What's Happening?
Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization, is actively recruiting an Audit, Risk, Compliance (ARC) and Safeguarding Head of Department (HoD) for its Nigeria operations, based in Abuja. This role is crucial for overseeing and developing
the local ARC function, which includes risk management, external and internal audits, and fraud and safeguarding management. The HoD will also contribute to enhancing internal control and risk mitigation systems within the country office, adhering to the policies and tools defined by the ARC business line. Action Against Hunger has been operating in Nigeria since 2010, focusing on integrated programs to combat chronic malnutrition in the northern regions. The organization implements multi-sectoral humanitarian and development interventions across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria, with funding from various international bodies, including the US Government, AFD, EU/ECHO, French Government, GAC, SIDA, and GIZ. The organization emphasizes a work culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all employees feel valued and empowered. The application deadline for this position is Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 05:00 pm Nigerian Time, and Action Against Hunger explicitly states that it does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment is significant as it underscores the ongoing commitment of international humanitarian organizations, including those supported by the U.S. Government, to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in their global operations. The establishment of a robust Audit, Risk, Compliance, and Safeguarding department is vital for managing the complex financial and operational risks associated with large-scale humanitarian interventions. For U.S. taxpayers and policymakers, this highlights how U.S. government funding is being channeled into programs that not only address critical humanitarian needs, such as fighting undernutrition in Nigeria, but also prioritize stringent oversight and fraud prevention. The role's focus on safeguarding also reflects a broader industry trend towards protecting vulnerable populations and preventing misconduct within aid operations. Effective risk management and compliance functions are essential for maintaining donor confidence and ensuring that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries efficiently and ethically. Without strong internal controls and safeguarding measures, the impact of humanitarian efforts could be undermined by mismanagement or corruption, potentially leading to a reduction in future funding and a loss of trust from both donors and the communities served.
What's Next?
The selected Head of Department will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating the implementation of risk management activities, including maintaining and updating the Country Office Risk Register and leading annual risk mapping assessments. They will also oversee donor and governmental audits, ensuring compliance with donor rules and providing technical support for implementing audit recommendations. A key responsibility will be to coordinate and implement internal audit and control activities, establishing a yearly internal audit plan and following up on recommendations. Furthermore, the HoD will lead the prevention and management of fraud and corruption situations, ensuring the efficient implementation of the Fraud and Safeguarding Policies and actively participating in the mission alert committee for investigations. The role also involves leading the deployment of the Safeguarding policy at the country level, ensuring a survivor-centered approach to managing safeguarding concerns. The successful candidate will report to the Country Director and will be based in Abuja, FCT, with a proposed start date of October 2026.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of such a specialized role within Action Against Hunger reflects a growing recognition within the humanitarian sector of the critical need for robust governance and accountability frameworks. Beyond the immediate operational benefits of preventing fraud and ensuring compliance, this position addresses deeper ethical and reputational concerns. The emphasis on 'safeguarding' signals a proactive stance against exploitation and abuse, particularly in vulnerable communities where power imbalances can be significant. This move aligns with broader international efforts to professionalize aid delivery and rebuild public trust in humanitarian organizations, which have sometimes faced scrutiny over accountability. For the U.S. Government, as a significant funder, the existence of such a role provides assurance that its contributions are being managed responsibly and ethically, reinforcing the integrity of its foreign aid initiatives. This commitment to internal oversight can also serve as a model for other organizations and local governments in developing countries, promoting best practices in financial management and ethical conduct within the broader development landscape.
