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…