Oversee a comprehensive range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Manage and execute tasks with precision, including strategic planning, process optimization, and performance evaluation. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and drive project success. Maintain accountability for deliverables, timelines, and quality standards while adhering to best practices in the field. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, promoting professional growth and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Spearhead the creation and endorsement of risk-based annual and multiyear audit plans encompassing both internal and partnership audits, which will establish the framework for defining the scope of internal controls testing for final review and approval by the AFRC.
Deliver objective evaluations and strategic guidance on evolving institutional risks, evolving regulatory landscapes, donor compliance obligations, and global trends, ensuring alignment with established governance standards.
To establish and uphold robust audit policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures, while incorporating industry best practices to assess the effectiveness of the institute’s control mechanisms.
Provide strategic direction for the execution of audits across all audit cycles, ensuring alignment with the approved audit plan, institutional risk priorities, and established quality standards.
Over the responsibility for developing, deploying, and evaluating governance frameworks that monitor audit actions and corrective results falls to this role, achieved by leveraging digital auditing solutions, data-driven analytics, automation, and technology-driven assurance approaches.
Deliver objective counsel to the AFRC and the Director General regarding governance performance, institutional accountability, risk exposure assessment, and internal control systems.
Ensure that high-risk issues and control deficiencies are escalated promptly via established channels, while conducting regular oversight and reporting on the progress of corrective actions. Strengthen the resolution process by implementing formal accountability measures and adhering to clearly defined timelines for closure.
Align internal audit priorities with INRI’s strategic goals, institutional risk tolerance, enterprise risk registers, and evolving operational risks to ensure comprehensive coverage and alignment with organizational objectives.
To uphold institutional readiness, resilience, and operational continuity, this role involves assessing the effectiveness of risk management practices across operational, financial, compliance, cybersecurity, and other reputational risk areas, thereby strengthening crisis response capabilities and ensuring sustainable business operations.
Establish the strategic vision, objectives, and capability framework for the Internal Audit function, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while cultivating a culture of excellence and independent assurance.
Responsible for designing and implementing recurring training initiatives aimed at enhancing staff understanding of internal controls and organizational policy updates to foster overall institutional efficiency.
Conduct specialized audit evaluations with a focus on establishing appropriate scope, maintaining independence, and ensuring timely reporting to the Board or the Director General.
Ensure the team’s capacity development while fostering a robust risk management framework, in collaboration with the Risk Management Committee, to cultivate a culture of thorough risk assessment and mitigation throughout the institute.
Monitor and optimize the utilization of financial and other operational resources within the department to ensure their effective and efficient allocation.
Safeguard the independence and objectivity of the Internal Audit function in line with IIA standards and best practice.
Work collaboratively to cultivate robust working relationships with all key stakeholders throughout CGIAR, thereby enhancing coordinated assurance and fostering effective knowledge sharing.
Execute any additional duties associated with the position as needed.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business administration, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional credentials in a specialized field, such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or their equivalents, are required.
Hold active membership in the pertinent professional organization(s).
With a minimum of twelve years of pertinent professional experience, candidates must demonstrate a strong background in their field. This extensive experience underscores the importance of deep industry knowledge and proven expertise in handling complex challenges. Employers seek individuals who can leverage years of hands-on practice to deliver exceptional results and contribute meaningfully to organizational objectives.
Proven experience in quality assurance, coupled with proficiency in implementing risk-based auditing methodologies, is essential.
Professionals should possess extensive expertise in ethics and fraud investigations, financial auditing, governance structures, risk management strategies, and internal control frameworks.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in overseeing senior leadership or internal audit management functions are encouraged to apply. Candidates should possess extensive experience in directing audit teams and implementing robust governance frameworks. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a deep understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic audit planning.
Experience in multicultural donor-funded or development/research institutions
Analytical proficiency is essential, complemented by meticulous attention to detail and advanced report-writing expertise.
Proven expertise in clear, persuasive communication and adept stakeholder engagement, with a strong capacity to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels, including senior leadership.
A solid understanding of regulatory frameworks, legal principles, and economic environments pertinent to internal audit is essential.
Interprets and applies institutional policies, procedures, and governance frameworks with proficiency, demonstrating an aptitude for rapidly analyzing, deciphering, and implementing intricate policy details within a fast-paced setting.
Demonstrates expertise in information technology systems and digital audit tools, with a strong focus on auditing applications and methodologies.
Strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate enterprise risk are fundamental requirements for this role. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in identifying potential risks, analyzing their implications, and developing proactive solutions to mitigate future challenges. Strong analytical skills are essential to evaluate complex scenarios and assess the long-term impact of strategic decisions. The ideal candidate will possess the foresight to recognize emerging threats and opportunities, ensuring the organization remains resilient and prepared for evolving business dynamics.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
