Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that demonstrates God's love and compassion. ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.
ADRA International is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As such we have the right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in the hiring process. In the event that a qualified SDA candidate is not found, we will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand, respect and honor the mission, purpose, and identity of ADRA International.
SUMMARY
As ADRA International main compliance and in house legal advisor, the Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer provides legal and compliance advice and guidance on US government grants and contracts, partnership agreements and sub agreement, vendor agreements and major organizational policies. The Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer effectively manages operational compliance practices, through effective systems, tools, policies and procedures that enhance organization-wide compliance and risk reduction. Working with the Vice President for Programs, Programs departments and in close coordination with the Vice President for Finance. The Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer plays a key role in strengthening ADRA's compliance and legal risk mitigating. Provides guidelines to any employee who acts on behalf of an organization, and facilitates the organization's compliance with non-profit, programmatic and fundraising rules and regulations. The Legal Counsel develops and maintains in-depth understanding of how ADRA operates internally and externally and is well versed in how legal issues affect ADRA International and its work.
_____________________________________________________________________________
PRE-REQUISITES
Required
Law Degree from a recognized U.S. law school and a member of one of the U.S. State Bars.
Minimum of seven to ten years of experience in a related field (i.e., law firm, U.S. NGO or international organization) of which at least 2-3 years is working with U.S. Government grants and contracts rules and regulations.
Experience with prime and sub-recipient monitoring on USG projects, and knowledge of U.S. Government rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and compliance issues associated with those requirements.
Exposure to and/or familiarity with the areas of law relevant to general non-profit management.
Previous experience working for NGO or international organization is highly desirable. Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is a plus.
Experience and knowledge of other donor rules and regulations including the United Nations, European Union, other governments, foundations and other institutional donor organizations is a plus.
Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills. Ability to effectively represent the organization to internal and external audiences. Ability to make effective presentations to multiple groups including senior management and the Board.
Organized, detail-oriented with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work in challenging and changing environments, and to see through challenges to find creative solutions.
Fully functional in using all of Microsoft Office software.
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills.
Deep commitment to ADRA's values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Presenting and Communicating Information - Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly.
Applying Expertise and Technology - Applies specialist and detailed technical expertise.
Analysing - Analyses numerical data, verbal data and all other sources of information.
Adapting and Responding to Change - Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal Counsel Liaison:
Serve as ADRA's internal liaison with the General conference Legal Counsel and advisor for ADRA's operations and business transactions.
Recommend actions to senior management to ensure that ADRA conducts its international non-profit and USG activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Participate in defining and developing corporate policies, procedures and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters.
Review, negotiate and sign-off on a wide variety of ADRA's legal documents/agreements, including program and partner agreements, MOUs, vendor agreements, grant/donation documentation, confidentiality agreements, implementation agreements, licensing agreements both domestically and internationally.
Provide sophisticated and definitive (in conjunction, if necessary, with the General conference legal department) advice on the interpretation and application of statutory donor laws, regulations, processes and procedures in ADRA's work. Converts statutory language to workable solutions.
Compliance:
Ensure robust organizational systems and controls for maintaining compliance with prime and sub-award requirements.
Research and obtain relevant documented composition of the requirements applicable to ADRA's business, including where possible the authority behind them and the citations identifying them.
Ensure ADRA's conduct timely partner assessments with the appropriate monitoring tools. Followed by timely submission of partner's ICIP (Internal Control Strengthening Plan), adequate monitoring visits, etc
Develop a review procedure and checklist for use in proposal development and implementation for potential compliance issue and prepare recommendations for consideration to ensure all compliance issues are addressed as necessary, and to enable senior management to determine that ADRA and ADRA country offices have the capacity to fully comply with all requirements.
Manage the implementation of compliance standards and ensure key roles and responsibilities for compliance management are defined and understood across all overseas offices and ADRA/I.
Provide technical assistance to all units in the identification and mitigation of compliance risks associated with new and existing awards/projects.
Work closely with Programs units on the implementation and use of effective tools, systems, policies and procedures that ensure consistent compliance with donor requirements and ADRA policies and procedures.
Play a key role in the efforts to increase the capacity of ADRA staff both at HQs and in the Country Offices to effectively meet compliance requirements through designing trainings and workshops.
Provide support in the preparation and submission of government reporting documents including Grants.gov, USAID registration, SAM, and others.
Ensure overall compliance with Patriot Act, FFATA, Non-US USAID SR monitoring and relevant reporting requirements.
Review, assist and update project plans related to the rollout of new processes and systems.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TRAVEL
Up to 20% domestic and international travel required. Must have the ability to travel on short notice if necessary.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, network employees, donors and the public in a professional and pleasant manner.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Person must be able to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation. Incumbent should be in optimal health for difficult and temporary below-basic living conditions at overseas location and for field travel in general.
