Risk & Compliance Specialist

About the role

The Risk & Compliance Specialist will join UNICEF Ethiopia’s Risk and Compliance Unit in Addis Ababa. Reporting to the Risk and Compliance Manager, the role supports field operations, programme and operations teams in strengthening risk management, compliance, fraud risk management, oversight, and staff capacity building.

Key responsibilities

• Support annual risk assessments and monitor implementation of risk mitigation action plans.
• Embed effective risk management approaches into projects, proposals, governance processes, and major management decisions.
• Review systems, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance with organisational rules and regulations.
• Strengthen internal controls and assist in preparing the annual Statement of Internal Control.
• Support internal and external audit preparedness, quality assurance, and follow‑up on audit recommendations.
• Manage fraud risk, respond to fraud and misconduct allegations, and implement UNICEF’s anti‑fraud strategy.
• Enhance fraud prevention mechanisms and identify potential compliance and ethical risks.
• Provide continuous learning and capacity building on risk, compliance, PSEA, fraud, and ethics.
• Contribute to regional risk and compliance reviews and engage in global communities of practice.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in risk and compliance, internal audit, enterprise risk management, audits, investigations, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with international organisations, NGOs or the UN system is an asset.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations, Risk Management, Audit, Accounting, Investigation, Internal Control, Statistics or Data Analysis; Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) are a plus.
• Fluent English (required); fluent Amharic (desirable).

Required skills