Global Compliance Manager

Title: Global Compliance Manager

Location:The United States (HQ-based) is the preferred option with Belgium or UK offices as alternatives.

Salary: $82000 - $95000 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 letter outlining all relevant experience how you meet the essential criteria.

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.

Required Experience:

Manager