Regional Compliance Officer

Conservation International is hiring a Regional Compliance Officer to join their Africa-based operations team in Nairobi, Kenya. This pivotal role is an excellent opportunity for finance and audit professionals looking to advance their careers in nonprofit compliance, risk management, and operational assurance within the conservation and international development sectors.

Key Job Information

• Position: Regional Compliance Officer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior
• Application Deadline: July 14, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

About Conservation International

Conservation International (CI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of humanity. With more than three decades of impact, CI uses science, partnerships, and fieldwork to safeguard ecosystems critical to the climate, biodiversity, and local communities. Headquartered in the United States, CI has offices in over 30 countries and supports initiatives in more than 100 countries around the globe.

At the core of Conservation International’s mission is the belief that human well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet. CI collaborates with a wide network of stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous peoples, corporations, and civil society, to implement nature-based solutions and drive sustainable development. The organization fosters a culture of innovation, inclusion, and accountability while encouraging the professional growth and leadership development of its staff worldwide.

Job Description

The Regional Compliance Officer (RCO) will play a key role in strengthening internal controls, ensuring compliance with both internal policies and donor regulations, and minimizing financial and operational risks across Conservation International’s Africa programs. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the RCO will work under the guidance of the Deputy Director of Enterprise Risk Management and report directly to the Senior Director of Finance and Operations for Africa.

The successful candidate will conduct compliance reviews, provide guidance to country program teams, and contribute to the organization’s capacity-building efforts in financial management, grants oversight, and administrative operations. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in nonprofit audit, finance, and donor compliance frameworks such as USAID, World Bank, GEF/GCF, and EU regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Monitoring

• Execute random and targeted sampling of financial transactions across Africa program offices for legitimacy and compliance.
• Review source documentation to validate expenditures and maintain thorough audit-ready workpapers.
• Analyze monthly reconciliations from country offices and report discrepancies to senior operations leaders and internal auditors.

Operational and HR Monitoring

• Assess compliance of HR, procurement, asset management, and safety/security operations.
• Ensure adherence to CI’s policies and local regulations through transaction reviews and document verification.

Grants Management

• Monitor grant implementation, ensuring all activities align with CI’s Grants and Contracts policies.
• Validate supporting documentation for grant-related transactions across all stages of the grant lifecycle.

Internal Audit and Risk Management Support

• Collaborate with internal audit and risk teams to address audit findings and proactively mitigate compliance risks.
• Support investigative efforts and contribute to the design of improved control measures.

Training and Capacity Building

• Facilitate training programs on compliance, risk management, and policy enforcement for field teams.
• Act as a mentor to Sub-Regional Operations leads to strengthen local operational practices.

Additional Duties

• May travel to project sites in and outside Kenya to conduct on-site reviews and trainings.
• Assist in implementing CI’s Risk-Based Approach across Africa operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 4–6 years of progressive experience in nonprofit operations, with at least 4 years in auditing or financial review.
• Minimum of 2 years using a Risk-Based Approach in auditing processes.
• Solid understanding of bilateral and multilateral donor compliance (e.g., USAID, World Bank, EU, GEF/GCF).
• Experience with internal controls across finance, procurement, and HR systems.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and document management skills.
• Ability to work across diverse teams and build cross-cultural relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CIA, or equivalent).
• Postgraduate studies in Finance, Audit, or Business Management.
• Experience with forensic audits is an advantage.
• Fluency in French or Portuguese is an added bonus.

Benefits and Compensation

Conservation International offers a competitive compensation package, which includes:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings and pension contributions
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Career development and training opportunities
• Support for continuing education and professional certification
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture with global exposure

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role. To be considered for this opportunity, please apply using the “Apply Now” button below before the deadline on July 14, 2025 (11:49 PM EST).

Explore other exciting job opportunities at Conservation International by visiting their official careers page.

Conservation International is an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace and hire based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.