Internal Audit Manager – Nairobi, Kenya

Internal Audit Manager – Nairobi, Kenya

OVERVIEW

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is seeking a dedicated and motivated Internal Audit Manager to join our team. As a not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization, we have partners in over 100 countries. In this role, you will be responsible for objectively evaluating the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control systems both at our headquarters and in regional operations.

APPLICATION

Description

As the Internal Audit Manager, you will play a crucial role in providing assurance and maintaining a high-performing Internal Audit Unit. Your responsibilities will include planning, monitoring, and conducting quality review of Assurance engagements. Additionally, you will actively participate in the development of a risk-based internal audit plan and lead special investigations into alleged fraud cases.

Specific Duties

1. Providing Assurance

• Risk-Based Audit Planning: Participate in the development of an annual, medium-term, and long-term internal audit plan based on risk assessment.
• Audit Engagements: Oversee and complete assurance and advisory engagements, reviews, investigations, and assigned tasks.
• Special Investigations: Contribute to the conduct of special investigations related to fraud cases.
• High-Quality Reports: Produce value-adding audit reports of exceptional quality.

2. Reporting and Unit Improvement

• Progress Reporting: Keep the Audit, Finance, and Risk Committee and Management informed about audit progress.
• Assurance Approach: Ensure consistent development and implementation of the Assurance approach and strategy.
• Improvement Initiatives: Lead projects to implement the Internal Audit Unit’s improvement plan.
• Coaching and Guidance: Provide coaching and guidance to teams involved in assurance engagements.
• Budget Management: Prepare and monitor the IAU budget to implement the Annual Workplan.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with evolving standards and practices in the auditing field.

3. Management Support and Learning

• Client Relationships: Foster strong relationships with clients and auditees through effective networking.
• Control Framework Enhancement: Make effective recommendations to management for improving the control framework and risk management.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the sharing of learnings and best practices.
• Independent Advice: Provide independent advice regarding appropriate levels of internal control.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional Designation: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or related certification.
• Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in auditing or a related field.
• Language Proficiency: Advanced level of English with a minimum score of C1 on CEFR.
• Auditing Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of auditing principles, practices, techniques, and professional standards.
• Organization Skills: Ability to efficiently plan and organize a diverse workload.
• International Experience: Previous experience in audit with an international organization is highly desirable.
• Donor Experience: Familiarity with working with major donors.
• Data Analysis: Experience in analyzing complete sets of data to identify anomalies and trends.
• Research Audit: Understanding of scientific research controls and auditing research science management processes.
• Willingness to Travel: Proven experience or willingness to travel for work in regions where CIMMYT operates.

EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

As you prepare your application for the Internal Audit Manager position, consider these tips to stand out:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your audit experience and any work with international organizations or major donors.
2. Showcase Leadership Skills: If you have led projects or teams, provide specific examples of your leadership abilities.
3. Demonstrate Analytical Abilities: Discuss your expertise in data analysis and how it has contributed to improving controls.
4. Express Passion for Agriculture: Share your enthusiasm for agricultural research and development.
5. Exhibit Problem-Solving Skills: Illustrate how you have identified and resolved complex issues in past roles.

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how you can contribute to our mission at CIMMYT.