Save the Children International (SCI) is inviting applications for the position of Risk, Governance, and Compliance Manager (RGCM) in its Kenya Country Office, which also oversees operations in Madagascar. This strategic role requires an experienced professional to lead the development and execution of risk management, governance frameworks, and compliance structures. The selected candidate will report directly to the Country Director and will be responsible for ensuring that Save the Children International operates within strong governance systems, maintains compliance with donor regulations and national laws, and upholds a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.
SCI has a strong global presence, working in over 100 countries with approximately 25,000 staff, and is dedicated to ensuring children receive better healthcare, education, and protection while reducing preventable child mortality. The organization is seeking a dedicated individual with the capacity to identify risks, strengthen governance, and promote organizational integrity across its operations in Kenya and Madagascar.
This advert provides a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and expectations of the position, structured in an easy-to-read format for prospective candidates.
Position: Risk, Governance and Compliance Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports to: Country Director
Job Schedule: Full-time
Role Purpose
The Risk, Governance, and Compliance Manager will be responsible for driving the strategic oversight and operationalization of risk management frameworks, governance structures, and compliance systems across the Kenya and Madagascar Country Office. This role will ensure that SCI adheres to donor requirements, local legal frameworks, and internal policies while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
The position is central to promoting a culture of risk awareness, ethical conduct, transparency, and responsible resource use. The RGCM will also provide expert guidance to the Country Director, Senior Management Team (SMT), and broader staff on matters of compliance and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Risk Management Leadership
- Actively participate in all Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings by supporting compliance assurance, maintaining action trackers, and ensuring accurate note-taking.
- Lead the formulation, implementation, and continuous monitoring of the Country Office Risk Management Plan, alongside other risk mitigation strategies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Advise the Country Director and SMT on internal and external emerging risks while recommending practical mitigation strategies.
- Facilitate scheduled risk assessments across departments and ensure that risk management practices are embedded into operational and strategic planning.
- Collaborate with SCI’s Global Team to ensure country-level risk management practices are fully aligned with global standards and requirements.
- Cultivate a proactive risk culture throughout all departments and field offices, emphasizing accountability and early risk detection.
2. Governance Oversight
- Strengthen and maintain governance frameworks that ensure effective oversight of SCI’s operations.
- Support SMT and Local Board governance processes by coordinating risk reporting, compliance dashboards, compliance reviews, and organizing Board meetings.
- Align governance practices within the Country Office to global SCI policies and donor standards.
- Promote ethical leadership and decision-making practices across all levels of the organization to safeguard integrity and accountability.
3. Compliance and Internal Controls
- Develop, implement, and oversee a compliance framework that integrates SCI’s policies, donor regulations, and national laws.
- Lead internal reviews and audits of high-priority business areas, producing detailed reports that emphasize solutions and actionable outcomes.
- Monitor compliance across departments, providing training and capacity-building sessions to strengthen adherence to policies.
- Coordinate both internal and external audits, ensuring audit findings are addressed and resolved promptly.
- Provide leadership on fraud investigations, fraud risk mitigation, and ensure investigative processes meet SCI’s integrity standards.
4. Ethical Standards and Organizational Integrity
- Serve as a champion of ethical conduct by embedding SCI’s Code of Conduct across all levels of the organization.
- Enforce SCI’s ethical policies including anti-fraud, anti-corruption, and whistleblower protection guidelines.
- Design and deliver training programs to promote awareness of ethical behavior, professional conduct, and organizational values.
- Monitor adherence to ethical policies and report any violations while safeguarding confidentiality and ensuring non-retaliation practices.
- Ensure that fairness, transparency, and respect are upheld in all internal and external interactions, including dealings with vendors, partners, and program beneficiaries.
- Collaborate with Human Resources and other departments to integrate ethical considerations into disciplinary and operational processes.
5. Partnership and External Engagement
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with local authorities, regulators, and peer organizations relevant to SCI’s operations.
- Continuously monitor the external regulatory environment to ensure SCI remains compliant with changing laws and policies.
- Participate in partner assessments and monitor risk and compliance practices in partner organizations to ensure strong and ethical collaborations.
Skills and Behaviours (Values in Practice)
The Risk, Governance, and Compliance Manager is expected to demonstrate SCI’s values through their leadership and professional practice.
Accountability
- Holds self accountable for efficient resource management, ethical conduct, and achievement of objectives.
- Holds teams and partners accountable for meeting their responsibilities by giving them the freedom to deliver results, providing support where needed, and applying consequences where expectations are not met.
- Promotes transparency in decision-making and responsible stewardship of resources.
Ambition
- Sets challenging goals for self and team while encouraging personal and professional development.
- Shares SCI’s vision openly to inspire and motivate colleagues and partners.
- Demonstrates future-oriented and strategic thinking.
Collaboration
- Builds and nurtures strong working relationships with team members, colleagues, donors, and external stakeholders.
- Values diversity and inclusion, recognizing their contribution to organizational strength.
- Remains approachable, open to dialogue, and supportive of others.
Creativity
- Promotes innovative approaches and encourages the exploration of new solutions.
- Demonstrates readiness to take calculated risks when necessary.
- Responds with agility to changing circumstances and evolving program needs.
Integrity
- Demonstrates honesty and transparency in all activities.
- Promotes a culture of trust and ethical behavior across the organization.
Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant professional certifications such as CPA, CA, or ACCA are preferred but not mandatory.
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 3 years in an NGO setting.
- Experience in fraud awareness, risk investigation, and case management.
- Strong personal integrity and adherence to ethical standards.
- Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and working within complex financial systems.
- Strategic financial knowledge, business acumen, and the ability to influence decision-making.
- Capacity to work effectively with minimal supervision while achieving set goals.
- Strong relationship-building skills, proven collaboration across organizations, and partnership management.
- Excellent communication skills, strong initiative, and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex issues.
- Willingness and availability to travel frequently to operational locations.
- Proficiency in English and Swahili, both written and spoken.
Desirable experience includes knowledge of Save the Children’s award management systems (AMS and Agresso), prior audit management experience, and a deep understanding of SCI’s critical organizational policies.
About Save the Children International
Save the Children International is committed to protecting children worldwide through health programs, education initiatives, and child protection strategies. By 2030, the organization aims to achieve three breakthroughs: ensuring no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, guaranteeing access to quality education for all children, and eliminating violence against children.
As an equal opportunity employer, SCI seeks the most qualified candidates while promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender balance in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Important Notice
SCI does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and does not rely on recruitment agencies. Candidates are advised to remain alert to fraudulent job offers claiming affiliation with SCI. Any suspicious approaches should be reported to [email protected].
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application Details
Job Identification Number: 14277
Category: Risk Management
Posting Date: 1 October 2025
Application Deadline: 14 October 2025 at 12:00
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
