ICRAF Head of Internal Audit Job in Nairobi Kenya

About our organization

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. 

As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.
 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

About the position

ICRAF seeks to recruit a candidate for the position of Head of Internal Audit to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Reporting to the Director General, the Head of Internal Audit will provide leadership in directing a broad and comprehensive program of internal auditing with an aim of bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. 

The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:

Internal Audit Policy Guidance and Implementation

• Establish policies for the auditing activity and manage its technical and administrative functions
• Develop and execute comprehensive audit programs for evaluation of management controls for Centre activities
• Ensure the highest professional standards and compliance with the guidelines of the Institute of Internal Auditors

Managing Audits

• Review activities and programs of the Centre to ensure that they are being conducted in a manner to efficiently and effectively accomplish the objectives intended by the Centre
• Facilitate the continuous development of and monitor the effectiveness of the risk management function
• Examine the effectiveness of all levels of management in the stewardship of Centre resources and their compliance with established policies and procedures
• Ensure that adequate operating and administrative policies and procedures, accounting system controls and monitoring controls are put in place by management
• Recommend improvement of management controls designed to safeguard Centre resources, promote growth and ensure compliance with laws and regulations
• Assess the adequacy of action taken by operating management to improve controls, acknowledge adequate corrective action, and continue to review with appropriate management personnel action that is considered inadequate until there has been satisfactory resolution of the matter
• Coordinate special audit assignments at the request of management

Reporting

• Prepare and submit risk-based annual audit plans to the Director General and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees for review and approval
• Prepare or review audit reports and ensure that they are formal, coherent, concise and timely records of the audit findings and observations
• Report to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees on the adequacy of internal controls and risk management processes

Unit Management and Supervision

• Supervise the internal audit staff
• Manage the Unit’s budget
• Maintain a working relationship with the Centre’s external audits to ensure adequate audit coverage and avoid duplication.

Requirements

• University level academic qualification in accounting, finance or related field
• Professional qualification such as in internal auditing (CIA), accounting and financial management (CPA or CA or equivalent), information technology (CISA, CISM), fraud examination (CFE) administration and corporate governance
• Experience in internal auditing is a prerequisite with at least 10 years total experience in planning, conducting and managing internal or external audits; investigations; and consultancies related to corporate governance, risk management, organizational development, internal controls and compliance systems
• A very good knowledge of internal control and risk management frameworks and concepts
• Mature understanding of the ethical framework for internal auditors and ability to appreciate ethical issues applicable generally in the work place
• Highly developed analytical skills
• High-level skills in written and verbal communication in English, together with proven ability to prepare and present clear, logical and succinct written reports and correspondence
• Ability to provide authoritative, professional advice and assistance to audit client senior executives, managers and staff, in a constructive manner
• Capacity to work both autonomously and in a team environment
• Superior inter-personal skills, including an ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment within the internal audit unit and in the Centre

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. 

This position is on regional/international terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to a probation period of nine (9) months, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the 

Human Resources Unit, 

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), 

PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya 

OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. 

Applicants should indicate “Application for Head of Internal Audit” on their letters and email submissions.
 

Applications will be considered until 16 July 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.
 

Interview dates: 8th and 9th August 2012
 

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.