Principal Internal Auditor at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Full Time

Job Title: Principal Internal Auditor

Position Number: 50067064
Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Position Grade: PL4

The Complex

• The President, plans, supervises, and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the ADB and the ADF.
• The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President (PRST0); Independent Development Evaluation Department (BDEV); Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department (PIAC); Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (BCRM); Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board (BSAB); Administrative Tribunal (BATR); Office of the Auditor General (PAGL); Group Risk Management Directorate (PGRM); General Counsel and Legal Services Department (PGCL); Communication and External Relations Department (PCER); Staff Integrity and Ethics Office (PETH) and Office of the Secretary General & General Secretariat(PSEG).

The Hiring Department

• Office of the Auditor General provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Bank’s operations.
• It also assists the Bank to accomplish its strategic objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
• The Office of the Auditor General is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling a broad, comprehensive program of auditing and consulting/advisory services both internally and externally including, without limitation, all projects, and programs of the Bank group.

The Position

• The overall objective of this position is to provide independent and objective assurance and consulting and advisory services in compliance with established professional internal auditing standards.
• The Principal Internal Auditor will perform or lead a team of auditors and audit assistants in performing strategic internal audits and advisory/consulting services with strong focus on private sector operations and data analytics.

Key Functions
Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, the Principal Internal Auditor will:

• Lead Audit Teams / Plan to conduct audits of highly diversified Bank-wide activities or operations relating to the financial, administrative, and operational functions of the Bank.
• Plan audits and determine the audit objectives, scope, criteria, methodology to be used as well as staff and budget resources required to ensure that the audit adequately covers the selected area of the Bank’s operations, activities, systems, and controls.
• Decide on the applicable audit approach and techniques to facilitate the conduct of the audit and prepare the planning memorandum for Manager’s and Auditor General’s approval.
• Prepare Audit Programme or modify existing ones (if any), to ensure a systematic approach to the audit and ensure that the scope of the audit is covered adequately. In addition, lead the automation of risk assessment for the audit programme.
• Conduct the fieldwork by collecting data, documents, and information, testing, and analysing such information, identifying weaknesses, causes and effects of variances, errors, non-compliance with rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. with a strong focus on using data analytics and analytical tools.
• Supervise and review the work performed by other Auditors and Consultants to ensure that objectives are achieved; working papers adequately support the findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and the report is accurate, objective, clear, concise, constructive, and timely while ensuring efficiency and effective use of the auditing software.
• Lead or participate in Audit Missions to Member Countries’ organizations, Project Executing Agencies, and Sites.  Advice on compliance with Bank Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Procedures to improve project implementation.
• Select, present and discuss audit findings with significant impact or recommendations for substantial changes in procedures, workflow, or organization, with concerned Managers and Directors to obtain their agreement.
• Prepare the Preliminary Audit Report containing observations, conclusions, and recommendations to tighten controls, safeguard the assets or image of the Bank, improve working procedures, and ensure that resources are efficiently utilized, under the supervision of the Manager for transmission to the Auditor General.
• Prepare the Final Internal Audit Report after incorporating the comments of the auditee Departments under the supervision of the Manager for transmission to the Auditor General.
• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure that the weaknesses observed are corrected and do not recur.
• Give advice to other departments and Committees on matters relating to internal control, audit of Bank projects, procedures, financial management, operational issues to facilitate their decision-making process.
• Train, direct and counsel less experienced Internal Auditors in the performance of audit assignments to ensure compliance with audit procedures, proficiency, and time schedules.
• Participate / carry out knowledge management activities within and outside the department like facilitating at training events, retreats, staff orientation programs and other client liaison activities.
• Provide technical updates to the audit team on new developments in the profession.
• Undertake any assignment as may be allocated by the Manager or Auditor General.

Competencies (Skills, Experience, and Knowledge)

• A minimum of Master’s Degree in Audit, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, preferably combined with an internationally recognized Professional Accountancy or Auditing qualification qualification (“Expert Comptable” Chartered/Certified Public Accountant designation). Additional professional certifications could be advantageous.
• A minimum of seven (6) years of auditing experience in an internationally recognized professional accounting firm or an International financial Institution . Practical data analytics experience would be a plus.
• Sound knowledge and auditing experience of private and public sector operations, financial instruments, and information systems such as SAP Hana system, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Integrated Audit Approach.
• Good interpersonal, supervisory, project management, communication, and analytical skills. Demonstrated capacity to influence and inspire team members.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relations with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while ensuring quality and exceeding client expectations.
• Ability to apply international audit standards to deliver quality audit reports in line with the Bank’s strategy needs/situation.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
• Proficiency in use of computer aided audit tools like ACL, Pentana, TeamMate, etc; and Audit Management Software Systems. Experience in the use of data analytical tools is a plus.

Application Closing Date
2nd October, 2024.

Note: This position is classified international status and attracts international terms and conditions of employment.