Whistleblower and compliants consultant for DanChurchAid’s internal audit

At DanChurchAid we are looking for a legal consultant for our newly established Internal Audit unit who will be responsible for handling and investigating whistle blower cases and complaints cases. As the unit is newly established, you will, in collaboration with the head of unit, have an impact both on the tasks and the direction of the unit.

DanChurchAid supports the poorest in the world in their struggle for a dignified life and helps people in need. We provide emergency relief in disaster-stricken areas and long-term assistance in poor regions to create a more equitable and sustainable world. To be prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, DanChurchAid wishes to strengthen our internal control environment and ensure the highest level of compliance for our collaboration partners and donors. In 2021 DanChurchAid established a Whistle Blower Scheme to complement the existing complaints handling mechanism. An external legal company have supported the roll out of the Whistle Blower scheme, and with this position we seek to internalise the continued roll out and management.

DanChurchAid is headquartered near Vesterport station in Copenhagen, Denmark. Our work spans 20 countries across the globe, in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Our efforts also include fighting food waste through our WeFood stores, encouraging the re-use of things through our 120 thrift shops.

Job Description

The Internal Audit unit will function as an independent and objective unit supporting the organisation designed to add value and improve operations by implementing a structured approach to ensure risk management, internal controls, and governance. You will refer to the Head of Internal Audit Unit. 

As part of the Internal Audit unit your responsibilities will include:

• Investigating and reporting on cases received through the organisational Whistle Blower scheme.
• Develop and implement investigative plans for complex investigations by framing the allegation(s), determining elements of proof, and identifying investigative tasks. Gather and analyse information and/or evidence, by interviewing key individuals, collecting and analysing high volumes of information/documentation. Make initial recommendations to the head of Internal Audit unit and DCA’s complaints committee regarding actions they should take to address violations of law, regulations, and other serious problems, abuses, or irregularities.
• Conduct inquiries into possible violations of laws/policies, rules and regulations, mismanagement, fraud, and gross waste of funds.
• Develop and present reports of investigation and present oral briefings for senior management and/or DCA’s complaints committee regarding findings and the status of complex or sensitive investigations.
• Protect and safeguard a fair process for both whistle blower/complainant and subject of concern while maintaining anonymity – understand and analyse an often very complex context and stakeholders.
• Annual spot check of DanChurchAid’s complaint handling mechanism and ad hoc advice and support on specific complaints cases.
• Take responsibility for each case and be aware that this responsibility extends beyond the legal aspects and have to take management, human resources and organisational matters into account.
• Liaison with multiple internal stakeholders including DCA’s Accountability and Complaints Advisor, DCA’s Complaints Committee, Safety and Security, Legal, HR, and Finance departments.

On top of handling the whistleblower/complaints cases you will also be part of the solution of the daily tasks in internal audit, including:

• Update annually risk-based internal audit plans.
• Perform organisation-wide risk assessments to identify significant risks or exposure related to internal controls or compliance and procedures, laws and regulations, donor contracts, efficiency of operations, and accuracy of programmatic and financial reporting – hereunder code of conduct, PSEA, HR Policies (incl. recruitment and Diversity, Inclusion and belonging).

We are looking for someone passionate about using their skills to make a difference and to understand, be able to, and find it exciting to work in a highly complex organisation where risk appetite is determined by many factors and where organisational vulnerability is closely tied to a low threshold on DCA’s reputational risk.

Qualifications:

• Relevant University degree, preferable a law degree or similar.
• Good knowledge of the Whistleblower Act (Act no. 1436 of 29 June 2021 on whistleblower protection). 
• Knowledge and experience with other legal and ethical areas is also preferred e.g., GDPR, HR regulations and commitments including staff Code of Conducts, Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, diversity, inclusion and belonging etc.
• Ability to lead an investigative team, develop investigation plans, conduct complex investigation projects, and write reports to substantiate findings.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to think strategically, identify needs and requirements, and develop recommendations.
• The ability to handle strong, action oriented and passionate leaders/managers.
• Willingness to travel internationally to DanChurchAid locations.
• Excellent collaborative skills and strong written and spoken communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with all levels in the organisation (Danish and English). Knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Experience within the NGO sector will be an advantage.

It is important that you can work in a structured manner, so that the formal rules for handling whistle blower/complaint reports are meet, in addition, you must possess good judgment and be able to handle cases with empathy, objectivity, and discretion – even when the cases involve unpleasant conversations with colleagues. Concrete work experience within this field is an advantage. Some experience – both professional experience and life experience – will be a great advantage in this regard.

DCA offers

• Full time contract starting as soon as possible.
• Excellent colleagues in an international rewarding and empowering workplace.
• Worktime is 37 hours pr. week including a ½ hour daily lunch break.
• Salary and employment as per DanChurchAid 's AC Collective Agreement.
• An interesting and challenging opportunity to strengthen and further develop one of Denmark’s largest Humanitarian and Development NGOs.
• We offer flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home.

Application and deadline

When applying, you are kindly requested to attach a copy of relevant certificates, together with your CV and motivation letter that clearly demonstrates experience of competencies as required. Please note all qualifications will be verified. Also note that this is not an expatriate position, and we do not offer housing, schooling or relocation, and formal requirements to live and work in Denmark are required.

Application Deadline: 26. March 2023
Contact person: Jakob Dyhr Zangenberg, Acting Finance Director
E-mail: jdza@dca.dk, Tel: +45 81 88 86 02
Country: Denmark
Place of work: Copenhagen
Expected starting date: 1. May 2023

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us.  Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.