Assistant Risk and Compliance Officer

VisionFund Kenya is a dynamic financial services company and a key investment of World Vision Kenya, committed to fostering sustainable financial inclusion.

VisionFund Kenya, a financial services company and key investment of World Vision Kenya, is dedicated to sustainable financial inclusion. The Risk and Compliance function is crucial for the organization's overall risk management and compliance. This role involves supporting the Internal Controls and Compliance Officer in daily risk and compliance management, verifying adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, and assisting in safeguarding efforts to protect both clients and staff. The successful candidate's meticulousness, analytical capabilities, and grasp of regulatory requirements will be essential for maintaining the institution's compliance standards.

1. Collect and analyze portfolio, operational, and transaction data to identify, measure, and rank risks.
2. Assist in conducting risk assessments for operations, products, branches, and processes, documenting mitigating actions.
3. Maintain the risk register and key risk indicator tracker, including risk owners and status.
4. Review policies and procedures for identified risks and highlight any gaps.
5. Track audit, regulator, and management recommendations, following up for timely implementation.
6. Support the preparation of contingency and business continuity plans and monitor their testing.
7. Help identify applicable laws, regulations, and agreements for VisionFund Kenya and keep the obligations register updated.
8. Monitor compliance of branches and Head Office with policies, procedures, and controls using checklists, recording exceptions.
9. Prepare and track statutory and regulatory returns and filings against their deadlines.
10. Verify compliance with credit information requirements, including client consent for credit reference bureau checks.
11. Log compliance breaches and follow them through to resolution.
12. Draft risk, compliance, and exception reports for senior officers.
13. Maintain the risk and compliance database, including records of incidents, breaches, and corrective actions.
14. Ensure risk and compliance documents and evidence are organized, secure, and confidential.
15. Support the Safeguarding Focal Point in training staff and partners on safeguarding measures.
16. Assist in conducting safeguarding surveys and compiling results.
17. Maintain confidential safeguarding case records and log reported incidents for action.
18. Help train clients on reporting platforms and verify the functionality and visibility of reporting channels in branches.
19. Assist in preparing the annual risk and compliance plan, compliance calendar, and follow-up checklists.
20. Schedule branch reviews, trainings, and awareness sessions, and prepare necessary materials.
21. Keep the calendar of statutory and regulatory deadlines up to date.
22. Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Law, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
2. Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in risk management, compliance, internal audit, or a related field, preferably within a financial institution or microfinance environment.
3. Working knowledge of risk management principles, compliance frameworks, and regulations applicable to microfinance and credit providers in Kenya, including data protection and credit information sharing.
4. Experience supporting risk assessments, compliance checks, audits, or regulatory reviews.
5. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze financial and operational data and present findings clearly.
6. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, capable of multitasking and meeting deadlines.
7. Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili, including report writing and presenting to staff and clients.
8. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
9. High ethical standards, a proactive mindset, and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including client and safeguarding data.
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
11. Willingness to travel to branch offices and field locations as required.
12. Professional certification in compliance, risk management, or accounting (e.g., CRCM, CRM, CFE), or progress towards one (desirable).