Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. This includes managing cross-functional initiatives, optimizing workflows, and maintaining high-performance levels across all assigned responsibilities. Additionally, collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement, implement best practices, and drive sustainable growth within the role’s scope.
Responsible for establishing and securing approval of the risk-based annual and multi-year audit plans, encompassing both internal and partnership audits, which serve as the foundation for defining the scope of internal controls testing subject to review and approval by the AFRC.
Offer objective analysis and strategic guidance on evolving institutional risks, regulatory changes, donor compliance obligations, and worldwide trends to ensure adherence with governance standards.
To establish and uphold robust audit policies, procedures, and recommended practices, along with standard operating procedures, in order to assess the efficacy of the institute’s control mechanisms.
Offer strategic direction for the oversight of audit execution throughout all audit cycles, ensuring strict alignment with the approved audit plan, organizational risk priorities, and established quality standards.
To ensure the establishment, implementation, and ongoing effectiveness of governance systems, this role involves tracking audit actions and remedial outcomes by leveraging digital auditing tools, data analytics, automation, and technology-enabled assurance methodologies.
Offer strategic guidance to the AFRC and the Director General on governance efficiency, institutional accountability, risk management, and internal control systems.
Ensure prompt escalation of critical issues and control deficiencies via established channels, conduct regular oversight, and provide updates on the progress of remedial measures, while enhancing completion through structured accountability and clearly defined deadlines.
Align the internal audit plan with INRI’s strategic goals, institutional risk tolerance, enterprise risk registers, and newly identified operational risks.
Ensure the institution’s readiness, resilience, and business continuity strategies are robust to uphold operational sustainability and crisis response capabilities by rigorously assessing the effectiveness of risk management practices across operational, financial, compliance, cybersecurity, and other reputational risk areas.
Strategically lead the Internal Audit function by establishing vision, priorities, and skill requirements, while cultivating an independent assurance culture that drives exceptional performance.
Responsible for designing and implementing recurring training initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of internal controls and policy updates to bolster institutional effectiveness.
Conduct comprehensive special audit evaluations to confirm thorough scope coverage, stringent independence standards, and accurate reporting to the Board or the Director General.
Provide leadership in enhancing the team’s capacity and fostering robust risk management practices in partnership with the Risk Management Committee, cultivating an institutional culture characterized by thorough risk evaluation and mitigation.
Ensure the optimal and responsible utilization of financial and other resources within the function.
Ensure the Internal Audit function maintains its independence and objectivity in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards and industry best practices.
Work collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders across CGIAR to build and maintain strong working relationships, thereby enhancing coordinated assurance and knowledge sharing.
Execute any additional duties assigned as needed to support operational objectives.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of three years of experience in software development, preferably with expertise in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++. Proficiency in database management systems and familiarity with software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum are essential. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also necessary. Additionally, experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure and knowledge of DevOps practices are highly desirable.
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business administration, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional certification in a relevant field—such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or an equivalent designation—is required.
Holding active membership in the pertinent professional organization(s) is a prerequisite for consideration.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of twelve years of applicable professional experience.
Proven proficiency in quality assurance principles and the implementation of risk-based auditing methodologies is required.
Professionals with a strong background in conducting ethics and fraud investigations, managing audit finance functions, establishing governance structures, overseeing risk management initiatives, and implementing internal control frameworks are highly encouraged to apply.
With a background in overseeing senior leadership and internal audit management responsibilities, you bring a wealth of experience to this role.
Seeking professionals with a proven track record in multicultural donor-funded or development/research institutions.
Analytical proficiency is essential, complemented by meticulous attention to detail and advanced report preparation abilities.
Accomplished professionals should demonstrate exceptional proficiency in communication and stakeholder engagement, with a proven capacity to effectively engage and persuade senior leadership.
Individuals applying for the position should demonstrate a solid comprehension of regulatory frameworks, legal principles, and economic environments as they pertain to internal audit functions.
Demonstrates a keen aptitude for understanding and implementing institutional policies, procedures, and governance structures, coupled with the skill to efficiently evaluate, interpret, and implement intricate policy directives within a fast-paced setting.
Demonstrates expertise in information technology systems specifically designed for auditing purposes, as well as proficiency in utilizing digital audit tools.
Strategic thinking and a proactive approach to enterprise risk management are essential for this role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to anticipate potential risks, analyze their impact, and develop effective mitigation strategies to safeguard organizational objectives. Strong analytical skills and a forward-looking mindset are required to navigate complex business environments and ensure long-term sustainability.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
