Senior Specialist, Ethics And Compliance

Overall Function

The Senior Specialist, Ethics and Compliance will work within the Legal, Ethics and Compliance team, and collaborate with HR, Procurement, Grants, Internal Audit, and other teams to help implement and refine EDF’s Ethics-Based Compliance Program. Reporting to the Director & Senior Counsel – Ethics and Compliance, this role will provide essential support to EDF’s prevention, detection and response to unethical behavior, conflicts of interest, non-compliance or other misconduct, and work across the organization to develop a culture of compliance. Your organizational skills, issue spotting, problem solving, drafting, and investigative skills will support the team and EDF’s mission globally. You will be responsible for understanding the application of donor and other regulatory requirements to EDF’s operations, assist in the development of and training on policies and procedures, assist in identifying and responding to existent and emerging risks to EDF’s operations, and develop and implement corrective action plans to address areas for improvement. As a team, we are exposed to a broad range of legal and operational matters that a multinational nonprofit organization encounters, and you’ll have lots of opportunity to expand your skills and experience over time.

The position may be remote for U.S. candidates, with a preference for candidates in/near New York City and Washington D.C.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the LE&C team, we all share a responsibility for:

• Succeeding together.
• Operating from a position of trust in one another’s professional skills, always assuming common purpose and good intentions, and acting out of kindness; and
• Upholding and advancing EDF’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Optimism, Innovation and Results and to help effectuate EDF’s commitments to diversity, inclusion and equity across its mission and operations;

As an individual contributor, you will be is responsible for:

• Helping to develop and maintain internal controls capable of preventing and detecting patterns of behavior of employees and others working with EDF globally;
• Under the guidance of Ethics and Compliance Director, collaborating with EDF's global operations teams to develop strategies, operationalize and track robust and globally consistent policies, procedures, controls, and systems to assure ongoing effectiveness of EDF's global ethics and compliance program and operations;
• Assist in developing and implement training initiatives in collaboration with other stakeholders;
• Support the Director, Ethics and Compliance in reviewing compliance cases and updating case management system.
• Participating in advancing EDF diversity, equity and inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Promoting the importance of a solid ethical culture and awareness of the EDF's ethics and compliance program;
• Assisting tracking of and mitigation plans for conflicts of interest and outside employment;
• Develop and manage enhancement of compliance reporting and metrics, develop and presentations; and
• Advancing the Ethics function as a resource for teammates;
• Participate in internal investigations and external audits, and coordinating with Internal Audit, HR and outside counsel as necessary and appropriate;
• Collaborating with others to keep the suite of EDF policies current;
• Working with other EDF Legal counsel and stakeholders to interpret local laws, regulation and cultural requirements;

Qualifications

• Experience assisting in the developing, maintaining, implementing, promoting and managing an ethics and compliance program and code of conduct.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally and effectively in a fast paced, professional team environment.
• Familiarity and experience with various donor requirements (US Federal, UK, EU, etc.) a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, deadlines and organization required.
• Ability to assist on complex and sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality.
• 5+ years of experience with in-depth exposure to global compliance and ethics standards, anti-bribery/corruption laws and regulations, risk assessments and audit response.
• Excellent writing, analytical, organization and interpersonal skills, with sound judgment and ability to influence and work with others in a growing, global operation.
• Non-profit business and compliance experience a plus.
• CCEP or Certified Fraud Examiner status a plus.
• Ability to make sound judgment calls and communicate complex concepts in a straightforward manner.
• Optimism and sense of humor required.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Track record of translating complex compliance concepts into operational practices.

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?