Global Compliance Manager
17 hours ago
Syracuse
Job DescriptionSalary: $82,000-$95,000 annually Title: Global Compliance Manager Location:The United States (HQ-based) is the preferred option, with Belgium or UK offices as alternatives. Salary: $82,000 - $95,000 annum (Please note that the salary range indicated applies to US-based positions only. For Belgium or UK-based positions, compensation will be aligned with the respective countrys salary scale.) Reports to:Chief Operating Officer Type:Full-time Travel:Occasional (up to 20%) About NEF Since 1915, NEF has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, increase resilience, and empower conflict, climate- and crisis-affected people to improve their outlook and wellbeing. NEF works through a network of country offices and with local partners, with current or recent operations in Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our global headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium. Position Overview NEF is recruiting a Global Compliance Manager to play a central role in strengthening, coordinating, and advancing the organizations compliance systems, policies, and oversight across all locations. TheGlobal Compliance Manageris responsible for leading and coordinatingNEFs global compliance function, ensuring that the organization operates in full compliance with donor requirements, regulatory obligations, internal policies, and ethical standards across all countries of operation. Reporting to the COO, this role providespractical oversight, guidance, and assuranceacross compliance domains including donor compliance, partner due diligence, vetting, internal review, sanctions, whistleblowing, and institutional risk mitigation. The position isoperational in nature, supporting country teams and leadership to prevent, identify, and address compliance risks, while strengthening NEFs systems, documentation, and audit readiness. Key Responsibilities 1. Global Compliance Framework & Governance • Serve as the institutional focal pointfor global compliance across NEF., • Maintain, review, and support implementation of NEFs global compliance policies and tools, including:, • anti-fraud and anti-corruption,, • whistleblower and grievance mechanisms,, • partner and vendor due diligence,, • sanctions and counter-terrorism compliance,, • misconduct disclosure and vetting frameworks., • Translate donor compliance requirements into clear operational guidancefor country teams., • Support COO in compliance-related reporting to senior management and governance bodies. 2. Donor Compliance & Audit Readiness • Provide compliance oversight for donor-funded projects, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, donor rules, and reporting requirements., • Support country teams in responding to donor audits, spot checks, and compliance reviews, including preparation of documentation and corrective action plans., • Review and advise on high-risk donor clauses and compliance implications during proposal and contract stages (in coordination with programs, finance, and legal). 3. Partner, Vendor & Staff Vetting / Due Diligence • Oversee partner and vendor due diligence processes, including risk assessments, sanctions screening, and compliance checks., • Ensure consistent application of staff vetting and misconduct disclosure processesin line with safeguarding and integrity standards., • Maintain oversight of sanctions screening processes and documentation. 4. Whistleblowing, Complaints & Internal review (Compliance-related) • Act as the primary compliance focal pointfor whistleblower reports, fraud allegations, corruption concerns, and other compliance-related complaints., • Manage or coordinate compliance internal review, including:, • intake and triage,, • risk assessment,, • coordination with legal counsel where required,, • documentation of findings and recommendations., • Ensure internal reviews are conducted in line with NEF policies, due process, confidentiality, and non-retaliation principles., • Coordinate closely with HR on cases involving staff relations, while maintaining clear boundaries between. HR processes and compliance internal review. 5. Support to Country Teams • Provide practical, real-time compliance adviceto Country Directors, Operations Managers, and Finance teams., • Support country offices in navigating complex operating environments, including sanctions regimes, regulatory uncertainty, and donor scrutiny., • Promote a culture of compliancethat is supportive, proportionate, and operationally realistic. 6. Training, Capacity Building & Prevention • Develop and deliver compliance training and awareness sessionsfor staff and partners (e.g. fraud prevention, whistleblowing, donor compliance)., • Support the integration of compliance considerations into onboarding, partner engagement, and operational planning., • Identify recurring compliance gaps and propose preventive measures. 7. Reporting, Documentation & Continuous Improvement • Maintain centralized compliance records and case tracking (secure and confidential)., • Produce periodic compliance summaries and risk trendsfor senior management., • Contribute to the continuous improvement of NEFs compliance systems, tools, and controls. Key Interfaces • COO, • Country Directors and Operations Managers, • UK and Belgium Executive Directors, • Finance, HR, Legal, and Safeguarding functions, • External auditors, donors, and legal counsel (as needed) Profile & Experience • Minimum 810 yearsof experience in compliance, risk management, audit, or governance within NGOs, international organizations, or regulated environments., • Strong familiarity with donor compliance frameworksand operating in fragile or conflict-affected contexts., • Proven experience managing investigations, due diligence, or audit processes., • High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment., • Ability to balance firm compliance standards with operational pragmatism., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Eligibility Criteria Preference will be given to candidates based in the United States (Syracuse, HQ). However, candidates based in Belgium or the United Kingdom will also be considered. Candidates should possess the right to work in the location where they are applying. Please note that the salary range indicated applies to US-based positions only. For Belgium or UK-based positions, compensation will be aligned with the respective countrys salary scale. NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin onApril 20, 2026. Interestedcandidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To apply: Please apply by submitting the following documents to the Near East Foundations careers page at : • Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria., • Curriculum Vitae., • List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references. Please note only shortlisted candidates will becontacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting theNEF website at TheNear East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seekingemployment and NEF employees. Pre-employment Checks Any Employment with theNear EastFoundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date: • A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening;, • Receipt of satisfactory references;, • Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.