About the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) 

We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world.  LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. 

LWF World Service Ethiopia is a registered foreign charity, which has been operating in Ethiopia since 1973 implementing various development and humanitarian projects in different parts of Ethiopia.  LWF World Service Ethiopia works closely with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Government, UN organizations and other funding partners. Its thematic areas include the promotion of food security and sustainable livelihood, sustainable natural resources management, emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and capacity building.  

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures. 

LWF Safeguarding Commitment 

LWF World Service is committed to creating and maintaining a safe organization where people we come in contact with are protected from harm and abuse. Harm and abuse may include but are not limited to physical, psychological, and sexual violence and abuse, financial and material abuse, all forms of modern slavery, and all forms of maltreatment and exploitation. 

The Senior Compliance Officer is to evaluate, audit, review, assess, monitor, and provide feedback to the Country Representative on the strengths and weaknesses of LWF Ethiopia’s activities. The role ensures the adequacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of risk management, internal controls, and operational processes across LWF/DWS Ethiopia and its Field Offices. He/she identifies compliance risks, strengthens governance, ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures and donor regulations, and safeguards organizational assets through continuous monitoring and improvement recommendations.

1. Compliance & Internal Audit Oversight

• Organizes, plans, and supervises compliance and internal audit activities in consultation with the Country Representative.

• Develops and executes an annual risk-based audit and compliance plan.

• Ensures compliance with internal policies (HR, Finance, Procurement, IT, Logistics, Vehicle Management, etc.) and donor regulations.

• Coordinates compliance and internal audit activities with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and donors.

• Monitors the implementation of audit recommendations and reports progress to management.

2. Risk Management & Internal Control Assessment

• Reviews and assesses the effectiveness of LWF Ethiopia’s compliance and internal control systems.

• Identifies operational risks, fraud risks, and gaps in internal controls, and recommends corrective actions.

• Monitors adherence to internal control procedures and ensures they are updated in response to operational changes.

• Provides strategic advice on risk management practices and control mechanisms.

3. Financial & Regulatory Compliance

• Reviews the reliability and integrity of financial information and reporting processes.

• Ensures compliance with statutory regulations (e.g., PAYE, NSSF, Local Service Tax, NGO Board requirements, MOUs with districts).

• Verifies those financial transactions are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

• Evaluates adherence to donor funding requirements and ensures accurate financial documentation.

4. Asset & Resource Safeguarding

• Verifies the existence, proper safeguarding, and appropriate utilization of organizational assets.

• Conducts spot-checks and audits to ensure compliance with asset management policies.

• Identifies risks related to asset mismanagement and provides recommendations for improvement.

5. Operational & Program Auditing

• Evaluates program and operational processes to ensure alignment with LWF’s objectives, budgets, and timeframes.

• Assesses program implementation effectiveness and compliance with donor agreements.

• Reviews procurement and supply chain processes for transparency and fairness.

• Conducts performance audits to assess efficiency in resource utilization.

6. Investigations & Special Reviews

• Conducts special investigations and ad hoc reviews, including unannounced visits, to address suspected fraud, misconduct, or non-compliance.

• Provides fact-based reports with recommendations to strengthen internal controls and accountability.

  7. Training, Awareness & Advisory Services

• Provides compliance-related training on risk management, fraud prevention, internal controls, and ethical standards.

• Acts as an advisor to management and staff on compliance matters, offering guidance on regulatory and policy-related issues.

• Strengthens staff awareness and capacity-building on internal control measures.

  8. Communication & Reporting

• Prepares and submits timely, objective reports to the Country Representative, highlighting critical compliance risks and audit findings.

• Maintains proper documentation of compliance reports, audit findings, and follow-up actions.

• Ensures effective communication between compliance, management, and relevant stakeholders.

9. Coordination & Follow-up

• Coordinates compliance efforts with external and internal auditors, donors, and regulatory authorities.

• Ensures timely follow-up on corrective actions for identified compliance issues.

• Strengthens collaboration between compliance, finance, program, and operations teams.

10. Other Duties

• Undertakes any other tasks assigned by the Country Representative that add value to the organization’s compliance and governance objectives. 

Job Requirements

 Education/Experience/Skill requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum 5-7 years in compliance, risk management, legal advisory, or internal auditing, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role. Experience in international organizations is highly desirable.

• Relevant certifications such as CPA, CA, CIA, or CISA are a plus.

  Key Skills:

• Strong understanding of industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, OSHA, labor law).

• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.

• Proficiency in compliance management software (e.g., GRC platforms, audit tracking systems).

  Personal Attributes and Competencies:

• High ethical standards and integrity.

• Proactive, solution-oriented approach.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and promote a culture of compliance.

• Strong judgment and decision-making, especially in sensitive regulatory matters.

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent organizational and collaboration abilities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirement can send ONLY a detailed CV and application letter to the HR unit in Addis Ababa.