Director of Risk & Assurance

About Choose Love

Choose Love does whatever it takes to provide refugees and displaced people around the world with everything from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice. We identify the need and raise funds to close and prevent gaps in services and protections for refugees and displaced people requiring humanitarian support due to conflict, persecution and natural disasters. We elevate the voices and visibility of refugees and galvanise public support for agile community organisations providing vital support to refugees along migration routes globally. We are powered by our vision of a world that chooses love and justice every day for everyone.

Job Summary

The Director of Risk & Assurance will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective oversight, management, and mitigation of organisational risk. Specifically, the postholder will work closely with ELT, senior managers, and the Board of Trustees to develop a comprehensive strategic risk matrix with detailed attention to our programmes, partnerships and fundraising activities, such as safeguarding, financial, legal or reputational risks. There will be a focus on managing risks which could significantly affect the ability of Choose Love to fulfil our purpose. This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in risk management and assurance and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by high-profile fundraising charities and organisations funding and operating in high-risk regions.

Key Responsibilities

Program Risk Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with program activities, especially those in high-risk regions where, for example, there is a conflict or imposed government sanctions Collaborate with program teams, funded partners to develop risk management plans and ensure their effective implementation. Review due diligence and compliance processes and ensure they are comprehensive, proportionate and in line with legislation whilst enabling us to safely and responsibly fund the humanitarian work of grassroots organisations in high-risk regions Conduct regular risk assessments and provide timely recommendations to enhance program resilience Oversee and assess the risk profiles of funded partners, particularly those operating in challenging environments. Work closely with partners to enhance their risk management capabilities and adherence to best practices. Support to Programmes leadership in capacity building and upskilling the Programmes team in compliance and assessing risk during due diligence checks'

Commercial and Fundraising Risk Mitigation:

• Develop and implement risk management strategies for commercial activities and high-profile fundraising initiatives Collaborate with the Partnerships team to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical fundraising practices Conduct due diligence on potential partners and stakeholders involved in fundraising activities Ensure that partnerships align with the organisation's risk appetite and ethical standards Oversee commercial contracts to ensure they are fit for purpose and in line with best practice Work closely with the Communications team to identify and mitigate media-related risks

Policy Development and Compliance:

Develop and update risk management policies and procedures in alignment with industry best practices and evolving Choose Love’s organisational needs Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards (and liaise with external advisors for support where necessary Prepare and implement organisational risk matrix, working with ELT and senior managers to ensure comprehensive risk oversight and management Advise and prepare regular reports for ELT and Board on overall risk appetite, health, and specific situational riskand mitigation strategies Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations Works with ELT and senior leaders to ensure GDPR compliance Facilitate open communication channels and training regarding risk awareness and response throughout the organisation Essential Criteria

Extensive experience (at least 8-10 years) in risk management, with a focus on international development, humanitarian aid, or related sectors Degree level qualification in a relevant field; advanced degree and professional certifications in risk management or related disciplines Working knowledge of GDPR legislation and compliance Proven experience working in high-risk regions and managing risks associated with complex programs Strong understanding of compliance, ethics, and best practices in the charitable sector Knowledge of Risks associated with fundraising activities with high-profile stakeholders and potential for media and public attention Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask in a fast-paced environment Creative and strategic thinker with a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving Strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather and interpret data to drive informed decision-making

• Flexible and happy to work out of hours when needed Commitment to Choose Loves values and working to improve the lives of refugees and displaced people around the world Committed to embedding an equality, diversity and inclusion lens in all your work Ability to travel internationally if required

Desirable criteria

• Experience and knowledge of managing and mitigating risk in a US donor context. Experience in strategic communications risk management

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by providing a CV and cover letter evidencing your ability to match the criteria outlined in the role competencies and ensure your letter includes details of your latest salary and notice period. Please send all applications to the following email address people@choose.love by 12pm 19^th March 2024.