Consultant TAAT Program Internal Auditor (EOI) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Expression of Interest for (EOI) Consultancy Services: TAAT Program Internal Auditor

Financing Agreement reference: 2100155041681
Location: Nigeria
Project ID No. P-Z1-AA0-139
Sector: Agriculture

Details

• The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has received financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Phase II and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for TAAT Program Internal Auditor who will be based in Nigeria.
• The selected candidate will be responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Program's operations and shall include but not limited to: developing a flexible annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risks or control concerns identified by management, and submit the plan to the Program Management/ Steering Committee for review and approval;
• Determining whether the Program's framework of risk management, control, and governance processes, as designed through the Project Appraisal Report and implemented by the leadership of the different compacts, is adequate and functioning by assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Program's processes for controlling its activities and managing its risks; performing financial, operational, administrative and information technology audits, including without limitation, field verification of projects, compacts and initiatives financed under the Program; reviewing, on a continuing basis, the systems of internal controls maintained by the Program to safeguard its financial and physical assets, verifying the existence of related assets and making recommendations to correct any weaknesses.
• The internal auditor will also be required to review and evaluate, on a continuing basis, the adequacy of the internal control architecture, as well as records and reports with a view to appropriately recommending improvements to the systems; reviewing the reliability, accuracy and integrity of key financial and automated management information systems, ensuring that such systems employ essential controls which minimize the risk of unauthorized access;
• Draft internal audit reports and discuss findings and recommendations with the appropriate level of management; implementing the annual audit plan, as approved, including, as appropriate, any special tasks or assignments requested by the Program Leadership; and, reporting periodically on the status and results of the annual audit plan as well as on the adequacy of the Program’s resources; in conjunction with the Program Financial Management Specialist, liaise with external auditors and ensure that external auditors’ and the Bank mission’s recommendations are implemented without delay;
• Liaising with Program Management Unit on significant issues relating to the processes for controlling the activities of the Program, including potential improvements to those processes; maintaining an on-going system of monitoring the adequacy of the actions taken by management to implement supervision mission, internal and external audit recommendations and reporting on the status of implementation; providing advice and assisting Compacts on matters relating to internal controls;
• Undertaking such actions as shall be necessary in furtherance of the above responsibilities that are consistent with the provisions of the Financial Regulations and in conformity with the Institute of Internal Auditors' standards and pertinent Donor’s policies;
• Establish the timetable, objective, scope and procedures for the internal audit assignment, and ensure that these are adhered to or modified as appropriate to ensure an effective and efficient use of internal audit resources; carry out investigations as requested by top project management.
• The consultant will also act objectively and independently. The consultant shall report operationally to the Program Steering Committee and administratively to the Program Coordinator. He shall carry out his/her functions in total independence and may not be influenced directly or indirectly on the conduct of the work.
• The appointment of the Internal Auditor shall be for one year in the first instance and renewable on satisfactory performance for the life of the program. The Internal Auditor shall also coordinate internal audit efforts with External Auditors so as to provide adequate audit coverage, minimize possible duplication of efforts and provide maximum review of the Program's activities.
• The selected Consultant will be a member of TAAT PMU to be based in Nigeria. The assignment shall be for one year in the first instance and renewable on satisfactory performance for the life of the program.

Requirements

• The selected consultant should possess at least a Master's Degree in Finance, Auditing and/or Accounting or its equivalent; a professional auditing or fraud qualification such as CIA, CISA or CFE and accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA is desirable as added advantage.
• The Consultant shall also possess at least ten (10) years relevant work experience; at least 3 of which should be with one or more reputable accounting firms; three (3) years of experience in AfDB or related donor funded project auditing;
• Knowledge and proficiency of the Oracle accounting/COS and other accounting software would be a distinct advantage; possess general computer literacy, with practical knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Word & Excel). Be a good team player, with fluency in English and excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in English is a must and working knowledge of English and French languages is required. Ability to work with minimum supervision, readiness to travel within short notices and passion to meet strict deadlines is a key requirement for the assignment.

Application Closing Date
12th May, 2023.