Programme Policy Officer Assurance Coordinator
Organizational Context
WFP Kenya increasingly relies on Cooperating Partners (CPs) for programme delivery. As CP responsibilities and financial exposure grow, the Country Office needs a dedicated second-line assurance function. This role will provide structured, risk-based challenge on the adequacy and effectiveness of CP governance, risk management, and internal controls to safeguard WFP resources and strengthen accountability.
Job Purpose
The Programme Policy Officer Assurance Coordinator will strengthen assurance over the Cooperating Partner (CP) management lifecycle, ensuring timely identification and mitigation of control weaknesses, improving audit readiness, and safeguarding WFP resources. This role provides objective assessment, constructive challenge, verification, reporting, and escalation of CP-related governance, risk management, compliance, and internal controls. The objective is to provide management with reasonable, evidence-based assurance that material CP-related risks are identified and managed, key controls are effective, compliance obligations are met, and significant findings are addressed. The scope covers the entire CP management lifecycle, from due diligence to follow-up on audit findings, utilizing a risk-based approach proportionate to risk exposure, funding, and complexity. The coordinator will not assume first-line management responsibilities but will independently review and assess CP operations to enhance accountability and transparency in resource management.
Responsibilities
The Assurance Coordinator is responsible for providing independent, second-line assurance over Cooperating Partner (CP) management lifecycle activities. This involves assessing the design and effectiveness of CP governance and internal controls, identifying control gaps, and recommending practical corrective actions. The role includes independently reviewing CP due diligence, capacity assessments, and risk ratings, maintaining a consolidated view of high-risk engagements, and providing constructive challenge where assessments are weak. A key responsibility is developing and maintaining a risk-based assurance plan, prioritizing activities based on various risk factors, and ensuring sufficient coverage of high-risk engagements. The coordinator conducts assurance reviews, testing, and independent verification, documenting findings clearly and preparing concise reports with implications and recommendations. They also support audit readiness, track findings, and validate evidence for closure. Furthermore, the role involves analyzing data to identify trends and risks, maintaining a portfolio-level dashboard, and providing periodic assurance updates. Continuous improvement of assurance tools and methodologies, promotion of consistent practices, and support for cross-functional learning are also integral. All assurance work must be well-documented, risk-based, and supported by appropriate evidence, with findings clearly distinguishing facts, criteria, risks, and recommendations. Significant issues are escalated through established governance channels.
Work Experience
Requires 5-7 years of relevant experience in assurance, audit, compliance, risk management, internal controls, or oversight. Experience with NGOs, implementing partners, humanitarian operations, or audit readiness is desirable. Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and internal controls is essential, along with the ability to assess control effectiveness, conduct reviews, analyze data, and report findings. Familiarity with specific systems like Partner Connect is a plus.
Skills
Risk Assessment, Internal Controls, Compliance, Due Diligence, Data Analysis, Audit Readiness, Reporting, Process Improvement, Verification, Monitoring