Internal Auditor (GF) at The Federal Ministry of Health

The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), with support of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partners has committed itself to universal coverage for all malaria interventions as the optimal approach to malaria control. The Malaria Strategic Plan 2009-2013 thus expands the programmatic focus from the vulnerable to the entire population at risk. The major interventions adopted for malaria control in Nigeria include ensuring that:

• All individuals, especially vulnerable groups, have access to appropriate treatment within 24 hours of onset of symptoms;
• All individuals, especially vulnerable groups sleep inside Insecticide Treated Nets/long lasting Insecticide-treated Nets.

The target of the NCMP is to ensure that at least 80% coverage of these interventions accomplished by 2010 is sustained. This would be achieved through provision of anti-malaria commodities to Public Health Institutions and not-for-profit Health Organizations for the implementation of these interventions. Several funding partners, including the Global Fund to fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)contribute towards the achievement of the NMCP's goals through articulated support to agreed programme areas.

The NMCP is one of the Principal Recipients implementing the Global Fund Round 8 Malaria Grant in Nigeria. Under the Phase 2 of the grant, which commenced in November 2011, the objective is to contribute to the rapid and sustained scale up of Malaria Control interventions for impact and intensifying Malaria control interventions towards universal access in Nigeria. The project is focused on
the creation, development and expansion of government-private partnership and strengthens the participation of communities and peoples in malaria control interventions. The Global Fund Round 8 Phase 2 Malaria Project is implemented in 30 States including the F.C.T.

The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and the Global Fund has decided to reposition NMCP to be more responsive to the implementation of the Grant for optimal impact. To this end, vacancies now exist at NMCP for the following position:

Job Position: Internal Auditor (GF)

Location: Abuja
Reporting: To the Head of Internal Auditor

Job Description

• NMCP depends on its ability to demonstrate outstanding, stewardship of financial donations/grants, and to maintain the highest accounting and finance standards for its grants.
• The internal auditor would seek to identify risks to the project.
• The successful candidate would be expected to plan and conduct risk based internal audit assignments including audits, forensic reviews and special investigations etc.
• S/He would be responsible for evaluating internal control systems and recommending improvements to the internal control
  systems.
• The development and delivery of risk management and compliance strategies will be fundamental to the successful execution of the role as Internal Auditor.
• In addition, the successful candidate would not only strive to provide the highest level of professional service but also maintain the highest ethical standards and due professional care in his or her work and ensure that internal audit activities are carried out in compliance with The IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards).

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Internal auditor is responsible for the review of Principal Recipient (PR) and Sub Recipients (SRs) books and records with a view to ensure compliance with rules and procedures. Main duties include:

a.) Risk Management

• Identify potential risk areas in the course of audits and investigations; make sure controls are properly designed, implemented and operationally effective to mitigate those risks.

b.) Compliance

• Examine financial records, information storage systems and internal controls to ensure there are no indications of mismanagement unnecessary waste of resources or fraud;
• Ensure controls established are strictly adhered to and in line with the guiding objectives of the grant and the NMCP by pointing out exceptions;
• Ensure the implementation of internal audit approach/plan for the project, monitor objectives and revise as appropriate;
• Ensure that laid down limits of authority are consistently complied with;
• Ensure that the policies and procedures of the NMCP and the Global Fund are complied with.

c.) Audit Execution

• Prepare annual audit plan and audit calendar;
• Create audit objectives and procedures for scheduled audits and reviews;
• Plan, coordinate and conduct audits, internal control evaluations and reviews as scheduled in the annual Audit
• Plan and within the deadlines established in the annual Audit Calendar;
• Prepare neat, well organized and documented work papers and report drafts / memorandums in accordance with Internal Audit Standards;
• Contact and agree with the SRs of the timing of audits;
• Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity;
• Continually review controls put in place for the management of the grant for adequacy;
• Verify and check all supporting documents for purpose, value for money, eligibility and appropriate authorization;
• Check and ensure that relevant processes are followed for procurements;
• Follow through on proper, complete and timely retirements of advances;
• Carry out Spot check on all movable assets including cash, vehicles and health commodities;
• Perform investigations of suspected fraud or misappropriations and complete special projects as assigned;
• Assist in external audit assignments of internal control and substantive testing accurately as requested, completely and in a timely manner.

d.) Reporting and Follow Up

• Prepare reports including Executive summary, details of findings and recommendations on each assignment;
• Discuss findings and come to an agreement on recommendations and timelines for corrective actions with responsible officers of the PR or SRs audited;
• Follow up on findings and recommendations to ensure compliance;
• Give opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the whole system of internal control;
• Summarize in a timely manner selected risk rated audit findings identified in audits and reviews for the semi-annual Internal Audit reports along with additional information that may be requested.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors degree in accounting, business or finance.
• Must be a member of a professional accountancy body preferably ICAN, ACCA or CPA;
• More than 5 years audit experience in handling grant project or similar health projects;
• Experience with the big 4 audit firms will be an advantage;
• Must be self-initiating, be able to work independently on routine work assignments and also be able to participate
  in assignments in a team environment;
• Excellent skills in planning and project management and in maintaining composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex and sensitive issues to all levels of senior management;
• Excellent skill in negotiating issues and resolving problems;
• Excellent Computer skills;
• Familiarity with the common indicators of fraud;
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and identities;
• Willingness to travel to other States about 30% of the time as a minimum.

Application Closing Date
6th September, 2013

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward a Letter of intent, highlighting the required attributes with CV to:

The National Coordinator,
National Malaria Control Programme
Abuja, FCT.

Or Email: [email protected]

Note:

• Submissions without a subject title will NOT be processed.
• All applications must be received by Friday, 6th September 2013.
• Interviews will commence thereafter with a view to engaging the best candidates immediately.
• Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted for further assessment/interviews.