About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

The Regional Ethics Officer- Fraud will lead fraud investigations and special audits and ensure all key steps in the investigative process are followed. S/he will coordinate and provide technical support to the Regions, Country Programs (CPs) and partners on fraud prevention, detection and response.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead investigations and ensure key steps throughout the investigative process, including planning, fieldwork, reporting, follow up and case closure, are performed in line with supervisor’s guidance, CRS Fraud Allegation Management Procedures, CRS Policies, local laws and donor regulations
• Oversee the development of Scope of Works (SoWs) and investigation plans including test procedures and tools for investigations and special audits.
• Undertake investigations & reviews into allegations of violations of policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable rules and regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and ad hoc briefs on assigned investigations and, based on analysis and findings, make recommendations for corrective actions and improved controls, and efficiency of CRS’ operations.
• Serve as focal point to CP leadership and partner/sub-recipient (SR) teams, providing technical support, remotely and on-site, to enable fraud prevention and detection and response and assess capacity of the country programs and partners to prevent, detect, respond to allegations and to take appropriate actions.
• Advise the development and implementation of standards and tools, including prevention, detection and response processes to fraud, guidelines, reporting formats and how to incorporate such standards into relevant CRS business practices.
• Lead fraud training and capacity strengthening activities with CP staff and partners; identifying partner capacity/knowledge/skills gaps &conduct trainings and workshops
• Coach and mentor CP and partner staff during investigations, development & design of preventive measures.
• Collect data, analyze and carry out research to flag systemic and operational weaknesses contributing to fraud, corruption and other malpractice and share lessons learned and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and ad hoc briefs on investigations and, based on analysis and findings, make recommendations for corrective actions, improved controls and efficiency of CRS operations.

Basic Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related discipline required. Master’s degree preferred
• CIA, CFE or CPA or similar qualification required.
• Minimum of 10 or more years related work experience, ideally with an international organization. At least 5 of these years in audit, financial reviews, fund agent and/or investigation assignments.
• Knowledge of and experience working with USG, DFID, and other major public donors
• Knowledge of CRS’ accounting systems, policies & procedures (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (SKAs

• Strong relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Capability of working proactively and independently
• Receptiveness to constructive criticism and differences of opinion

Required Languages – Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of French is an asset

Travel – Willingness and ability to travel (approx. 40%)

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:  Ethics Unit Colleagues, DRDs MQ, Country Representatives; HoOPs, HOPs, Internal Audit.

External; Partner staff, ethics staff in other NGOs, donor staff (as appropriate).

If applicable: Work Conditions/Environment Conditions

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.