Governance, Risk & Compliance Director

Location: Accra, Ghana
Employment Type: Full-Time
Organization: World Vision Ghana

Company Profile

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, families, and communities. Guided by Christian values, we work in partnership with communities, governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. Through sustainable development, humanitarian response, advocacy, and community empowerment, World Vision seeks to create lasting change for children and their communities worldwide.

Position Purpose

The Governance, Risk & Compliance Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for corporate governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, legal affairs, and internal control systems across World Vision Ghana. The role ensures that the organization operates with the highest standards of accountability, transparency, integrity, and regulatory compliance while effectively managing organizational risks.

The Director will strengthen governance structures, promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct, enhance risk management practices, and support organizational decision-making through robust governance frameworks. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the incumbent will provide expert guidance to leadership, management, and governing bodies on governance, risk, compliance, and legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Governance Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of corporate governance frameworks, policies, and practices.
• Advise senior leadership and governance bodies on governance matters, regulatory obligations, and best practices.
• Support effective governance structures that promote accountability, transparency, and sound decision-making.
• Coordinate governance reporting and ensure compliance with organizational and statutory requirements.
• Promote ethical leadership and organizational integrity across all functions.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework aligned with organizational objectives.
• Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate strategic, operational, financial, legal, compliance, and reputational risks.
• Facilitate risk assessments and support management in developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide regular risk analysis and reporting to senior leadership and relevant governance committees.
• Foster a proactive risk management culture across the organization.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, donor requirements, organizational policies, and international standards.
• Monitor changes in regulatory and compliance environments and recommend appropriate organizational responses.
• Lead compliance reviews and assessments to identify gaps and strengthen controls.
• Develop and implement compliance awareness initiatives across the organization.
• Support investigations and resolution of compliance-related matters where required.

Internal Controls and Assurance

• Strengthen and maintain robust internal control systems that safeguard organizational assets and resources.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure effective audit planning, execution, and follow-up.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Promote continuous improvement in governance, risk, and compliance processes.

Legal and Policy Advisory Support

• Provide strategic guidance on legal, governance, and compliance matters affecting organizational operations.
• Review policies, contracts, agreements, and governance documentation to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Support organizational leadership in managing legal and regulatory risks.
• Ensure organizational policies remain current and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.

Leadership and Organizational Capacity Building

• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to staff and managers on governance, risk, and compliance matters.
• Build organizational capacity in risk management, compliance, ethics, and internal controls.
• Promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning across the organization.
• Support strategic initiatives and organizational transformation efforts through effective governance practices.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Management, Corporate Governance, Organizational Development, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• A Master’s degree in Corporate Governance, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field from a recognized university will be an added advantage.

Professional Experience

• At least 3–7 years of hands-on experience in corporate governance, risk management, compliance, legal affairs, or related functions.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and monitoring governance frameworks, compliance programs, and internal control systems.
• Strong understanding of risk management, audit processes, compliance requirements, and legal affairs.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working within an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO).
• Proven understanding of humanitarian operations and development programming in both emergency response and long-term development contexts.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and governance structures on strategic governance and risk matters.
• Experience managing complex organizational issues while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles, risk management frameworks, compliance standards, and internal control systems.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and drive strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong information management and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professional ethics.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Personal Attributes

• Committed Christian with the ability to work effectively across denominational, cultural, and social diversity.
• Demonstrates maturity, resilience, and professionalism in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
• Diplomatic, tactful, and capable of managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Collaborative team player who values diversity and inclusion in multicultural environments.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to World Vision’s mission, vision, and core values.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the application button.