START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises. We aim to see:

LOCALLY-LED ACTION: We believe that a more balanced international aid system, which shifts power to those closest to the front-line, will generate more effective and appropriate responses for people affected by crises.

NEW FORMS OF FINANCING: Our pooled funds enable fast and early action to tackle the kind of crises that are often overlooked by other funding mechanisms. Our risk financing pilots are introducing new ways of working that can save even more lives.

COLLECTIVE INNOVATION: New ways of working are needed to tackle the challenges we face. By innovating collectively, we can share expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

We aim to support the emergence and development of further hubs in the coming years. Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership and decision making to the hubs, while the central team transitions to become a service provider.

For more information, please visit our website.

JOB PURPOSE

The Assurance Advisor sits within the Assurance Team. Working with internal and external

stakeholders, the Assurance team ensures Start Network is compliant as a charity and

company. The successful candidate will support the Assurance team as they implement

Start Network's strategic vision towards localisation and systems change.

The Assurance Advisor is responsible for supporting the Assurance team with localization

and capacity strengthening efforts; delivering operational compliance and due diligence to

meet contractual and regulatory obligations; and assisting organization efforts towards

systems change and member capacity strengthening. Excellent verbal and written

communication skills are required, together with a logical, calm approach to resolving

complex issues.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Compliance

• Ensure best practice around compliance for a networked organisation, including advising on ways of working, providing guidance on processes/procedures, and flagging compliance challenges for escalation.

• Specific thematic compliance support includes GDPR/data protection, safeguarding, fraud, whistleblower protections, etc.

Due Diligence (DD)

• Provide support to the Due Diligence Project Manager with the identification, selection, set up, relationship management, and deliverable tracking of local DD

Service Providers.

• Support with scheduling and coordinating training for new local DD service providers.

• Assist with the management of consultants to support Assurance work as necessary.

• Working with the Membership team to support organisations going through the DD process.

• Support the DD Program Manager with the DD process including advising members as they go through the DD process, reviewing draft DD reports, and supporting the

DD report approval process.

• Manage the filing of final DD reports and inform Membership team and other stakeholders of DD completion.

• Support the development and implementation of DD passporting.

• Provide innovative thinking around improving and contextualizing DD approaches, specifically to support small- and medium-sized locally led organizations.

Vetting

• Support with continuous vetting for our members and suppliers.

• Ensure the vetting data base is up to date.

• Support the Senior Assurance advisor with follow up when any vetting reports are flagged.

• Ensure data protection and confidentiality is upheld.

Risk

• Provide support to Start Network and members with objective centred risk identification, assessment, and management including the design and delivery of training.

• As necessary, support the management of investigations from escalated reports involving fraud, safeguarding, and other serious incidents.

• Support preparation of reports for trustee committees and boards on risk and incident management.

• Promote a risk management culture that aligns our approach to risk with our mission, vision, and values - balancing threats and opportunities.

• Support the Operations function to manage the safety and security elements for staff travel and provide support in preparing travel risk assessments.

Organisational Strengthening

• Work with Assurance, Membership, Network Development, Operations, and other teams on organisational strengthening identified through the Membership onboarding and DD assessment process.

• Support with Assurance reassessment following completion of organisational strengthening modules.

PERSON PROFILE

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience working with the nonprofit/humanitarian/international development sector.

• Demonstrated understanding of the sector's conversations around locally-led programming.

• Ability to innovate to solve complex challenges with multiple stakeholders.

• Interest in learning how assurance strengthens programmatic impact.

• Experience with capacity strengthening, organizational systems improvement, and training a plus.

• Experience working with risk, compliance, assurance, and/or safeguarding a plus.

• Spanish, French, or Arabic skills a plus.

Key Competencies

• Ability to communicate with and manage expectations of multiple stakeholders while working to address difficult or complex issues.

• Generate and design the implementation of ideas that have impact at organisational, network and humanitarian systems-level.

• Create and promote a learning culture.

• Monitor external sources to identify best practice to advance our work, connecting with diverse stakeholders and perspectives inside as well as outside the sector.

• Effective communicator, experienced working in cross-cultural settings and explaining concepts using simple English.

• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job- shares, please get in touch with us for a conversation about possibilities.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering the Start Network as well as responding effectively should any harm occur. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy.

Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity, and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.

APPLICATION

We use Be Applied, an online recruitment platform. Rather than relying on CVs and cover letters, Be Applied allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities through answering questions which are blind reviewed by our team to reduce bias.

If you have any questions or need support with your application, please email us using peopleandculture@startnetwork.org.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so please apply early.

Any offer of employment is subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data.