Oversee and execute core duties that include leading project teams, ensuring adherence to timelines, and maintaining high-quality standards across deliverables. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to align objectives, streamline workflows, and resolve operational challenges efficiently. Monitor performance metrics to identify trends, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Serve as a liaison between senior management and staff, facilitating transparent communication and fostering a collaborative work environment. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while managing resources effectively to optimize productivity and cost efficiency.
Direct the formulation and authorization of risk-based annual and multi-year audit plans encompassing internal and partnership audits, establishing the framework for defining the scope of internal controls testing subject to review and approval by the AFRC.
Offer strategic, objective analysis and actionable guidance on emerging institutional risks, evolving regulatory frameworks, donor compliance obligations, and global market dynamics, ensuring alignment with governance standards and expectations.
Draft, implement, and continually refine audit policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures to ensure robust control frameworks across the institute’s operational processes, while embedding industry best practices to assess and enhance their effectiveness.
Strategically oversee the execution of audits throughout all audit cycles, ensuring alignment with the approved audit plan, institutional risk priorities, and established quality standards.
Oversee the development, deployment, and performance of governance frameworks designed to monitor audit actions and corrective results, leveraging digital auditing tools, data analytics, automation, and technology-driven assurance methodologies.
Offer expert, independent counsel to the AFRC and the Director General on governance optimization, institutional accountability, risk management, and internal control systems.
Ensure timely escalation of highrisk issues and control deficiencies through the established mechanisms, provide periodic monitoring and reporting on implementation of remedial actions, and strengthen closure through formal accountability and defined timelines.
Align internal audit priorities with INRI’s strategic goals, institutional risk tolerance, enterprise risk registers, and emerging operational challenges to ensure comprehensive risk management and alignment with organizational objectives.
Ensure the institution’s readiness, resilience, and continuity of operations by upholding robust business continuity arrangements that strengthen operational sustainability and crisis response capabilities. This involves systematically assessing the adequacy of risk management practices spanning operational, financial, compliance, cybersecurity, and other reputational risk domains to mitigate potential disruptions effectively.
Provide strategic leadership of the Internal Audit function, setting direction, priorities and capability requirements while fostering a high-performance and independent assurance culture.
Responsible for designing and implementing scheduled training programs aimed at enhancing understanding of internal controls and policy updates, thereby fostering institutional effectiveness.
Conducting specialized audit examinations to verify adequate scope, maintain independence, and present findings directly to the Board or Director General.
Oversee the enhancement of the team’s capacity while fostering robust risk management practices, in collaboration with the Risk Management Committee, to cultivate a culture of thorough risk assessment and proactive mitigation throughout the institute.
Ensure the optimal allocation and utilization of financial and other resources to support the function’s objectives efficiently and effectively.
Ensure the Internal Audit function operates with unwavering independence and objectivity, adhering strictly to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards and industry best practices.
Engage collaboratively with key stakeholders throughout CGIAR to cultivate robust working relationships, thereby enhancing coordinated assurance and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Carry out any additional duties that may be assigned as necessary to support operational needs.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business administration, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional certifications of relevance, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or their equivalents, are required.
Holding an active membership in the applicable professional organization(s) is a required qualification.
With a minimum of twelve years of applicable professional experience, candidates should possess a proven track record in their field. This extensive experience demonstrates a depth of expertise and a capacity to handle complex responsibilities with competence.
Proven track record in implementing quality assurance frameworks and executing risk-based auditing methodologies to mitigate potential concerns and uphold compliance standards.
Professionals should possess extensive expertise in ethics and fraud investigations, financial auditing, governance principles, risk management strategies, and internal control frameworks.
Senior leadership experience in the realm of internal audit management is essential for this position.
Proven track record working within multicultural settings at donor-funded or research/development organizations.
Analytical proficiency, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and advanced report-writing skills, is essential.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with stakeholders, along with the capacity to engage and persuade senior leadership.
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks, legal principles, and economic environments, all of which are crucial to the effective execution of internal audit functions.
Demonstrates proficiency in interpreting and implementing institutional policies, procedures, and governance frameworks, excelling at rapidly analyzing, decoding, and translating intricate policy details into actionable strategies within a fast-paced setting.
Proven expertise in auditing-focused information technology systems and digital audit tools is required.
Strategic thinkers with a keen ability to anticipate enterprise risks and navigate complex challenges are needed. The role demands forward-looking insight to identify potential risks before they escalate, ensuring robust risk mitigation strategies are implemented. Strong analytical skills and a proactive mindset are essential to assess diverse risk scenarios and develop proactive solutions. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity to align risk management practices with long-term business objectives while fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness throughout the organization.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
