Director, Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO)

Vacancy announcement number:	11/05/P
Date of issue:	7 February 2011
Deadline for applications:	21 February 2011
Position Title:	Director - Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO)
Organizational unit:	Office of the President
Level:	D-1
CCOG Code:	1.A.21
Duty station:	Rome
Date of entry on duty:	As soon as possible
Duration of assignment:	2-year fixed term - (renewable)

Organizational Context: Leading the IFAD Internal Oversight function and reporting to the President, the incumbent performs a strategic role in helping the Fund accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal control processes; by leading IFAD’s efforts to prevent and detect fraud and corruption, and investigate all allegations of irregularities in its activities and operations; and by interacting with the Audit Committee and Executive Board the oversight plans and results of its work as outlined in the Charter for IFAD’s Office of Audit and Oversight .

Building and managing a team of audit and oversight specialists, the incumbent creates and maintains organizational capacity to safeguard and reinforce IFAD’s reputation as a responsible steward of public resources.

Responsibilities

• Advises the President, Senior Management and Governing Bodies on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Fund’s governance, risk management and internal control systems; recommends improvements where needed; and reports periodically to the Governing Bodies on the activities of the Office and on the implementation of oversight recommendations.
• Defines audit and investigation objectives, strategies, policies, and procedures and establishes internal oversight priorities and plans by reference to an assessment of risks and the Fund’s strategic priorities; and coordinates with the external auditor to achieve optimal use of audit resources.
• Develops and maintains an appropriate organizational and staffing structure to accomplish internal oversight goals as per its Charter and manages the work of the internal oversight team, ensuring compliance with well-recognized international standards for such activities.
• Coordinates with other offices of the Fund to promote modern risk management, internal control, corporate governance practices and business ethics, and to mainstream the Fund’s policy for preventing fraud, corruption and irregular practices in its activities and operations.
• Builds collaborative networks with oversight entities and represents IFAD at meetings of the UN/IFI oversight services as well as at other international fora, ensuring that IFAD contributes to development of system oversight standards and guidelines.

Qualification and experience

Education and experience

• Advanced University degree or its equivalent in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, law or related field is required. An internationally recognized professional qualification in accounting, auditing or related field is essential.
• At least twelve 12 years experience and demonstrated technical competence at a managerial level in audit, investigations, oversight or other directly relevant knowledge. At least 5 years’ audit and investigation experience with a multilateral financial institution is required.
• High level and progressively responsible professional experience in applying state-of-the-art audit, investigation and modern management practices.
• Sound knowledge of international auditing and accounting standards and corporate governance, risk management and internal control practices, techniques and principles.

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to set out a coherent argument in presentations and group interactions in English;
• Adept in the use of information and communications technology;
• Working knowledge of an additional IFAD language (Arabic, French, and/or Spanish) would be an asset.

Competencies

• Leads and manages change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence, keeping IFAD vision and values at the forefront of actions.
• Strong, independent mental attitude and highest integrity and ability to inspire and nurture an organizational culture of ethics and fairness.
• Leads, directs and manages a results-oriented programme through excellent management, organizational, team-building, staff development, technical leadership skills and an innovative approach.
• Establishes and fosters effective professional relationships with professional peers internal and external to the Fund; as well as with the senior management of the organization.
• Commits to personal performance and self-development and is able to develop others and manage their performance.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD; and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD. IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

IFAD encourages qualified women and candidates from developing countries to apply. Special attention will be given to applications from internal candidates.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you desire, only as a supplement and not a substitute to the PHF. The applications need to be addressed to the Human Resources Division, Via Paolo di Dono 44, 00142 Rome, Italy, Fax +39-06-5043463, Email vacancy@ifad.org. and must clearly indicate the Vacancy Number and position title. Any application received by IFAD after the closing date or not fulfilling the above-indicated requirements, will not be considered.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.