Internal Audit Manager AfricaRice Cotonou, Benin
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Internal Audit Manager
Ref: IRS/10/DGO/MAY/2012
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Internal Audit Manager to be based at AfricaRice’s headquarters in Cotonou, Benin.
About AfricaRice
AfricaRice is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The Center’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.
AfricaRice is temporarily headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.
Background
The Internal Audit Manager (IAM) leads the internal audit unit and investigative services of AfricaRice and assists the Center to meet its established business objectives through, inter alia, reviewing the design and operating effectiveness of the risk management function and also assessing policies and procedures in order to advise management on the most appropriate framework for the organization.
The IAM achieves these objectives by:
o Providing independent, objective assurance of the effectiveness of internal controls and governance;
o Assisting in developing and promoting best practice policies for the effectiveness and efficiency of the Center’s operations;
o In consultation with the Board, management and stakeholders, ensuring that a system for risk identification and assessment is in place at AfricaRice;
o Ensuring that internal audit resources are employed efficiently and effectively, and in accordance with the overall directives of the Board and the Center’s financial and administrative policies and procedures;
o Leading the timely preparation of all reports resulting from the execution of the unit’s work plans and programs;
o Performing his/her work in conformity with International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and adopted by the CGIAR.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the IAM:
Unit Leadership and Coordination
o Develops in consultation with the Audit Committee (AC) of the Board, management and stakeholders, a rolling risk based medium-term audit plan for the unit and an annual work plan;
o Provides leadership to unit staff in the implementation of the unit’s work plan, and ensures that resources are efficiently used in its implementation;
o Establishes professional policies and procedures to guide unit staff;
o Mentors and coaches unit staff;
o Coordinates the internal and external audit efforts of the Center to ensure adequate and cost-effective audit coverage and to minimize duplication of audit efforts;
Risk Management
o Reviews the strategic priorities and activities of AfricaRice in relation to potential risks to the organization and mitigation actions proposed by management;
o Assists management in developing risk management frameworks and scanning institutional risks on an ongoing basis;
o In consultation with the AC, management and stakeholders, formulates a risk-based audit plan and advises management on prioritizing identified risks.
o Provides expert advice in the development of program and unit level risk registers, and reviews implementation of the action points in the risk registers.
Reporting and Follow up
o Prepares summaries of audit findings for presentation and dissemination to H/Q and Regional office staff, and actively promotes lessons learned and best practice in risk management and value for money across the Center;
o Monitors the implementation of audit recommendations and follows up on management actions related to audit findings;
Development and Promotion of a Professional Culture within the Center
o Provides leadership in the development and promotion of risk management and value for money throughout the institution through workshops, training and dissemination of professional knowledge;
o Supports and monitors implementation of a whistle blower policy in the Center;
o Acts as the institutional focal point for professional development in internal audit from the CGIAR and IIA.
Requirements:
The selection criteria for the IAM are those for an experienced internal audit professional with a track record of demonstrated excellence in not-for-profit international organizations, who possess superior critical thinking and communication capabilities in order to help clients within the organization identify and implement improvements, and who can provide leadership within the unit and the Center. Applications should take into consideration the selection criteria listed below.
o University level academic qualifications in relevant field (business administration, public administration, finance or accounting).
o Professional qualification relevant to undertaking internal audit work. Particular qualifications which would be desirable relate to internal auditing (CIA), accounting and financial management (CPA or CA or equivalent), information technology (CISA, CISM), fraud examination (CFE) administration and corporate governance.
o At least 10 years of progressive experience in planning, conducting and managing internal or external audits; investigations; and/or studies and consultancies related to corporate governance, risk management, organizational development, internal controls and compliance systems. Having a significant part of that experience devoted to internal audit would be an advantage. Having additional line experience within organizations in financial, administrative, technology, project management, quality system, regulatory compliance or corporate governance positions would also be an advantage.
o Ability to plan, conduct and manage audits in accordance with international professional standards in any or all of the following fields:
• Operational/efficiency
• Information systems
• Financial reporting and financial/administrative controls
• Forensic audit and investigations
o Strong knowledge of internal controls and risk management frameworks and concepts.
o Mature understanding of the ethical framework for internal auditors and an ability to appreciate ethical issues applicable generally in the work place.
o Superior analytical skills.
o Superior skills in written and verbal communication in either English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language, together with proven ability to deliver clear, logical and succinct presentations and written reports and correspondence.
o Ability to provide authoritative, professional advice and assistance to clients within the Center, and to manage staff in a constructive manner.
o Superior inter-personal skills, including an ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment within the unit and Center.
o Willingness to undertake a significant amount of travel outside the duty station.
Terms and Conditions
o This is an internationally-recruited position and the appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal
o AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
Application procedure
Candidates should send an application (including a covering letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, certificates obtained, professional experience, language skills (French/English), and the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.
To apply online for this position, please click on the following web link:
http://ict.africarice.org/apply/Positions/IRS10DG201205/
Applications will be considered up to June 15, 2012.
AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.
AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at:
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