Programme Officer

Programme Officer (Compliance, Assurance and Audit Readiness) (Temp)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Programme Officer, to join a leading organisation based in Belfast.

This is a Full-Time, Temporary Position initially for 12 months – with an immediate start.

Working hours: 37 hour per week (flexible working hours).

With a salary of £37,694 – £38,990 pa. (dependent on experience).

Job Role:

You will be responsible for carrying out internal compliance reviews, systems testing, process assurance exercises and audit-readiness activity to ensure that the Managing Authority, Implementing Bodies and Programme systems are fully prepared for audits and other external assurance exercises.

Essential Criteria:

• A third-level qualification in any relevant discipline AND a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: Internal audit, Compliance monitoring, Assurance reviews, Governance and risk management, Programme management, Grant management, financial control, public sector audit or inspection and Regulatory compliance OR a minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in the above areas without a degree qualification.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal – with the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.

Demonstrable experience of:

• Experience of reviewing systems, processes or operational activities to assess compliance with policies, regulations or procedures.
• Experience of preparing documentation and evidence for internal or external audits, reviews or inspections.
• Experience of analysing information and preparing reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Experience of working effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to improve compliance and performance.
• Experience of identifying risks and contributing to the development of mitigating actions.

Desirable Criteria:

• Internal Auditor qualification (IIA).
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
• PRINCE2 Foundation or Practitioner.
• Experience of grant management systems.
• Experience of public sector governance frameworks.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct structured compliance reviews across Managing Authority functions and Programme delivery arrangements.
• Undertake periodic testing of operational controls, management checks and verification procedures.
• Review the effectiveness of programme systems and processes and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Examine programme files, documentation and records to ensure completeness, accuracy and auditability.
• Assess compliance with Programme rules, Programme Manuals, guidance documents and internal procedures.
• Conduct sample testing of claims, project files, procurement documentation and monitoring records.
• Review the implementation of recommendations arising from previous audits and inspections.
• Prepare assurance reports identifying findings, recommendations and areas of good practice.
• Develop and maintain an annual audit-readiness programme.
• Coordinate preparation exercises in advance of Audit Authority, Group of Auditors and other formal audits.
• Undertake mock audit reviews to assess organisational readiness.
• Ensure appropriate audit trails are maintained across Programme activities.
• Support the collation of evidence, documentation and management responses for external audits.
• Track audit findings and monitor implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain a central register of audit recommendations and management actions.
• Review operational processes to ensure compliance, consistency and efficiency.
• Test functionality and controls within programme management and monitoring systems.
• Assess the effectiveness of system-generated controls and management information.
• Support reviews of e-Cohesion and other programme system requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce administrative burden while maintaining robust controls.
• Support the ongoing development and maintenance of programme risk registers.
• Assist in identifying and assessing operational, financial and compliance risks.
• Support implementation of proportionate anti-fraud measures.
• Review fraud prevention controls and escalation procedures.
• Contribute to investigations of concerns, irregularities and suspected fraud where required.
• Develop guidance notes, checklists and compliance tools for programme teams.
• Deliver training and awareness sessions on audit readiness and control requirements.
• Promote best practice in record management, compliance and assurance activity.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Managing Authority systems and procedures.
• Support implementation of lessons learned from audits and evaluations.
• Prepare management reports summarising compliance findings, risks and recommendations.
• Provide briefing material for senior managers and governance bodies as required.
• Support responses to audit reports, parliamentary questions and formal information requests.
• Contribute to Monitoring Committee and governance reporting where appropriate.

Skills:programme officer audit compliance

WHJS1_NI

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