About the position
The main objective of this position is to lead the development and implementation of a Center-specific Internal Audit function that operates independently and in alignment with international professional standards the CGIAR Integrated Assurance Model and donor compliance requirements. The role ensures the delivery of risk-based assurance and advisory services to the Audit Finance and Risk Committee (AFRC) and Board of Trustees enhancing the Alliances governance risk management and internal control frameworks. The position also contributes to system-wide audit coordination through the Integrated Partnership while upholding the independence objectivity and quality of the internal audit activity.
The position will be based in Palmira Colombia
Key Responsibilities
Develop a Center-specific risk-based audit plan in consultation with the IP-Internal Audit function comprising the Center audit plan and any cross-cutting thematic engagements involving the Center.
Deliver Center-level assurance and advisory services in conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) while maintaining independence and objectivity.
Conduct audits compliance reviews and special assignments in accordance with the AFRC-approved audit plan as required.
Contribute to Partnership-level assurance and advisory activities including cross-cutting thematic audits led by the IP and coordinate external providers for specific assignments where relevant.
Implement and maintain a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) for the Center internal audit activity.
Periodically review and update the Internal Audit Charter and manual.
Coordinate and collaborate with the Internal Audit Function to support the development of the Integrated Partnership audit universe and internal audit plans alongside other internal and external assurance providers.
Escalate risk appetite or risk tolerance breaches including cases where management accepts a level of risk above the Centers risk appetite or tolerance by engaging the Director General and if unresolved escalating to the Center AFRC.
Lead audit start-up and closing meetings and coordinate with Center management to introduce Function auditors and confirm the scope of cross-cutting thematic engagements.
Report to the Internal Audit Function on the status of the Center audit plan and the implementation of audit recommendations enabling trend and systemic risk analysis at Partnership level.
Present audit reports findings and recommendations directly to the AFRC and to the Board or other governance bodies when requested.
Manage supervise and mentor supporting officers upon recruitment.
Perform administrative reporting to the Center Director General limited to employment-related matters.
Provide secondary functional reporting to the IP-Internal Audit Executive (IAE) to support cross-Integrated Partnership scoping planning delivery and reporting including endorsement of the Center audit plan for alignment with Partnership coverage and GIAS conformance.
Support governance arrangements whereby the MIA reports functionally to the Center Board through the AFRC including compliance with requirements related to performance review audit plan approval and budget oversight.
Seek and incorporate input from the IP-IAE as part of the MIA performance review process and selection activities as applicable.
Submit the Center annual audit plan to the IP-IAE for endorsement prior to AFRC approval and support resolution processes in cases of disagreement involving the IP-IAE IPB-AFRC and the Center AFRC.
Prepare and maintain an annual risk-based internal audit plan.
Produce audit reports containing findings recommendations and agreed management actions.
Provide periodic progress updates to the AFRC on audit activities and implementation status.
Prepare follow-up reports on the implementation of Internal Audit recommendations to be presented to internal stakeholders including the AFRC SMT and Director General.
Provide inputs to the Alliance risk register and risk management framework as appropriate.
Coordinate and report on engagements with external and donor auditors for specific audit assignments.
Conclude at Center level on the effectiveness of governance risk management and internal control processes in line with expectations set by the Center AFRC.
Ensure ongoing follow-up and monitoring of Internal Audit recommendations.
Requirements
Qualifications and requirements
Masters degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or a related field with relevant audit experience.
Full membership of a recognized professional accountancy or risk body (e.g. CPA CA CISA CRMA or equivalent).
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation.
Professional experience in senior leadership roles in internal audit external audit risk management or compliance.
Experience in international non-profit or donor-funded organizations.
Demonstrated experience presenting to Audit Committees and/or Boards.
Strong working knowledge of IIA Standards COSO/ERM frameworks IFRS risk-based auditing and donor compliance requirements.
Demonstrated experience leveraging audit technologies data analytics and digital tools with solid understanding of IT controls cybersecurity and technology-related risks
Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish or French is considered an advantage.
Competences
Internal Audit Leadership and Governance.
Strategic Risk Management
People Leadership and Change Management
Internal Controls Risk & Compliance Expertise
Executive Communication and Influence
Ethics and Organizational Integrity