Ethics and Accountability Manager, Helsinki, Finland

This is a versatile, independent, and responsible position in which you can contribute to the reliability and safety of Finn Church Aid (FCA) as organisation. The focus of the position is on the global level which also requires communication and cooperation with FCA’s country offices.

You will be responsible for maintaining FCA’s ethical framework and complaints mechanism, providing related advisory support, and overseeing their implementation. You will ensure that cases of misconduct are handled and followed up appropriately, that related communications are timely and accurate, and that cases are appropriately considered in FCA’s global risk management process.

You will be part of FCA’s Administration Department (AD) in Service and Accountability Centre (SAC). AD is responsible for general administration, human resources management and development, and complaints handling. At SAC you will work closely with colleagues such as the Internal Auditor, Head of Risk and Compliance, Safeguarding Manager, and Quality and Accountability Manager.

Although this is a new position, it is largely based on existing processes and previous experience.

What are your tasks:

Prevention

• Lead the review and revision of FCA’s Code of Conduct Policy, Complaints Policy, and Related Parties Guideline, and follow up their implementation and provide related advisory support.
• Lead the review and revision of FCA’s Global Complaints Mechanism and SAC’s sensitive complaints handling process and provide related advisory support.
• Ensure that the topics of the area of responsibility are properly included in the induction and training of employees and that quality materials are available and up to date.

Complaints Handling and Investigations

• Manage SAC’s complaint intake process and ensure that complaints/misconduct incidents are dealt with in accordance with the relevant FCA procedures and in a timely manner.
• Ensure appropriate and timely communication and information sharing within FCA and with relevant third parties regarding the handling of incidents of misconduct; including acting as a liaison with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other donor organisations.
• Manage investigations other than those related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) or financial misconduct, and act as back-up for SEAH investigations.
• Act as a liaison with FCA contracted investigative service providers.

Risk management

• Contribute to FCA’s risk management process in relation to the position’s area of responsibility and lead the preparation of FCA’s annual complaints report.
• Work closely with the Risk and Compliance Manager, the Internal Auditor, the Senior Quality and Accountability Adviser, and Safeguarding Manager to monitor that red flags in relation to the implementation of and compliance with the Complaints Policy are appropriately addressed.

Special tasks

• Act as a specialist in tendering of an IT-based complaints handling system.
• Lead introduction of the IT-based complaints handling system.

Internal learning

• Draw lessons from cases investigated and other issues related to the position’s area of responsibility, as well as from external learning platforms, and contribute to FCA’s internal learning processes on.

External engagement

• Network with peer organisations, relevant specialised networks, and other relevant stakeholders.

What we expect from you:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience
• At least six years of professional experience in international non-governmental aid organisations, including at least three years at head office/global level of such an organisation;
• Good understanding of development and humanitarian action;
• Good understanding of the context in which aid organisations operate in developing countries;
• Basic knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and/or other core principles of and standards for development and humanitarian action;
• Good knowledge of complaints handling mechanisms;
• Good knowledge of administrative/workplace investigation procedures and practices;
• Good facilitation skills, preferably with experience of delivering training in multicultural environment;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective organisational and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to assimilate a wide range of complex information and make informed judgements;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Ability to work both independently and with colleagues to achieve organisational goals;
• Fluent in Finnish and English (written and spoken), French is an asset.

An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” may be part of the selection process.

We offer:

• a permanent position with six months’ probation period, starting as soon as possible;
• a friendly working environment in a flat hierarchy organisation;
• encouragement and opportunities to develop your capabilities;
• care for your wellbeing, comprehensive occupational health service, and flexible working hours.

Who we are:

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest international aid organisation in Finland with operations in 11 countries. FCA specialises in supporting local communities in three priority areas: Right to Education, Right to Livelihood, and Right to Peace. FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) since 2017. – See more on FCA website https://www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi/en/

For more information, please contact Hanna Saarelainen, Director of Administration, email: hanna.saarelainen(at)kua.fi.

The compensation is based on FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience. Salary scale for this position is 4064,14 – 4528,61€ / month.

Please apply by using the link no later than March 24, 2024. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

At FCA we take a strong stand against sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and any form of child abuse. Our Safeguarding Policy applies to all our staff, ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved. We also have a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent and corrupt behaviour, as well as aid diversion. To uphold our commitment to integrity, we may screen applicants against international lists to ensure compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), reflecting our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and accountability.