Programme Officer

Honeycomb is delighted to be working with a public-sector organisation to recruit a Programme Officer on a temporary 12-month contract. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in compliance, audit, governance, risk management or programme management to join a busy team supporting the delivery of a significant cross-border funding programme. The successful candidate will play an important role in strengthening internal controls, reviewing programme processes and ensuring the organisation is fully prepared for external audits and assurance exercises. This is a varied role offering exposure to programme governance, financial compliance, risk management and continuous improvement.

The Company: Our client is a public-sector organisation responsible for supporting the delivery and management of cross-border programmes that promote economic, social and community development. Working with a range of partners and implementing bodies, the organisation plays an important role in overseeing programme delivery, ensuring funding is managed effectively and maintaining robust governance and accountability arrangements.

The Role: Reporting to the MA Manager - Programme Management, the Programme Officer will support the organisation's Managing Authority function, focusing on compliance reviews, internal assurance, risk assessment and audit readiness. You will work across different programme functions, reviewing systems and processes, identifying potential risks and recommending improvements to ensure programme requirements and internal controls are being followed.

• Carrying out internal compliance reviews and assurance testing across programme functions and delivery arrangements
• Reviewing systems, processes and operational controls to ensure compliance with programme requirements, policies and procedures
• Undertaking sample testing of claims, project files, procurement documentation and monitoring records
• Reviewing programme documentation, management information and audit trails to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance
• Supporting preparations for external audits, inspections and assurance exercises, including coordinating evidence and documentation
• Undertaking mock audit reviews to assess organisational readiness and identify areas requiring improvement
• Monitoring audit findings and recommendations, maintaining records of agreed actions and tracking progress against corrective measures
• Identifying and assessing operational, financial and compliance risks and supporting the maintenance of programme risk registers
• Supporting fraud prevention measures and the management of potential irregularities
• Reviewing programme management systems and identifying opportunities to improve processes and strengthen internal controls
• Preparing reports outlining compliance findings, risks, recommendations and areas of good practice
• Developing guidance, checklists and resources to support staff understanding of compliance and audit requirements
• Working closely with internal programme teams, implementing bodies and external auditors
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and sharing learning from audits, reviews and evaluations

The Person: Relevant experience may include 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
• Regulatory compliance

Essential Experience & Skills: Candidates must also be able to demonstrate:

• Experience reviewing systems, processes or operational activities to assess compliance with policies, regulations or procedures
• Experience preparing documentation and evidence for internal or external audits, reviews or inspections
• Experience analysing information and preparing reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
• Experience working effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to improve compliance and performance
• Experience identifying risks and contributing to the development of appropriate mitigating actions
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work to tight deadlines

Desirable Criteria: It would also be advantageous to have:

• Experience working with grant management systems
• Experience of public-sector governance frameworks

Package & Benefits: Contract: Temporary 12-month appointment. Working arrangements: Hybrid working in line with organisational policies. Exposure to programme governance, compliance, audit and assurance activity. Opportunity to work with a range of internal teams, implementing bodies and external stakeholders.

How to Apply: To apply for this role, submit your CV via the application form provided. Alternatively, to speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please contact Zeena Jackson.

Disclaimer: If you have a disability which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss. Honeycomb is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Please note, we are receiving an exceptionally high number of applications at present and will be unable to shortlist candidates who are not meeting the specific requirements for this role. Due to the high volume of applications, we may be unable to provide individual feedback. We thank you in advance for your understanding. This position is subject to a Basic criminal record check through AccessNI. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position.