Oversee and execute a range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster innovation, streamline processes, and achieve business goals. Monitor performance metrics, analyze data trends, and present actionable insights to senior leadership. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while upholding high standards of quality and accountability. Lead projects from inception to completion, allocating resources effectively and mitigating risks. Serve as a mentor to junior staff, providing guidance and support to cultivate a high-performing team environment.
Direct the creation and endorsement of risk-informed annual and multi-year audit plans encompassing both internal and collaborative reviews, which establish the framework for defining the scope of internal control assessments ahead of submission to and endorsement by the AFRC.
Deliver objective analyses and strategic guidance on developing institutional risks, evolving regulatory changes, donor compliance obligations, and worldwide trends, ensuring alignment with established governance standards.
To establish and sustain robust audit policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures, as well as promote best practices, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the institute’s control mechanisms.
Strategically oversee the execution of audits throughout all cycles, ensuring alignment with the approved audit plan, institutional risk priorities, and quality standards.
To ensure robust tracking of audit actions and remedial outcomes, lead the development, deployment, and evaluation of governance systems by leveraging digital auditing tools, advanced data analytics, automation, and technology-driven assurance methodologies.
Offer expert, impartial guidance to the AFRC and the Director General on key aspects such as governance performance, institutional responsibility, risk management, and internal control systems.
Ensure prompt escalation of critical issues and control deficiencies via the designated channels, deliver consistent monitoring and updates on the progress of corrective actions, and enhance completion rates by enforcing formal accountability measures and clearly established deadlines.
Align internal audit priorities with INRI’s strategic goals, institutional risk tolerance, enterprise-wide risk registers, and emerging operational challenges.
Ensure the organization remains prepared, resilient, and capable of maintaining business continuity to uphold operational sustainability and effective crisis response by assessing the sufficiency of risk management practices across key domains, including operational, financial, compliance, cybersecurity, and reputational risks.
Drive the Internal Audit function with strategic leadership, establishing clear direction, priorities, and necessary capabilities while cultivating a culture of high performance and independent assurance.
Responsibilities include managing the design and implementation of recurring training initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of internal controls and policy updates, thereby fostering institutional effectiveness.
Conduct specialized audit evaluations to confirm proper scope, maintain independence, and ensure timely reporting 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. Ensure the establishment of a strong culture of effective risk assessment and management throughout the institute.
Ensure optimal allocation and utilization of financial and other resources within the function, maximizing both effectiveness and efficiency in their deployment.
Ensure the Internal Audit function maintains its independence and objectivity in strict adherence to the standards set by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and industry best practices.
Partner with key stakeholders throughout CGIAR to enhance coordinated assurance and knowledge sharing, cultivating robust working relationships that drive collective impact.
Execute any additional duties deemed necessary for the successful completion of tasks and operations.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, preferably in software development or systems engineering. Strong proficiency in multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Python, or C++, is essential. The ideal applicant will demonstrate expertise in software design principles, system architecture, and debugging techniques, along with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Familiarity with agile methodologies, version control systems, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is highly advantageous. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to effectively convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business administration, or a related discipline is required.
Professional credentials such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or comparable qualifications are required.
Maintain active membership in the pertinent professional organization(s).
A minimum of twelve years of directly relevant professional experience is required.
Proven proficiency in quality assurance principles and the effective implementation of risk-based auditing frameworks is required.
Professionals with a strong background in conducting ethics and fraud investigations, overseeing audit finance operations, implementing governance structures, managing risk assessment strategies, and establishing robust internal control frameworks are encouraged to apply.
Seasoned professional with a proven track record in senior leadership and internal audit management positions.
Individuals should possess demonstrated experience in multicultural settings within donor-funded or development-focused institutions, including research-oriented environments.
Analytical strength combined with meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in producing advanced reports is essential. The ability to interpret complex data and convey insights through well-structured reports is a key requirement for this role.
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement capabilities are essential, with a proven ability to effectively communicate and influence key decision-makers at senior levels.
Individuals in this role must demonstrate a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, legal principles, and economic environments that pertain to the field of internal audit.
Proven expertise in interpreting and implementing institutional policies, procedures, and governance frameworks, coupled with the capacity to swiftly analyze, decode, and translate intricate policy details into actionable operational strategies within a rapidly evolving setting.
Demonstrated expertise in leveraging information technology systems and digital audit tools for auditing purposes.
Strategic thinking and forward-looking enterprise risk management are essential for navigating complex business environments, ensuring resilience, and driving sustainable growth.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
