Develop and implement training programs to educate employees on compliance requirements and expectations.
• Training Assessment: Assess the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments.
• Ensure that third-party vendors and partners comply with relevant regulations.
• Provide guidance and advice relating to data protection issues and potential litigations.
• Provide audit assistance for all external audit scheduled exercises. Actively support relevant units engaged with regulatory audits.
• Other duties as assigned by the project director.

Risk Management:

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate compliance and operational risks associated with 4PL service provision in Nigeria.
• Develop risk management strategies and implement controls to minimize potential risks and vulnerabilities within the Nigerian regulatory landscape.
• Monitor risk indicators and trends, providing recommendations for risk mitigation and prevention specific to the Nigerian market.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Generate regular reports for management and regulatory bodies on the organization's compliance status.
• Report any compliance breaches or incidents to relevant authorities as required. Record, analyze and report findings from audits and quality reviews. Develop and manage programs that allow employees to report compliance concerns anonymously.
• Investigate reports from whistleblowers and take appropriate actions.
• Reporting breaches of data security.
• Report any data protection issues
• Prepare and maintain accurate documentation of compliance activities, audit findings, and remediation efforts compliant with Nigerian reporting requirements.
• Generate periodic reports for management and stakeholders on compliance status, audit results, and risk exposure within the Nigerian framework.
• Ensure timely submission of compliance reports to Nigerian regulatory bodies and funding agencies, as required.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on changes in Nigerian regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and emerging trends related to compliance and audit management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance processes, streamline operations, and optimize resource utilization within the Nigerian context.
• Foster a culture of compliance and accountability across the organization in Nigeria through training, communication, and awareness campaigns.

Evaluation Method:

• Annual performance appraisals
• Quarterly documented feedback and mentoring discussions
• Quarterly score card of work plan tasks and achievements
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field. Master's Degree or professional certification (e.g., CIA, CFE, CISA) preferred.
• Proven experience in compliance management, audit coordination, or risk management within the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector, with a strong understanding of The Global Fund's rules, regulations, and policies.
• In-depth knowledge of The Global Fund's financial controls, audit procedures, compliance standards, and LFA (Local Fund Agent) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audit requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to practical scenarios within The Global Fund's context.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across Nigerian departments and interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in the Nigerian dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with compliance management software is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required;
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably with Microsoft Office software, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP and understanding of finance/accounting software.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently, as a team member, and to collaborate effectively with other departments/units.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal English language skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Interpersonal Competencies: ability to work with other team members, flexibility, decisiveness and personal integrity.

Language:

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing).

Application Closing Date
18th March, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter as a single PDF document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.