. Apply now!Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
ADRA International is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As such we have the right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in the hiring process. In the event that a qualified SDA candidate is not found, we will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand, respect and honor the mission, purpose, and identity of ADRA International.
SUMMARY
As ADRA International main compliance and in house legal advisor, the Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer provides legal and compliance advice and guidance on US government grants and contracts, partnership agreements and sub agreement, vendor agreements and major organizational policies. The Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer effectively manages operational compliance practices, through effective systems, tools, policies and procedures that enhance organization-wide compliance and risk reduction. Working with the Vice President for Programs, Programs departments and in close coordination with the Vice President for Finance. The Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer plays a key role in strengthening ADRA's compliance and legal risk mitigating. Provides guidelines to any employee who acts on behalf of an organization, and facilitates the organization's compliance with non-profit, programmatic and fundraising rules and regulations. The Legal Counsel develops and maintains in-depth understanding of how ADRA operates internally and externally and is well versed in how legal issues affect ADRA International and its work.
_____________________________________________________________________________
PRE-REQUISITES
Required
Law Degree from a recognized U.S. law school and a member of one of the U.S. State Bars.
Minimum of seven to ten years of experience in a related field (i.e., law firm, U.S. NGO or international organization) of which at least 2-3 years is working with U.S. Government grants and contracts rules and regulations.
Experience with prime and sub-recipient monitoring on USG projects, and knowledge of U.S. Government rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and compliance issues associated with those requirements.
Exposure to and/or familiarity with the areas of law relevant to general non-profit management.
Previous experience working for NGO or international organization is highly desirable. Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is a plus.
Experience and knowledge of other donor rules and regulations including the United Nations, European Union, other governments, foundations and other institutional donor organizations is a plus.
Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills. Ability to effectively represent the organization to internal and external audiences. Ability to make effective presentations to multiple groups including senior management and the Board.
Organized, detail-oriented with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work in challenging and changing environments, and to see through challenges to find creative solutions.
Fully functional in using all of Microsoft Office software.
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills.
Deep commitment to ADRA's values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Presenting and Communicating Information - Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly.
Applying Expertise and Technology - Applies specialist and detailed technical expertise.
Analysing - Analyses numerical data, verbal data and all other sources of information.
Adapting and Responding to Change - Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal Counsel Liaison:
Serve as ADRA's internal liaison with the General conference Legal Counsel and advisor for ADRA's operations and business transactions.
Recommend actions to senior management to ensure that ADRA conducts its international non-profit and USG activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Participate in defining and developing corporate policies, procedures and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters.
Review, negotiate and sign-off on a wide variety of ADRA's legal documents/agreements, including program and partner agreements, MOUs, vendor agreements, grant/donation documentation, confidentiality agreements, implementation agreements, licensing agreements both domestically and internationally.
Provide sophisticated and definitive (in conjunction, if necessary, with the General conference legal department) advice on the interpretation and application of statutory donor laws, regulations, processes and procedures in ADRA's work. Converts statutory language to workable solutions.
Compliance:
Ensure robust organizational systems and controls for maintaining compliance with prime and sub-award requirements.
Research and obtain relevant documented composition of the requirements applicable to ADRA's business, including where possible the authority behind them and the citations identifying them.
Ensure ADRA's conduct timely partner assessments with the appropriate monitoring tools. Followed by timely submission of partner's ICIP (Internal Control Strengthening Plan), adequate monitoring visits, etc
Develop a review procedure and checklist for use in proposal development and implementation for potential compliance issue and prepare recommendations for consideration to ensure all compliance issues are addressed as necessary, and to enable senior management to determine that ADRA and ADRA country offices have the capacity to fully comply with all requirements.
Manage the implementation of compliance standards and ensure key roles and responsibilities for compliance management are defined and understood across all overseas offices and ADRA/I.
Provide technical assistance to all units in the identification and mitigation of compliance risks associated with new and existing awards/projects.
Work closely with Programs units on the implementation and use of effective tools, systems, policies and procedures that ensure consistent compliance with donor requirements and ADRA policies and procedures.
Play a key role in the efforts to increase the capacity of ADRA staff both at HQs and in the Country Offices to effectively meet compliance requirements through designing trainings and workshops.
Provide support in the preparation and submission of government reporting documents including Grants.gov, USAID registration, SAM, and others.
Ensure overall compliance with Patriot Act, FFATA, Non-US USAID SR monitoring and relevant reporting requirements.
Review, assist and update project plans related to the rollout of new processes and systems.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TRAVEL
Up to 20% domestic and international travel required. Must have the ability to travel on short notice if necessary.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, network employees, donors and the public in a professional and pleasant manner.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Person must be able to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation. Incumbent should be in optimal health for difficult and temporary below-basic living conditions at overseas location and for field travel in general.
. Apply now!Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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