The Contracts and Compliance Officer will support WEConnect International’s Governance, Procurement and Regulatory processes and policies. This role will work hand in hand with the Chief Operations Officer to monitor and report on risk and regulatory compliance matters for the organization. This role with work across teams supporting a number of critical initiatives, including the development and implementation of a compliance program to ensure adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements for all policies, procedures, contracts, vendor management, and all other related matters. The successful incumbent will embody the highest ethical standards, personal and professional integrity, and respect for confidentiality. In addition, they must be diligent in their approach to work, highly responsive to all requests and inquiries both from internal and external clients. They will have demonstrated experience in establishing compliance programs, operational risk experience, exemplary writing skills, and a proven record of engaging regulatory entities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Procurement and Contracts
Create vendor contracts with all required terms and conditions
Review and enforce internal procurement processes for compliance to include FAR regulations
Review and evaluate contracts received from members to ensure requirements are compliant and in alignment with WEConnect International’s mission and values
Develop and manage policies and procedures related to organizational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and related contract terms and conditions; ensure appropriate parties and functional areas are aware of respective obligations as related to compliance
When applicable, educate team on any regulatory requirements including changes, updates, or modifications which may impact their day-to-day responsibilities and interactions with clients
Monitor and review processes and documentation, and as required, provide recommendations to strengthen and improve operations in addition to identifying cost or efficiency savings
Identify areas for risk transformation and automation in support of increase efficiency and cost savings as compliance
Data Privacy
Serve as Data Privacy Officer for the organization and ensure all policies and team members are up to date in terms of all required laws and practices
Maintain and revise policies and procedures for the general operation of the Company’s Privacy policies
Develops applicable criteria and manages the operations of the data privacy program
Develop and maintain the organization’s Compliance Manual, Compliance Forms, Annual/Quarterly Compliance Training and Testing program
Partner with other internal departments including Project Management, Finance, Human Resources, Member Development, Learning & Development, Certification and Registration team, and Executive leadership to address compliance issues and ensure team understanding and obligations under applicable laws and regulations
Legal Counsel
Serve as liaison with external attorneys
Consult with external resources to address complex legal and compliance issues
Review and respond to any alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct as required
Develop procedure for investigating claims, and ensures processes are handled in a confidential, timely and consistent manner
Review and identify potential areas of compliance risk for the organization and develop corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues, providing guidance on how to mitigate risk for future actions
Draft reports for leadership team and Board of Directors regarding compliance matters
Manage the internal development and review of legal documents associated with organizational products, materials, and contractual agreements for both members and vendors
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Experience in reviewing and supporting contracts with Governmental and Multilateral agencies
Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) in the acquisition and supplies and services with appropriated funds
Understanding and knowledge of provisions and contract clauses of the various Government Agency FAR supplements
Experience in the review and development of Commercial contracts and agreements
Familiarity with Data privacy and compliance such as General Data protection Regulation (GDPR)
Demonstrated understanding of the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) as it relates to commercial transactions within the United States
Ability to work in the United States without Employer Sponsorship
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of six years of experience in a regulatory compliance and/or legal function is preferred
Juris Doctor required from an ABA-accredited law school
Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 in a PC/Laptop environment with Dell equipment
About us: WEConnect International, a member-led global non-profit, helps women-owned businesses access and succeed in global value chains. WEConnect International has, since 2009, provided business education, certification, and business connections to companies based outside the United Sates that are at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International corporate members represent over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power and are true pioneers in inclusive sourcing and global supplier development. www.WEConnectInternational.org
Core Values and Culture: As we continue to grow our impact, WEConnect International will attract and hold accountable members, partners, staff and stakeholders based on these core values, which help to define our culture, brand and operational strategies.
•Embrace Diversity and Inclusion to Unleash Potential
•Demonstrate Passion for Women's Economic Empowerment
•Make a Positive Difference in the World
•Deliver Stakeholder Value
•Exemplify Integrity in Everything We Do
•Pursue Teamwork with a Shared Vision and Purpose
•Embrace Openness, Trust and Candid Communication