Regional Grant Compliance Advisor (Open for Nationals only)

WHO WE ARE 

Diakonia is an international rights-based and faith-based development organization recognized for its commitment to democracy, human rights, and gender justice with the objective to change unfair structures that generate poverty, inequality, oppression and violence. All work is based on feminist principles. Digitalization plays a key role in enabling efficient, transparent, and secure operations across global contexts.

OUR VALUES AND COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING 

Diakonia is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for Diakonia to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. Diakonia therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.  

Diakonia is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Diakonia engage.

Diakonia expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. 

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Diakonia also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION 

As a Regional Grant Compliance Advisor, you are responsible for supporting the financial and administrative capacity of partner organisations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, ensuring they meet compliance standards and sustain their operations.

You will ensure compliance with Diakonia’s policies, procedures, donor requirements, and grant agreements throughout the grant cycle, from inception to closure. The role contributes to strengthening partner accountability, financial management systems, and organisational sustainability.

You are part of the MENA Gender Justice Programme and work closely with the Regional Program Director, Programme Managers, Finance Manager, Global Operational Support and Finance Teams, as well as with partners, donors, and relevant networks.

This position reports to the Regional Program Director (direct supervisor).

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support PD in partner capacity development and compliance:

• Support the Regional Programme Director in Partner Capacity Development and Compliance
• Support partner organisational assessments and collaborate with partners to develop and implement capacity development plans.
• Follow up on partner financial and administrative systems to ensure compliance.
• Ensure partners are well informed about Diakonia’s financial policies, procedures, compliance standards, and grant requirements.
• Provide technical support to partners on work plans, budgets, financial reporting, procurement procedures, audits, and grant management.
• Facilitate and monitor grant disbursements to partners and follow up on grant utilisation and reporting requirements.
• Conduct partner financial monitoring, including field visits, virtual meetings, compliance reviews, and follow-up actions.
• Review and assess partner budgets, financial reports, audit reports, and management responses.
• Support partners in addressing audit findings and strengthening internal control systems.
• Promote learning and exchange of good practices among partners in financial management and compliance.

Support PD in managing donor compliance:

• Support the Regional Programme Director in Managing Donor Compliance
• Support programme staff in meeting donor financial and compliance requirements.
•  Ensure compliance with donor agreements, reporting obligations, grant conditions, and relevant policies.
•  Monitor compliance risks across the regional portfolio and recommend mitigation measures.
• Support the preparation and review of donor financial reports and grant-related documentation.
• Maintain compliance tracking systems and reporting calendars to ensure timely submissions.
• Contribute to donor audits, compliance reviews, and due diligence processes

Support PD in managing program finance at the country office/programme entity:

• Support the Regional Programme Director in Financial Oversight of the Regional Programme
• Support budgeting, financial planning, financial follow-up, and grant monitoring across the regional programme portfolio.
• Provide technical input to annual planning and budgeting processes.
• Review programme and partner budgets and provide recommendations to strengthen financial planning and resource allocation.
• Support financial analysis and monitoring of grants and programme expenditures.
• Contribute to the preparation of consolidated programme budgets and financial forecasts.
• Support resource mobilisation efforts through budget development and financial review of funding proposals.
• Ensure that financial management practices are aligned with Diakonia policies and donor requirements.
• Support coordination of internal and external audits in collaboration with the Finance Manager and relevant global teams.
• Advise programme staff on financial, compliance, grant management, and risk-related matters.

Support PD in managing administrative and HR compliance matters:

• Support with technical HR matters
• Ensure that payroll is correctly administered
• Ensure that labour law is considered in all staff matters.
• Ensure that all insurance matters are adequately handled
• Oversee computer maintenance and security

Technical Leadership and Regional Support:

• Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to junior Grant Compliance Advisors and relevant colleagues across the region.
• Support country offices with financial bookings, reconciliations, and other finance-related processes in relevant systems, as requested.

Support PD in Risk Management and Accountability:

• Identify, assess, and monitor financial and compliance risks across the regional portfolio.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of risk mitigation measures.
• Strengthen accountability systems and promote adherence to internal controls and ethical standards.
• Support investigations, compliance reviews, and follow-up processes where required.
• Contribute to organisational learning by documenting lessons learned and compliance-related good practices.