Head, Internal Audit (Ref: DDG-CS/HIA/02/14)

Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Head, Internal Audit.

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical nations. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Position/Responsibilities

The Head, Internal Audit reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and administratively to the Director General. Through the overall lens of risk management , the position is responsible for planning, evaluating, and advising management on the financial and operational integrity of the Institute's activities in all its geographically- diverse locations and functional areas of operations, including its expanding manufacturing/distribution activities. Major roles and responsibilities include:

• Facilitate, monitor and report on Institute’s risk management activities.
• Develop risk based annual and medium term internal audit plans.
• Manage the Unit activities and ensure completion of audit assignments in the plan in conformance with the IIA audit standards.
• Monitor Institute operations and its surroundings regularly, and provide proactive audit responses to changes in the risk environment.
• Identify and report risk management issues of governance and internal controls deficiencies.
• Communicate results of audit assignment in a professional manner which promotes timely action by management to address identified risks.
• Evaluate Institute’s regulatory compliance at Headquarters and stations.
• Maintain open communication with management and the audit committee.
• Carry out investigations and other special examination as may be necessary or as requested by management or the Board.
• Engage in continuous education and staff development.
• Take a lead role in monitoring and reporting on Institute's anti-fraud and integrity programs.
  

In addition, the Head of Internal Audit is accountable to the Director of CG IAU (DIAU) on matters of Quality and compliance with IIA standards and IAU guidelines.

• Develop risk based Internal Audit work plans (annual and medium term) in collaboration with the Director of CG IAU (DIAU)
• Liaises with the DIAU over changes to the plan
• Schedule the audits for the year in consultation with the DIAU
• Regularly updates the DIAU with status of work in the Unit

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and be a Certified Internal Auditor or a Certified Information Systems Auditor. Possession of qualifications such as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant will be a major advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Experience in working with a leading auditing firm, with international organizations or multinational private sector companies as an Internal Auditor.
• Knowledge of financial audits, project management, risk assessment, information system audit, and proficiency in the use of Oracle or Agresso ERP system is required.
• A minimum of 10 years experience (5 of which must be in a senior position) in the internal audit function is required.
• Excellent command of English is a must and working knowledge of French will be an advantage.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office, spread sheets and database management.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, when necessary, and to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to undertake substantial travel within Africa.

Duty station: Ibadan, Nigeria

General information: Initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

Closing date: 7^th March 2014